Troubleshooting HP Laser Printer Issues After macOS Sonoma 14.4 Update

The macOS Sonoma 14.4 update, while bringing enhancements and new features, has unfortunately introduced printing problems for some users, particularly those using Hp Laser Printers. This issue is causing widespread frustration as users report printers disappearing from their settings and encountering errors when attempting to print. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and resolving these HP laser printer issues on macOS Sonoma 14.4, drawing from user experiences and suggested solutions.

Common Problems Reported After macOS Sonoma 14.4 Update

Users have reported a range of issues following the macOS Sonoma 14.4 update, all centered around printer functionality. These include:

• Printers Disappearing: After updating to macOS 14.4, many users found their configured printers vanished from the “Printers & Scanners” settings.
• “Unable to Add Printer” Error: Attempts to manually add printers back to the system often result in an error message, preventing the printer from being re-established.
• CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) Issues: Accessing CUPS via localhost:631 to manage printing settings is also affected, with users unable to make changes.
• “cupsctl: Unable to connect to server: Bad file descriptor” Error: This error message is frequently encountered when trying to use command-line tools like cupsctl, indicating a fundamental problem with the printing system.

Screen Example of Printer Settings showing no printers added after macOS Sonoma 14.4 update

Potential Causes of HP Laser Printer Issues

Several potential causes for these printing problems have emerged from user discussions and troubleshooting efforts:

1. Microsoft Defender Conflict: One prominent theory suggests a conflict with Microsoft Defender, specifically its “com.microsoft.dlp” component. It appears that the update to macOS 14.4 might be disabling Full Disk Access for this component, which could be interfering with printer functionality.
2. macOS 14.4 Bug: Another possibility is a bug within the macOS Sonoma 14.4 update itself that is disrupting the printing system. This is supported by reports from users who do not use Microsoft Defender and still experience the same issues.
3. Driver Incompatibility: While less likely as a primary cause for printers disappearing, outdated or incompatible printer drivers can exacerbate printing problems after a major OS update.

Troubleshooting and Solutions for HP Laser Printer Problems

Based on user-reported solutions and best practices, here are several troubleshooting steps to resolve HP laser printer issues after the macOS Sonoma 14.4 update:

1. Grant Full Disk Access to Microsoft Defender (if applicable): If you use Microsoft Defender, try granting Full Disk Access to “com.microsoft.dlp”. To do this:

   • Go to Apple Menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).
   • Click on Privacy & Security.
   • Select Full Disk Access.
   • Unlock the settings if necessary by clicking the padlock icon and entering your administrator password.
   • Find “com.microsoft.dlp” in the list and toggle the switch to enable Full Disk Access.
   • Restart your Mac and check if printers are restored.

   Screen Example of granting Full Disk Access to com.microsoft.dlp in macOS Privacy & Security settings to fix printer issue

2. Uninstall Microsoft Defender (as a test): Some users have reported that uninstalling Microsoft Defender completely resolved the issue. This can help determine if Defender is indeed the root cause. If printing resumes after uninstallation, consider re-evaluating your security software configuration or seeking alternative solutions.

3. Update HP Printer Firmware: For specific HP laser printer models, like the MFP M234dw, a firmware update released around the time of the macOS 14.4 issues has been reported to fix the problem. Check the HP support website for your specific printer model and download and install any available firmware updates.

4. Check for Updated Printer Drivers: Although macOS often provides generic drivers, ensure you have the latest drivers for your HP laser printer. Visit the official HP support website, search for your printer model, and download the latest macOS Sonoma compatible drivers. Reinstall the drivers even if you believe you have the newest version.

5. Reset Printing System: Resetting the Mac’s printing system can sometimes clear out corrupted configurations. To reset:

   • Go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > Printers & Scanners.
   • Right-click (or Control-click) in the left-hand printer list.
   • Select “Reset printing system…”.
   • Confirm the reset.
   • Restart your Mac and try adding your HP laser printer again.

6. AirPrint Compatibility: If your HP laser printer supports AirPrint, try adding it using AirPrint. AirPrint is Apple’s driverless printing technology and can bypass driver-related issues. When adding a printer, choose the AirPrint option if available.

7. Gutenprint Drivers (for older printers): For older HP laser printer models that may no longer be officially supported with updated drivers, consider using Gutenprint drivers. Gutenprint is a suite of high-quality printer drivers that support many older printers and can be a viable alternative. Visit the Gutenprint website to check for compatibility and download drivers.

User Experiences and Community Insights

The user community has been actively discussing these printer problems, sharing their experiences and potential fixes. Key takeaways from these discussions include:

• The issue seems to be more prevalent on managed Macs in enterprise environments, although home users are also affected.
• The “cupsctl: Unable to connect to server: Bad file descriptor” error is a common symptom across different users.
• Solutions involving Microsoft Defender have worked for some, but not all, suggesting multiple potential causes or contributing factors.
• Firmware and driver updates are crucial steps in troubleshooting, alongside system-level resets.

Conclusion

Printing problems after macOS Sonoma 14.4 update, particularly with HP laser printers, are a real and disruptive issue for many users. By systematically troubleshooting and applying the solutions outlined above, such as checking Microsoft Defender settings, updating firmware and drivers, and resetting the printing system, you can increase your chances of resolving these issues and restoring your HP laser printer functionality. If problems persist, consider reaching out to Apple Support or HP Support for further assistance, as the root cause may be more complex and require vendor-specific solutions. Stay updated with community forums and support channels for the latest information and potential fixes as they emerge.