When setting up an HP Printer using a USB cable during software installation, you may encounter frustrating error messages, such as:

These issues can occur during HP Printer installation or after installing Windows updates or Firmware updates. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to resolve the “Device Setup Failed” error during the printer installation.

Most printer installation errors are typically caused by driver incompatibility, Windows instability, missing system DLL files, damage from malware or viruses, and outdated drivers or Windows OS. To prevent such issues, it’s crucial to keep all your PC’s drivers updated before installing the HP printer.

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Solution 1: Check the USB Cable and USB Port and Connection

The most common cause of the HP printer setup failed error is often a faulty USB connecting cable. To resolve the installation issue, it’s essential to ensure the USB cable is working correctly. Before installing the printer on Windows 11 or Windows 10, consider the following checklist:

1. Check USB Cable: Verify that the USB cable is not damaged and is fully functional. Try using a different USB cable if necessary.
2. Use HP compatible USB cable: To ensure a successful printer connection with your PC, it’s important to use an HP-compatible USB cable. Using other cables may lead to connectivity issues. We highly recommend using the original HP cable that came with your printer. This will help ensure a seamless connection and optimal performance.
3. USB Port: Ensure that the USB port on your computer is working correctly. Test the port with other devices to confirm its functionality.
4. Skip USB Hub/Docking Station: While setting up a printer, it is recommended to skip USB Hub or Docking station to connect the Printer’s USB Cable.

Solution 2: Reset the Printer

After confirming that USB cable, usb port, and connection between printer and computer is OK, you need to reset your printer before installing the printer. You can simply reset printers by disconnecting the power cable for a minute.

1. Turn on your printer.
2. Disconnect the power cord when the printer is turned on.
3. Wait for 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power cord to a wall outlet.

Solution 3: Update or Fix the driver issue in Device Manager.

Fixing the ‘Device Setup Failed’ or ‘Unknown Device’ error during printer installation involves a critical step of scanning the Device Manager for faulty or outdated drivers and resolving them. To perform this solution, follow these steps:

Update Driver - Step by Step

Step 1: Open Device Manager. Press Windows Key + X and click on Device manager.

Step 2: Look for driver which has yellow exclamation mark or warning on it.

Step 3: Double click on the driver to open Properties. Go to Driver tab and click to Update Driver button.

Step 4: Select “Search automatically for drivers”.

Step 5: Follow the instructions and completes the process.

Step 6: If you get the “Windows was unable to install your driver” message, use another effective third-party tool to update/install all your driver.

By following these steps and resolving any driver-related issues in the Device Manager, you can effectively address the ‘Device Setup Failed’ or ‘Unknown Device’ error and successfully complete your printer installation.

Solution 4: Re-install the Printer and Software

If you are still experiencing trouble connecting your printer to your computer, try the following steps to resolve the issue:

1. Re-install Printer and Software: Begin by re-installing the printer and its software. Sometimes, issues can be fixed by re-establishing the connection between the printer and the computer.

2. Update Printer’s Software: Ensure that you are using the latest and compatible version of the printer’s software. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the most up-to-date drivers and software for your specific printer model.

By following these steps, you can increase the likelihood of successfully connecting your printer to your computer and resolving any connectivity issues.

Solution 5: Run Printer troubleshooter.

A printer troubleshooter is a built-in tool provided by the Windows operating system that helps users diagnose and resolve common printer-related problems automatically. It is designed to be user-friendly and can be accessed through the Control Panel or the Settings app.

Solution 6: Disable Firewall/Antivirus

Sometimes, a Firewall or Antivirus program blocks the printer’s driver installation and causes the Driver Is Unknown/Driver Is Unavailable/Unrecognized Printer error. To resolve this problem, you can turn off Firewall/Antivirus for a while during the printer installation.

Here’s how you can turn off Firewall/Antivirus.

Temporarily enable/disable Windows Firewall and Antivirus

Solution 7: Repair System file issue, disk error, and Windows image integrity.

It is also necessary to repair corrupted, damaged system files, perform disk checking for bad sectors, and repair Windows image. You can perform all these repairing processes using the inbuild Windows tool.

SFC/Chkdsk/Dism - Step by Step

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Step 2: Now run the following commands one by one.

i. System File Checker tool

sfc /scannow

ii. Run Dism command

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

iii. Run Disk checking utility.

chkdsk /f c:

It will show you message:

Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)

Press Y and Press Enter. The disk checking will start on next pc start.

Solution 8: Contact HP Support

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s best to reach out to HP’s customer support for further assistance. They may have specific solutions or further troubleshooting steps tailored to your printer model and the nature of the problem.

Summary

Encountering errors like “Device Setup Failed” or “Unknown Device” during printer installation can indeed be frustrating. Additionally, there are several other issues that may arise while installing an HP printer, including “The Printer Driver Is Unknown“, “USB Device Not Recognized“, and “Unrecognized Printer“.

The good news is that there are troubleshooting steps available to resolve these printer installation problems. This article provides solutions to help you fix these issues and successfully set up your HP printer. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can overcome the installation challenges and get your printer up and running smoothly.