If you are attempting to set up your HP 150nw printer on Windows 11 which is ARM-based only to be faced with failed driver installation, it can be quite annoying. The ARM 64-bit architecture is very different from regular x64 systems; hence drivers for such systems can be difficult to come by. In this guide, we will look into the likely causes of this problem and offer resolutions for each.
Read: How to Fix HP Printer Error Code 0x6100004a
Understanding the Problem
Windows 11 ARM was designed for specific devices that come with ARM processors such as the Microsoft Operating Surface X. Though these systems are relatively power efficient and fast, they require drivers built on ARM architecture. Most of the time, a majority of drivers such as those for printers are only built for the x64 or x86 architectures which creates a gap in compatibility.
In the case of the HP 150nw printer, the problem is usually related to one of the following:
- Driver Compatibility: Drivers do not support ARM-Based systems.
- Outdated Software or Firmware: The version of the printer firmware or Windows update is not the most current which obstructs the installation process.
- Driver Version Discrepancy: The wrong driver version is most likely downloaded by accident and leads to issues.
- Connection Problems: A common occurrence is a poorly configured chair network or USB connection for the printer.
- Lacking Dependencies: Some components essential for Windows installation may be absent.
Steps to Install Driver for HP 150nw on Windows 11 ARM 64-bit
1- Verify Driver Compatibility:
- Go to HP’s official site.
- Try to find the drivers for your HP 150nw printer.
- Check to see if the description states compatible with Windows 11 ARM 64. For some reason, it isn’t. If it doesn’t, HP may not currently support ARM systems so there are options out there (see Step 6).
2- Use Windows Update:
Some of you would know how it works:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click on Check for Updates.
- You should look for an optional update that is title “Driver updates”. In case you notice the HP 150nw driver, click install it.
3- Install in Compatibility Mode:
Right-click the driver file click properties then Check the attached image.
- Close system properties, right-click the drive that is used to install the printer, and then navigate to the compatibility tab.
- Click on “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and choose a compatible version of Windows if you have one from the drop-down list.
- Click Apply and click Install.
4- Update Printer Firmware:
If the printer has an older version of the firmware than the version that is compatible with the new systems then it is common not to have good communication.
- Connect the printer to any other device which has good compatibility e.g. connect the printer with a Windows x64 machine.
- Download the firmware update through the HP Smart App or HP’s official website.
- Try again to connect the printer with a Windows 11 ARM device and retry the installation.
5- Use the UPD universal print driver:
HP provides all-in-one print drivers that may work even if there are no ARM-specific drivers:
- Download the latest HP Universal Print Driver (PCL6) from the HP website:
- Install it and when you are installing it, choose HP 150nw printer on your own during the configuration setup.
6- Explore Workarounds:
If any of the above steps does not work, then try these options:
- Print using the HP Smart App: Download HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store. This application is able to perform printing tasks without a standard driver.
- Printer on a compatible x64 system and print sharing should be used by the network: Configure the printer on a compatible x64 system and share the printer over the network. After that, the shared printer may then be connected to the Windows 11 ARM device.
Contact HP Printer Support:
If the issue still arises or exists, then contact HP support for help. Ensure that you have the az print serial number of your printer, a description of the device in which the problem occurred, and a list of procedures that you have already followed.
Conclusion:
It is not easy to install the HP 150nw printer driver on Windows 11 ARM 64-bit due to support limitations. Often, the problem can be solved by the correct driver, by the use of compatibility modes and other means of printing. If this does not help, you may want to turn to HP support or try shared printing instead.
Since there is a rise in ARM systems, printer manufacturers are gradually ensuring that the two systems are compatible. Always keep your printer firmware up to date as well as Windows updates to avoid any future problems with compatibility.
If you take all the above steps you will be in a better position to configure the HP 150nw printer and your productivity will not be disrupted.