How to Batch Update Firmware for HP Networked Printers

There are different ways to batch update firmware for HP networked printers, depending on the brand, model, and configuration of your printers. Some of the common methods are:

Method 1: Using the HP DesignJet Utility

This is a software utility that allows you to configure and manage HP DesignJet printers. You can download the HP DesignJet Utility from the HP website for Windows or Mac. You can use the HP DesignJet Utility to scan your network and detect HP DesignJet printers, and then update their firmware individually or in batches. To update firmware using the HP DesignJet Utility, follow these steps:

Download and install the HP DesignJet Utility on your computer, and then launch it.
Click on the Admin tab, and then click on Launch Firmware Update.
Select the HP DesignJet printers that you want to update firmware for. You can use the Ctrl or Shift keys to select multiple devices.
Click on the Browse button to locate the firmware files that you downloaded for your devices. You can download the firmware files from the HP website by selecting your device model and operating system.
Click on the Start button to begin the firmware update process. You will see a progress bar and a status message for each device.
Wait for the firmware update process to complete. Do not turn off or disconnect your devices during the process, as this may cause damage or malfunction.
Click on the Close button to exit the firmware update window.

Reference: HP DesignJet T7x00, Z6xx0 and D5800 – Instructions on how to perform a Firmware Upgrade

Method 2: Using the HP Web Jetadmin

This is a software utility that allows you to configure and manage HP network devices, such as printers, scanners, and projectors. You can download the HP Web Jetadmin from the HP website for Windows. You can use the HP Web Jetadmin to scan your network and detect HP devices, and then update their firmware individually or in batches.

To update firmware using the HP Web Jetadmin, follow these steps:

Download and install the latest version of HP Web Jetadmin on your computer. You can find the installation guide here.
Launch HP Web Jetadmin and log in with your credentials. If you are using HP Web Jetadmin for the first time, you may need to set up your preferences and discover your devices. You can find the user guide here.
Select the devices that you want to update firmware for. You can use the filters and search options to narrow down your selection. You can also create device groups for easier management.
Click on the Tools tab and select Device Storage Manager. This will open a new window where you can manage the firmware files for your devices.
Click on the Add button and browse to the location where you have downloaded the firmware files for your devices. You can download the firmware files from the HP website. Make sure you select the correct firmware files for your device models and operating systems.
Select the firmware files that you want to upload to your devices and click on the Upload button. This will transfer the firmware files to the device storage of your selected devices.
Click on the Close button to return to the main window of HP Web Jetadmin.
Click on the Tools tab and select Firmware Update. This will open a new window where you can configure the firmware update settings for your devices.
Select the devices that you want to update firmware for and click on the Next button.
Select the firmware files that you want to apply to your devices and click on the Next button. You can also choose to update the firmware for the embedded Jetdirect card, if applicable.
Review the firmware update summary and click on the Finish button. This will start the firmware update process for your selected devices.
Monitor the firmware update progress and status on the Firmware Update window. You can also view the firmware update history and logs on the History tab.
Once the firmware update is complete, you can verify the firmware version on your devices by printing a configuration page or checking the device web page.

Reference: Upgrading Firmware Using HP Web Jetadmin (white paper)

Method 3: Using a USB flash drive

Some HP printers have a USB port that allows you to connect a USB flash drive and update firmware from it. To update firmware using a USB flash drive, follow these steps:

Download the firmware file from the HP website by selecting your device model and operating system, and copy it to a USB flash drive.
Plug the USB flash drive into your printer, and follow the instructions on the printer’s display or manual to update firmware from the USB flash drive.

How to Troubleshoot Firmware Update Issues

Sometimes, firmware update can fail or cause problems with your printer. Some of the common issues and solutions are:

Printer not detected by the software utility

This can happen if your printer is not connected to the same network as your computer, or if your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the communication between the printer and the utility. To fix this, you need to make sure that your printer and your computer are on the same network, and that your firewall or antivirus software is allowing the software utility to access the network and the printer. You can also try to restart your printer, your computer, and your router, and then run the software utility again.

Printer not responding after firmware update

This can happen if the firmware update was interrupted, corrupted, or incompatible, and it caused your printer to freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. To fix this, you need to reset your printer to its factory settings, and then try to update firmware again using a different method or source. To reset your printer, you can follow the instructions in the printer’s manual, or use a combination of buttons on the printer’s panel. You can also contact the HP customer support for assistance.

Printer not printing after firmware update

This can happen if the firmware update changed some of the printer’s settings or features, and it affected the printing quality, speed, or compatibility. To fix this, you need to check and adjust the printer’s settings, such as the paper size, paper type, print mode, print quality, etc. You can also try to update the printer driver on your computer, or reinstall the printer software. You can also contact the HP customer support for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: How often should I update firmware for my HP networked printers?

Answer: There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the availability and necessity of firmware updates for your printers. Generally, you should update firmware whenever there is a new version available that can fix bugs, add features, or enhance security. However, you should also weigh the benefits and risks of updating firmware, and decide whether it is worth it or not.

Question: How can I check the current firmware version of my HP networked printers?

Answer: You can check the current firmware version of your HP networked printers by using HP Web Jetadmin, the printer’s web interface, or the printer’s control panel. You can also compare the firmware version with the latest one available on the HP website, and see if there is any difference.

Question: How can I backup my printer data before updating firmware?

Answer: You can backup your printer data by using HP Web Jetadmin, the printer’s web interface, or a USB flash drive. You can also print out or save a copy of your printer settings, preferences, and configurations, in case you need to restore them after updating firmware.

Summary

Batch updating firmware for HP networked printers can be a useful way to save time and effort, and to keep your devices up to date and secure. You can use HP Web Jetadmin, a free tool from HP, to scan, select, and update firmware for multiple HP devices on your network. However, you should also be aware of the risks and precautions of updating firmware, and follow the instructions carefully.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and it does not constitute professional advice or endorsement of any products or services. The author and the publisher are not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from following the instructions or using the tools or methods mentioned in this article. You should always consult the manufacturer’s customer support or a qualified technician before updating firmware for HP networked printers.