Q: what is the most compatible printer/scanner to use with an apple desktop computer?

Printer & scanner software available for download for your Mac

Choose any printer for which there is a compatible printer driver. Your better choices may be Canon, Epson, HP, Lexmark, but you need to do your own research on what you want.

And remember that any time the OS is updated, it may necessitate the updating of any printer/scanner/third party device driver.7

Choosing a printer is more a matter of personally preferences these days because most are fully supported in OS X by either OS X or by the manufacture.

see > Printer and scanner software available for download for your Mac - Apple Support

Personally I have and use an Epson that is far older than your HP. It has been for the most part trouble free in every OS X starting from as far back as 10.6 Snow Leopard all the ways thru to 10.11 El Capitan.

Without a better explanation of what is happening and what you have tried, it is difficult to help you with your current HP...?

If you have already exhausted all of the following help articles:

> http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-ENVY-7640-e-All-in-One-Printer-series-tro ubleshooting

> Get help resolving printer issues on your Mac - Apple Support

and > Reset the printing system on your Mac - Apple Support

then the problem could also stem from other issues. Like network issues (for wi-fi printing), a cable issue (for USB printing) or other problems that can be generated by using AntiVirus and Cleaning software in OS X.