Can’t install the software because it is not currently available from the Software Update server.

After an automatic macOS update (Mojave V 10.14.6) I have lost my printer capabilities for HP Color LaserJet CP2025dn and HP Deskjet 2540. When I select them to add to the printer list, I get the message "Can’t install the software because it is not currently available from the Software Update server." I see no HP driver updates available. Is Apple responsible for this malfunction and is there a way to correct this?

MacBook

Posted on Jan 16, 2020 2:20 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 19, 2020 2:26 PM

Hey there CarlosRoss, 

Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities. I understand you are no longer able to print after updating macOS.


It sounds like you may need to add your printer again with different settings or software. You’ll find the steps to do so here: Update printer software on Mac


Specifically these steps:


“Add your printer with different settings


  • On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners.
  • Select your printer in the list, then click the Remove button .
  • Click the Add button , and if a pop-up menu appears, choose Add Printer or Scanner. A dialog appears listing any IP, shared, and Open Directory printers on your local network. It may take a minute or two for your printer to appear.
  • Select your printer when it appears in the list, then do one of the following: Use AirPrint: Click the Use pop-up menu, then choose AirPrint (or Secure AirPrint). If AirPrint isn’t in the pop-up menu, your printer doesn’t support it. Use printer software installed on your Mac or downloaded from Apple: Click the Use pop-up menu, then choose Select Software. Use printer software from a file on your Mac: Click the Use pop-up menu, then choose Other. Select the file, then click Add.


Update your printer software


If your printer doesn’t use AirPrint, you can download the latest software using Software Update preferences. If you don’t do this, you may see a message that software isn’t available when you connect your printer.

  • On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
  • Click Software Update.


Install any software updates listed for your printer.


If software for your printer isn’t available using Software Update, you can contact the manufacturer for information. It may be that your printer isn’t compatible with macOS. To check, see the Apple Support article Printer and scanner drivers for Mac.


If you install printer software that you didn’t get from Apple, your printer’s software may not be updated automatically when you use Software Update.”


I hope this helps.

Cheers!

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 19, 2020 2:26 PM in response to CarlosRoss

Hey there CarlosRoss, 

Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities. I understand you are no longer able to print after updating macOS.


It sounds like you may need to add your printer again with different settings or software. You’ll find the steps to do so here: Update printer software on Mac


Specifically these steps:


“Add your printer with different settings


  • On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners.
  • Select your printer in the list, then click the Remove button .
  • Click the Add button , and if a pop-up menu appears, choose Add Printer or Scanner. A dialog appears listing any IP, shared, and Open Directory printers on your local network. It may take a minute or two for your printer to appear.
  • Select your printer when it appears in the list, then do one of the following: Use AirPrint: Click the Use pop-up menu, then choose AirPrint (or Secure AirPrint). If AirPrint isn’t in the pop-up menu, your printer doesn’t support it. Use printer software installed on your Mac or downloaded from Apple: Click the Use pop-up menu, then choose Select Software. Use printer software from a file on your Mac: Click the Use pop-up menu, then choose Other. Select the file, then click Add.


Update your printer software


If your printer doesn’t use AirPrint, you can download the latest software using Software Update preferences. If you don’t do this, you may see a message that software isn’t available when you connect your printer.

  • On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
  • Click Software Update.


Install any software updates listed for your printer.


If software for your printer isn’t available using Software Update, you can contact the manufacturer for information. It may be that your printer isn’t compatible with macOS. To check, see the Apple Support article Printer and scanner drivers for Mac.


If you install printer software that you didn’t get from Apple, your printer’s software may not be updated automatically when you use Software Update.”


I hope this helps.

Cheers!

Jan 23, 2020 4:06 PM in response to MoonJ.

I've done all that (remove printer drivers, reset, etc.) but I still get the message "Can’t install the software because it is not currently available from the Software Update server." That means that the Software Update server doesn't have the specific update. I think Apple should be responsible about warning the user about an update that cancels the use of peripherals like printers. My options now are to wait for Apple to load the software updates and Apple has to wait for HP to update the drivers and I have no way of knowing how long that will be. The other option which requires much work from me would be to "downgrade" my Apple OS back to where it can use my printers. Or buy new printers!

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Can’t install the software because it is not currently available from the Software Update server.

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