Can't get my HP printer to work with Big Sur and can't get the HP website to let me download the drivers, so I'm trying to use the disc that came with the printer by way of external CD/DVD drive, and I can't get that to show up anywhere that I can find.
iMac Line (2012 and Later)
I believe any drivers that were shipped to you on an optical disk will likely not work with Big Sur but have you checked the Finder preferences to make sure the box is checked for displaying optical disks?
If I were in your shoes, I would be focusing on getting the current drivers that are Big Sur appropriate from HP - if your printer has any available.
What happens when you go to the HP web site?
MtD
According to this Apple document - About AirPrint - Apple Support - your model is capable of Air Print and doesn't need any drivers from Apple or HP.
Do you know how old this printer is?
With the printer connected, go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Printers and Scanners and see if it appears anywhere in the list on the left hand side:
if it does not, hit the plus key and see if you can add it.
MtD
I have an external optical drive and it works fine. If it's turned on and connected this System preference appears:
If it's not turned on it doesn't show up.
As https://discussions.apple.com/profile/Old+Toad posted out, your printer supports Apple AirPrint.
See if this helps:
Add a printer on Mac - Apple Support
and this:
Print wirelessly from your Mac to an AirPrint printer - Apple Support
MtD
See if the accepted answer in the following link helps you:
MtD
May I make one more suggestion?
Start a new thread on this forum with the title "Unable to get my HP Envy 4520 to work on Big Sur"
with a summary of the problem.
That may attract people who are more knowledge about your issue.
MtD
HP tells me to download/install HP Smart or HP Easy Start. Neither one of those is successful in adding the printer either. I've reset the printer and made sure everything is on the same network, and now it's just a paperweight.
Yes, I've checked that box, and it works. I've also used a thumb drive and it shows up on the desktop.
It's probably about 3 years old. After installing Big Sur, I had problems every time I tried to print, so I decided to remove and reinstall the printer- hahaha was I wrong to do that! It was on the list until I used the "-" key to remove it. Now I can't get it back.
No, that must have been in an early version of Big Sur because now Network Utility is gone. I get the message it has been "deprecated". I tried going to the terminal, but didn't feel comfortable typing in any commands on that screen. Unable to send out any pings.
I appreciate your suggestion. For whatever reason, AirPrint isn't working on this printer... not from my iPhone or the computer. I've reset the printer and tried these steps. I guess it's time for the recycle bin.
Name and model # of printer?
MtD
HP Envy 4520
Thank you. In the end I'm still curious about the external CD/DVD issue.... does Big Sur not let us see those anymore? Turns out the printer will not work with 11.1, so I'm getting rid of it.
external CD drive won't show up in Big
