How To Install HPLIP on AlmaLinux 10
Installing HP printers and scanners on AlmaLinux 10 requires the HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) driver package. This comprehensive guide covers everything from system preparation to advanced troubleshooting, ensuring successful printer setup on this enterprise-grade Linux distribution.
HPLIP stands as the official HP-developed driver solution for Linux systems, supporting over 3,400 HP printer models including DeskJet, OfficeJet, LaserJet, and multi-function devices. The latest HPLIP version 3.25.6 brings enhanced AlmaLinux compatibility and support for newer HP printer models.
Prerequisites and System Requirements
System Requirements
Before installing HPLIP on AlmaLinux 10, verify these essential system requirements. The installation requires a fully updated AlmaLinux 10 system with administrative privileges. Network connectivity remains crucial for downloading packages and dependencies from official repositories.
Minimum system specifications include at least 2GB RAM, 500MB available disk space, and a compatible HP printer or scanner. AlmaLinux 10 builds upon Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, ensuring robust enterprise-level stability for printer operations.
Root or sudo access is mandatory for installing system packages and configuring printer services. Users must belong to the lpadmin group for proper printer management permissions.
Supported HP Devices
HPLIP 3.25.6 supports an extensive range of HP devices, including the latest LaserJet Enterprise Flow MFP 8601z, LaserJet Pro MFP M126 series, Envy Photo 7200/7900 series, and OfficeJet Pro 9110/9120/9130 series. The comprehensive compatibility list encompasses inkjet, laser, and multi-function printers spanning decades of HP innovation.
Device compatibility verification can be performed through the official HP HPLIP website before installation. This step prevents installation issues with unsupported or partially supported printer models.
Understanding HPLIP on AlmaLinux 10
What is HPLIP
HP Linux Imaging and Printing represents HP’s official driver solution for Linux-based operating systems. The comprehensive package includes print drivers, scanner backends, network discovery protocols, and graphical management utilities.
Core HPLIP components consist of hplip-common (base drivers), hplip-libs (shared libraries), and hplip-gui (graphical interface tools). These modular components work together to provide complete printing and scanning functionality.
The HPLIP project delivers both printing capabilities through CUPS integration and scanning features via SANE backends. This dual functionality makes it the preferred solution for HP all-in-one devices.
AlmaLinux 10 Compatibility
AlmaLinux 10’s RHEL 10 foundation ensures excellent compatibility with HPLIP drivers. The operating system’s enterprise focus aligns perfectly with HP’s business-grade printer requirements.
Current HPLIP releases officially support AlmaLinux 9.5 and 9.6, with AlmaLinux 10 compatibility following similar patterns. The DNF package manager seamlessly handles HPLIP installation and dependency resolution.
Installation Methods Overview
Three primary installation methods exist for HPLIP on AlmaLinux 10. Repository installation via DNF offers the simplest approach with automatic dependency handling. Official HP installer provides the latest drivers with enhanced hardware support. Manual compilation from source allows customization but requires advanced technical knowledge.
Method 1: Installing HPLIP via DNF Repository
Updating System Packages
Begin by updating AlmaLinux 10 to ensure optimal compatibility and security. Execute these commands in terminal:
sudo dnf update -y
sudo dnf install epel-release -yThe EPEL repository provides additional packages required for HPLIP functionality. System updates prevent conflicts between existing packages and new HPLIP installations.
Verify repository configuration with dnf repolist to confirm EPEL availability. This step ensures access to all necessary dependencies during installation.
Installing HPLIP Packages
Install the complete HPLIP package suite using DNF package manager:
sudo dnf install hplip-common.x86_64 hplip-libs.x86_64 hplip-gui -yThis command installs three essential components simultaneously. The hplip-common package provides core printer drivers and utilities. The hplip-libs package contains shared libraries required by HPLIP applications. The hplip-gui package adds graphical management tools including HP Device Manager.
DNF automatically resolves dependencies, downloading additional packages like CUPS, SANE backends, and Python libraries. The installation process typically completes within 5-10 minutes depending on network speed.
Verify successful installation with:
hp-check -tThis diagnostic command reports HPLIP version, missing dependencies, and configuration status.
Post-Installation Verification
Test HPLIP installation by launching the HP Device Manager:
hp-toolboxThe graphical interface should appear, displaying available HP devices. If no interface appears, check for missing GUI dependencies or display configuration issues.
Verify HPLIP services are running:
systemctl status cups
systemctl status hplip-printer@Both services must be active for proper printer functionality.
Method 2: Installing Latest HPLIP from HP Official Source
Downloading HPLIP 3.25.6
Download the latest HPLIP release directly from HP’s official sources. Navigate to the Downloads directory and use wget for reliable downloading:
cd ~/Downloads
wget -c https://sourceforge.net/projects/hplip/files/hplip/3.25.6/hplip-3.25.6.runThe -c flag enables resume capability for interrupted downloads. SourceForge hosts official HPLIP releases with verified integrity.
Some browsers experience download issues with .run files. Using wget from terminal provides more reliable downloads with progress monitoring.
Dependency Installation
Install required dependencies before running the HPLIP installer:
sudo dnf install -y python3-pyqt5 python3-dbus libnetsnmp-devel \
libjpeg-turbo-devel libusb1-devel cups-devel \
gcc gcc-c++ make python3-develThese dependencies ensure successful HPLIP compilation and operation. Missing dependencies cause installation failures or reduced functionality.
Additional scanning dependencies include:
sudo dnf install -y sane-backends sane-backends-devel \
libsane-hpaio xsaneRunning the HPLIP Installer
Make the installer executable and launch the installation process:
chmod u+x ./hplip-3.25.6.run
./hplip-3.25.6.runThe interactive installer guides through configuration options. Choose automatic installation for default settings or custom installation for advanced configuration.
Key installer prompts include:
- Installation directory selection (default: /usr/share/hplip)
- USB printer support enablement
- Network printer discovery configuration
- Scanner support activation
- Proprietary plugin installation
Select appropriate options based on printer requirements. The installation process takes 10-15 minutes with comprehensive hardware detection.
Handling Installation Issues
Common installation errors include missing dependencies, permission issues, and compatibility warnings. The installer provides detailed error messages with recommended solutions.
For dependency conflicts, use DNF to resolve package versions:
sudo dnf install --best --allowerasing package-namePermission errors require proper sudo access and file ownership verification.
Configuring HP Printer After HPLIP Installation
Adding Printer via System Settings
Access AlmaLinux 10 printer configuration through Settings application. Navigate to Devices > Printers and click “Add a Printer”.
The system automatically discovers connected USB printers and network devices. Select your HP printer from the detected devices list.
For manual printer addition, use the printer’s IP address or hostname. Network printers require proper network configuration and firewall rules.
Using HP Device Manager
Launch HPLIP-Toolbox for comprehensive printer management:
hp-toolboxThe Device Manager provides printer status monitoring, ink level checking, and maintenance utilities. Access setup wizard through “Setup Device” button for guided configuration.
Device setup wizard steps include:
- Connection method selection (USB/Network/Wireless)
- Printer model verification
- Driver installation confirmation
- Test page printing
- Scanner functionality verification (if applicable)
Advanced Printer Configuration
Optimize print quality through CUPS web interface at localhost:631. Configure duplex printing, color management, and paper settings based on specific requirements.
Access advanced options via:
system-config-printerThis utility provides detailed printer property configuration including resolution settings, color profiles, and finishing options.
Network Printer Setup
Configure wireless HP printers through multiple methods. WPS setup offers quick connection for compatible routers and printers. Manual configuration requires network credentials and IP addressing.
For network printer discovery, ensure multicast DNS resolution:
sudo systemctl enable --now avahi-daemonThis service enables automatic network printer detection.
Firewall configuration may require specific port openings:
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=ipp
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=631/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --reloadSetting Up Scanner Functionality
Installing Additional Scanner Support
Enable comprehensive scanning capabilities with SANE backend installation:
sudo dnf install sane-backends sane-frontends xsane -yXSane provides user-friendly scanning interface with preview capabilities. SANE backends handle low-level scanner communication protocols.
Additional scanning utilities include:
sudo dnf install simple-scan skanlite -yThese applications offer simplified scanning workflows for casual users.
Testing Scanner Operations
Launch XSane scanner application:
xsaneThe interface displays connected scanners including HP multi-function devices. Click “Acquire a preview” to test scanner functionality.
Command-line scanning options provide automation capabilities:
scanimage -L # List available scanners
scanimage > test-scan.pnm # Perform basic scanScanner Troubleshooting
Scanner permission issues commonly affect non-root users. Add user to scanner group:
sudo usermod -aG scanner $USERLog out and log back in for group changes to take effect.
Network scanner configuration requires proper firewall and network discovery settings. Verify scanner accessibility through HP Device Manager before troubleshooting application-specific issues.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Installation Problems
“No device selected” errors indicate connectivity or driver recognition issues. Verify physical connections and power status before troubleshooting software problems.
Dependency resolution problems require careful package management:
sudo dnf install --skip-broken
sudo dnf autoremove
sudo dnf clean allThese commands resolve conflicting packages and clean repository metadata.
Printer Connection Issues
USB detection problems often relate to permissions or hardware compatibility. Check USB device recognition:
lsusb | grep -i hewlettThis command lists connected HP devices with vendor identification.
Network connectivity issues require systematic troubleshooting starting with basic network tests:
ping printer-ip-address
nmap -p 631,9100 printer-ip-addressPerformance and Quality Issues
Print quality optimization involves multiple configuration layers. HPLIP provides built-in maintenance utilities accessible through HP Device Manager.
Color accuracy adjustments require proper ICC profile installation and configuration. Access color management through system printer settings or HPLIP utilities.
Slow printing issues may indicate network congestion, driver conflicts, or insufficient system resources. Monitor system performance during print jobs to identify bottlenecks.
Maintenance and Updates
Keeping HPLIP Updated
Monitor HPLIP releases through official HP channels and community announcements. DNF-installed versions receive updates through standard AlmaLinux repositories.
Manual installations require periodic checking for new releases:
hp-check -r # Check for recommended updatesUpdate HPLIP manually by downloading and installing newer versions following the same installation procedures.
Regular Maintenance Tasks
Perform routine printer maintenance through HP Device Manager utilities. Print head cleaning prevents quality degradation and extends cartridge life.
Monitor ink levels regularly:
hp-levels # Command-line ink level checkingSystem log monitoring helps identify recurring issues:
journalctl -u cups -f # Monitor CUPS service logs
tail -f /var/log/hp/hplip.log # Monitor HPLIP logsAlternative Solutions and Workarounds
IPP Everywhere Alternative
Modern HP printers support IPP Everywhere protocol, providing driverless printing capabilities. This standard eliminates HPLIP dependency for basic printing functions.
Configure IPP printers through standard CUPS interface:
sudo lpadmin -p printer-name -v ipp://printer-ip/ipp/print -EIPP Everywhere offers advantages including automatic driver selection, reduced maintenance, and improved security.
Generic Printer Drivers
CUPS includes generic PostScript and PCL drivers compatible with many HP printers. These drivers provide basic functionality when HPLIP installation proves problematic.
Access generic drivers through system printer configuration tools. Select “Generic” manufacturer and choose appropriate driver based on printer capabilities.
Advanced Configuration and Optimization
CUPS Integration
HPLIP integrates seamlessly with CUPS printing system, providing enhanced driver capabilities. Access CUPS web interface for detailed printer configuration and job management.
Custom PPD files enable advanced printer features not available through standard drivers. HPLIP installation includes comprehensive PPD collections for supported devices.
Security Considerations
Network printer security requires careful configuration to prevent unauthorized access. Enable authentication and encryption for sensitive printing environments.
Firewall configuration should restrict printer access to authorized networks:
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-rich-rule='rule family="ipv4" source address="192.168.1.0/24" service name="ipp" accept'Performance Optimization
Optimize HPLIP performance through proper system configuration. Adequate system resources improve print processing speed and reliability.
Configure print spooling directories on fast storage devices:
sudo systemctl edit cupsAdd configuration overrides to improve performance under heavy print loads.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed HPLIP. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the HPLIP on AlmaLinux OS 10 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official HPLIP website.
