How To Install HPLIP on Fedora 42

Installing HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) on Fedora 42 ensures optimal functionality for your HP printers, scanners, and multifunction devices. While Fedora 42 brought several improvements to the Linux desktop experience, it also introduced specific challenges for HPLIP users, particularly with plugin installation and checksum verification issues. This comprehensive guide addresses these challenges while providing multiple installation approaches to get your HP devices working seamlessly.

Fedora 42 users have experienced unique plugin-related complications that can prevent proper device functionality. Understanding these issues and their solutions is crucial for successful HPLIP deployment. Whether you’re connecting via USB or network, proper HPLIP configuration maximizes your HP device’s capabilities within the Linux ecosystem.

This guide covers everything from basic installation through advanced troubleshooting, ensuring you can leverage the full potential of your HP hardware on Fedora 42.

Understanding HPLIP and Fedora 42 Compatibility

What is HPLIP

HP Linux Imaging and Printing represents HP’s comprehensive solution for integrating their hardware with Linux systems. HPLIP provides essential components including CUPS drivers for printing, SANE backend for scanning, device management utilities, and a plugin framework for proprietary features. This software suite supports over 3,000 HP printer models, delivering functionality that often exceeds what generic drivers can provide.

The core HPLIP framework includes several critical components. The CUPS integration ensures seamless printing through the standard Linux printing system. SANE backend support enables scanning functionality across various applications. The device manager provides centralized control for maintenance tasks, ink level monitoring, and device configuration.

HPLIP’s plugin system handles proprietary features that require closed-source components from HP. These plugins enable advanced functionality like enhanced print quality, specific scanning modes, and complete feature access for newer device models.

Fedora 42 Specific Considerations

Fedora 42 introduced several changes affecting HPLIP installation and operation. Most notably, users encountered plugin checksum verification failures when attempting to install required proprietary components. These failures stem from changes in HP’s plugin format that the existing HPLIP tools hadn’t adapted to accommodate.

Additionally, Fedora 42 initially auto-installed HPLIP components during system updates, even for users without HP devices. This behavior was identified as problematic and subsequently addressed through package updates. The auto-installation created unnecessary system overhead and menu clutter for users who didn’t require HP printer support.

Understanding these Fedora 42-specific considerations helps avoid common pitfalls during installation and ensures you choose the most appropriate installation method for your situation.

Prerequisites and System Preparation

System Requirements

Before beginning HPLIP installation on Fedora 42, ensure your system meets essential requirements. You’ll need a fully updated Fedora 42 installation with at least 100MB free disk space for basic HPLIP functionality. Full installation with GUI components requires up to 250MB additional space.

Administrator privileges are necessary for installation and initial configuration. An active internet connection enables repository access and plugin downloads. While not strictly required, having your HP device connected during installation can streamline the configuration process.

Pre-Installation Checklist

Verify HP device compatibility using the official HPLIP database at the HP Developer Portal. While HPLIP supports thousands of HP devices, compatibility levels vary between models. Some devices require proprietary plugins for full functionality, while others work completely with open-source components.

Back up existing CUPS configurations to prevent potential data loss during installation. Execute this command to preserve your current print settings:

sudo cp -r /etc/cups ~/cups-backup

Check for existing HPLIP installations that might cause conflicts:

rpm -qa | grep hplip

Remove any existing installations before proceeding with fresh installation to avoid version conflicts and configuration issues.

System Preparation Steps

Update your Fedora 42 system to ensure you have the latest packages and security fixes:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

This command refreshes repository metadata and upgrades all installed packages. A system restart after major updates ensures all components initialize properly.

Verify CUPS installation and service status, as HPLIP depends on the Common Unix Printing System:

sudo dnf install cups -y
sudo systemctl enable cups --now
sudo systemctl status cups

Enable required repositories if they’re not already active:

sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled fedora
sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled updates

Install development tools if you plan to compile HPLIP from source:

sudo dnf install @development-tools -y

Installation Methods

Method 1: DNF Repository Installation (Recommended)

The DNF package manager provides the most straightforward HPLIP installation method for Fedora 42 users. This approach leverages official repositories with automatic dependency resolution and seamless integration with the system package management.

Basic Installation Steps

Install core HPLIP components using DNF:

sudo dnf install hplip -y

This command installs essential HPLIP libraries, drivers, and command-line utilities sufficient for basic printing functionality. The installation automatically resolves dependencies and configures initial system integration.

GUI Components Installation

For comprehensive device management capabilities, install the complete HPLIP package set:

sudo dnf install hplip hplip-gui hplip-common -y

The hplip-gui package provides the HP Device Manager interface, offering convenient graphical access to device setup, maintenance, and configuration options. This interface simplifies many tasks that would otherwise require command-line interaction.

Scanner Support Installation

Enable scanning functionality by installing additional SANE integration packages:

sudo dnf install libsane-hpaio xsane simple-scan -y

These packages provide the SANE backend required for scanner functionality along with user-friendly scanning applications. The libsane-hpaio package specifically handles HP scanner integration, while xsane and simple-scan offer different scanning interface options.

Method 2: Manual Installation from Source

Manual installation from source code provides access to the latest HPLIP features and support for newer printer models not yet available in repository packages.

When to Choose Manual Installation

Consider manual installation when your HP device requires features only available in newer HPLIP versions, when the repository version exhibits compatibility issues, or when you need customized build options for your specific environment.

Download and Extraction Process

Download the latest HPLIP source package from the official HP developers portal:

cd ~/Downloads
wget https://sourceforge.net/projects/hplip/files/hplip/3.25.2/hplip-3.25.2.tar.gz
tar -xvzf hplip-3.25.2.tar.gz
cd hplip-3.25.2

Configuration and Compilation

Configure the build environment with optimal parameters for Fedora 42:

./configure --with-hpppddir=/usr/share/cups/model/HP --enable-qt5 --enable-scan-build --enable-dbus-build --enable-network-build --enable-fax-build

Compile and install the software:

make
sudo make install

Post-Installation Setup

Run the setup utility to configure your environment after manual installation:

sudo hp-setup -i

This interactive tool establishes initial HPLIP configuration and detects connected HP devices.

Plugin Installation and Known Issues

Understanding HP Plugins

HP plugins contain proprietary code required for full functionality of many HP devices. These closed-source components enable advanced features like enhanced print quality algorithms, specific scanning modes, and complete feature access for newer device models.

Plugins are distributed separately from the main HPLIP package due to licensing restrictions. They must be downloaded directly from HP servers and installed through HPLIP utilities.

Fedora 42 Plugin Checksum Issues

Fedora 42 users encounter significant plugin installation challenges due to checksum verification failures. When attempting to install plugins using standard methods, users receive error messages indicating that downloaded plugin files don’t match their checksums, suggesting file corruption or alteration.

The root cause involves changes in HP’s plugin format that existing HPLIP tools haven’t adapted to accommodate. The error typically appears as:

error: /home/user/.hplip/hplip-3.25.2-plugin.run file does not match its checksum. File may have been corrupted or altered

Workaround Solutions

Several effective workarounds address the checksum verification problems in Fedora 42. The most reliable approach involves manually downloading the plugin package, extracting it, and pointing HPLIP utilities to the expanded archive.

Download the plugin manually and use the local installation method:

hp-plugin -i

When prompted, select “p” to specify a path and provide the location of your manually downloaded plugin file. This bypasses the checksum verification that causes standard installations to fail.

Alternatively, updated packages addressing these issues have been submitted to Fedora repositories. Users can access these fixes through the testing repository:

sudo dnf upgrade --enablerepo=updates-testing --refresh

Device Configuration

USB Printer Setup

Connecting HP printers via USB typically provides the most straightforward configuration experience. Connect your HP printer to an available USB port and power it on. The system should automatically detect the device.

Launch the HP setup utility to configure your printer:

sudo hp-setup -i

The interactive setup process guides you through device detection, driver selection, and initial configuration. Choose the recommended driver when prompted, as HP optimizes these drivers for specific device models.

Verify successful configuration by printing a test page:

hp-testpage

Network Printer Configuration

Network-connected printers require additional configuration steps but offer greater flexibility for shared printing environments. Ensure your printer is connected to the same network as your Fedora 42 system.

Use the auto-discovery option to locate network printers:

hp-setup -a

For manual configuration, gather your printer’s IP address from its control panel or network configuration page. Launch the setup utility and enter the IP address when prompted:

hp-setup -i

Network setup may require firewall configuration to allow communication on ports 9100 (direct printing), 631 (CUPS), and 161/162 (SNMP).

Scanner Configuration

Scanner functionality requires proper SANE integration and user permissions. Add your user account to the scanner group:

sudo usermod -a -G scanner $(whoami)

Log out and back in for group changes to take effect. Verify scanner detection:

scanimage -L

Your HP scanner should appear in the output list. Test scanning functionality using Simple Scan or XSane applications.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Installation Problems

Dependency resolution failures often occur when repositories are outdated or when conflicting packages exist. Refresh repository metadata and retry installation:

sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Permission-related problems during installation typically stem from insufficient administrator privileges or incorrect file ownership. Ensure you’re using sudo for installation commands and verify system integrity.

Configuration Issues

Device detection failures can result from various causes including USB connectivity problems, network configuration issues, or missing drivers. Run the HP diagnostic utility to identify specific problems:

hp-doctor

This interactive tool automatically identifies and resolves many common configuration issues. Follow its recommendations to address detected problems.

Fedora 42 Specific Issues

The auto-installation of HPLIP components on fresh Fedora 42 systems created unnecessary overhead for users without HP devices. If you don’t need HPLIP, remove it using:

sudo dnf remove hplip-gui
sudo dnf autoremove

For Silverblue users, the removal process differs:

rpm-ostree override remove hplip-gui

Plugin checksum verification problems require the workarounds described in the plugin installation section. Monitor Fedora updates for permanent fixes to these issues.

Advanced Features and Optimization

HP Device Manager Features

The HP Device Manager provides comprehensive device control through an intuitive graphical interface. Launch it using:

hp-toolbox

Key features include print quality calibration, ink level monitoring, printhead cleaning and alignment, and maintenance scheduling. Regular use of these features maintains optimal print quality and extends device lifespan.

Command-Line Tools

HPLIP includes powerful command-line utilities for advanced users and automation scenarios. The hp-check utility provides comprehensive system diagnostics:

hp-check -t

Monitor ink levels using:

hp-levels

Scan documents from the command line:

hp-scan

These tools enable script automation and remote management capabilities.

Performance Optimization

Optimize print performance by configuring appropriate quality settings for different document types. Use draft mode for internal documents and high quality for presentations or photos.

Network printing performance benefits from proper MTU configuration and quality of service settings on your network infrastructure. Consider dedicated print VLANs for high-volume environments.

Regular maintenance including printhead cleaning and alignment ensures consistent output quality and prevents costly repairs.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed HPLIP. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the HPLIP on Fedora 42 Linux system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official HPLIP website.