An HP printer firmware update has caused the printer to reject third-party printer cartridges again. If your printer stopped printing due to a "Non-HP Chip Detected","Supply Problem" or"Supply Memory Error" error message, HP has probably updated your printer firmware. This is frustrating for users who prefer to use cheaper, third-party cartridges instead of expensive HP-branded ones. To make your printer accept non-HP cartridges again, you can downgrade the firmware to an old version by following this blog.
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Index:
1. How to Downgrade HP Printer Firmware - Windows
2. How to Downgrade HP Printer Firmware - Mac
3. HP Printer Firmware Downgrade Download
4. Suggestions for Firmware Downgrade Failing
5. Printer Ink & Toner Cartridges with Updraded Chips
How to Downgrade HP Printer Firmware - Windows
1. Make sure your printer is connected to Wi-Fi or wired network.
2. Adjust the following settings in the printer menu to make your printer allow downgrade. In the Manage Updates menu, touch the Allow Downgrade button and then select Yes. Also, do not forget to touch the Allow Updates button and then select Yes.
3. Download an old HP printer firmware to your computer. HP no longer provides downloads for older firmware versions. So you need to use your own backups or download them from third-party websites. We also provide old HP firmware downloads for some printers in the third part of this blog. Jump to HP Printer Firmware Downgrade Download. You can also download the current firmware for backup on HP official website:https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/printers
4. Send the old HP firmware from your Windows computer to the printer. After the old firmware is downloaded and saved on your computer, double-click on the file and then select your printer from the dropdown menu. Once the printer is selected, click the Send Firmware button. Sending the old firmware to your HP printer takes about two minutes. After the progress is completed, click the Exit button. Then the printer will automatically restart after the firmware downgrade.
5. Adjust the following printer settings again to avoid future HP printer firmware updates. In the Manage Updates menu, touch the Check Automatically button and select Off. Then touch Allow Updates and select No. You can also read our blog How to Disable HP Printer Firmware Update to learn more details.
How to Downgrade HP Printer Firmware - Mac
1. Make sure your printer is connected to Wi-Fi or wired network.
2. Adjust the following settings in the printer menu to make your printer allow downgrade. In the Manage Updates menu, touch the Allow Downgrade button and then select Yes. Do not forget to touch the Allow Updates button and then select Yes.
3. Download an old HP printer firmware to your computer. HP no longer provides downloads for older firmware versions. So you need to use your backups or download them from this blog. It's also recommended to download the current firmware for backup on HP's official website:https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/printers
4. Send the old HP firmware from your Mac to the printer. This operation is different from that of Windows, please refer to the following steps:
4.1 Double-click on the firmware file. The first time to run the firmware file will trigger a system security pop-up notice, press “OK” to close it.
4.2 Visit System Preference and select “Security & Privacy” to allow further firmware installation.
4.3 Under Security & Privacy, click on “Open Anyway” to proceed.
4.4 Carefully select the correct printer model needed to be downgraded and choose “Continue”.
4.5 After the update is completed, click on “Done” button. The printer will automatically restart later.
5. Adjust the following settings to avoid future HP printer firmware updates. In the Manage Updates menu, touch the Check Automatically button and select Off. Then touch Allow Updates and select No. (Disabling automatic firmware updates can prevent compatible toner cartridges from being blocked in the future.)
After downgrading the printer firmware, your HP printer should be able to print with non-HP printer cartridges again. Then you can reinstall the cartridges and test print right away.
NOTE:
Restarting your printer after the update is completed and re-sending the firmware to the printer might be required due to the"error state" of the printer.
HP Printer Firmware Downgrade Download
HP no longer provides downloads for old firmware versions. Thankfully, we saved some old versions for backup. So you can download the one for your printer from the list below.
In March 2026, Albian shared two older Windows firmware files for HP 962/XL ink cartridges with us: OJP9010_2103B (Jan 29, 2021) and OJP9010_2115A (Apr 27, 2021). We've added them to the Windows column of our HP 962 list. Thank you, Albian!
Suggestions for Firmware Downgrade Failing
If you downgrade the firmware but fail, you can try the following ways.
1. Run the Update Again
Please make sure that your printer is not in use and that you do not have any documents queued for printing. And try to rerun the firmware program based on the above steps. If it still can't work, try to unplug the power cord and let it sit for 30-40 seconds. After 30 seconds of sitting, you can plug the power cord back into the machine. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow it to complete its startup tasks and then try to update the firmware again. This is because if the Status of the HP Printer Update is Busy, it may result in not being allowed to run the update. So, make sure the Status of the HP Print Update is Ready which is the key to running the update successfully.
2. Ensure That the Selected Printer Port Matches the Printer's IP Address
Firstly, find your selected printer, and right-click it to select the Printer Properties from the context menu. Secondly, click on the Ports tab and select your printer. Then click the Configure Port button, and come to Port Setting. Thirdly, check if the Port Name matches the Printer's IP Address or not. If you are not clear about how to identify your IP address, check the section Identify the IP address for printers connected using Wi-Fi Direct in the video instructions.
Note: In Port Setting, please also make sure you select RAW in the Protocol section and uncheck SNMP Status Enabled.
3. Fix Not Applicable Issue
Some of you may encounter a"Not Applicable" issue when downgrading the printer's firmware. Here are steps that may help fix this problem.
Step 1: Use WinZip or 7-zip to take the .exe file (the old firmware file you downloaded) and extract it into the desktop.
Step 2: Find .exe you extracted, and right-click the .exe and open it via win-zip or 7-zip (7-zip is recommended).
Step 3: Find and open EnterpriseDU.ini file, and change VerifyDownloadID from 1 to 0. Then, save the file.
Step 4: Go back, and run EnterpriseDU.exe. Now, you can get past the"Not Applicable" error and allow you to update.
Tip: HP Supporter also came up with a similar instruction to help fix the"Not Applicable" error. If you are interested in, you can review it.
Printer Ink & Toner Cartridges with Upgraded Chips
If the printer firmware downgrade is too difficult for you, you have an easier way - purchase cartridges with upgraded chips directly. Whenever a firmware issue occurs, YBTONER.COM is almost the first to offer printer cartridges with upgraded chips. Here is how we do it. So you can shop with confidence!
Monitor HP firmware updates from time to time
Our engineers monitor HP printer firmware updates from time to time. Once HP releases a new firmware version, we will test the compatibility of our products as soon as possible. So, only products confirmed to be compatible with the latest firmware will be shipped.
Partner with industry-leading manufacturers
We have established a long-term partnership with industry-leading manufacturers. Once HP updates printer firmware, we will work closely with our manufacturers to find the best solutions shortly. E.g. we can make our cartridges work with the latest printer firmware by upgrading the chip, replacing the chip, or replacing the toner cartridge.
Supply from our local warehouses
We have two warehouses in the US, one in California and one in Pennsylvania. Hence, we can deliver most orders within 1-3 business days. Once HP updates printer firmware, we will update our inventory and ship ink & toner cartridges with upgraded chips with no delay. As a result, you can always get the products with the latest chips at YB Toner!
306 comments
Hi Junior,
Here are the steps to resolve the issue, gathered from other commenters who had the same problem:
1. Prepare the printer
Turn off Wi-Fi on the printer, connect it directly to your computer via USB, and make sure it’s idle with no error messages.
2. Run the firmware updater with modified settings
Right-click the downloaded .exe file and select “Run as administrator”.
If the updater finds your printer but shows it as “Not Applicable” (greyed out), you’ll need to edit the config file:
- Use 7‑Zip to extract the .exe file (right-click → 7‑Zip → Extract here).
- Open the extracted folder and find EnterpriseDU.ini, open it with Notepad.
- Find the line VerifyDownloadID=1 and change it to VerifyDownloadID=0. Save the file.
- Now run EnterpriseDU.exe from the extracted folder.
The updater should now let you select your printer. Follow the on-screen prompts.
3. If the updater still fails – try the USB method
Some HP printers can be updated via USB drive:
- Extract the firmware file from the package (look for a folder with a .ful2 file).
- Rename that file to have a .ful extension (e.g., filename.ful).
- Copy it to the root of a FAT32-formatted USB drive.
- Insert the USB into the printer’s front USB port (near the control panel).
- The printer should detect the file and prompt you to update. Follow the on-screen instructions.
4. After downgrading
Once the old firmware is installed, immediately turn off automatic firmware updates in the printer settings to stop HP from upgrading it again.
Hope this helps! Let us know how it goes.
Do you have firmware downgrade for HP Color LaserJet Pro 4201?
Hi my ink cartridge 902 xl and printer is hp officejet pro 6968. I click on the device and it says “cannot update the device, This firmware updates does not contain upgrades for your device”
Same problem here… got 2 HP OfficeJet Pro 9012… both get stuck with the message “checking for printer updates” in the display.
PLEASE HELP ANYONE?
… would be great!
Hi there,
Thank you for reaching out. The error message “This Firmware Updater does not contain upgrades for your device” typically indicates a compatibility mismatch, even though the 6970 series firmware is designed for your 6978 model.
To resolve this on your Mac, please ensure you have downloaded the correct firmware for your Mac using this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K-dmBMvVz0UgHc1DgY5tTkzBJZbxLWQW/view?usp=sharing
Before running the installer, please follow these steps:
1.Disconnect your printer: Turn off its Wi-Fi (via the settings menu) and unplug any USB cable.
2.Check macOS security settings: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General. If the installer was blocked, click “Allow Anyway.”
3.Run the installer correctly: Right-click the downloaded .dmg or .pkg file and select “Open” to launch it, then follow the on-screen prompts.
If the issue continues, a background update process may be interfering. You can also try temporarily disabling HP’s automatic updates by following our guide: How to Disable HP Printer Firmware Update.(https://ybtoner.com/blogs/news/three-ways-to-disable-hp-printer-firmware-update/)
Please try the steps above and let us know if you continue to experience the issue.
Hi there,
Thank you for reaching out. The “not applicable” error usually means the firmware file you’re trying to install doesn’t match your printer model or current firmware version.
To help you downgrade your HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 on Windows 11, please try the following:
Verify the download link is correct for your model:
Ensure you’re downloading firmware for the HP OfficeJet Pro 7700 Series: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f3lDEztqut-3LK4XW9d6cSvhgl-sBR5E/view?usp=sharing
Follow these installation steps:
Disconnect the printer from Wi-Fi and your computer before installing.
Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall.
Run the downloaded file as Administrator.
Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
If the issue persists, HP sometimes blocks firmware downgrades for security reasons. You may need to temporarily disable “HP Automatic Updates” (guide: How to Disable HP Printer Firmware Update)(https://ybtoner.com/three-ways-to-disable-hp-printer-firmware-update/) in your printer’s settings menu or attempt a manual update via USB connection.
Please try the steps above and let us know if you continue to experience the issue.
Hallo Peter,
Vielen Dank für deinen Kommentar. Für deinen HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M479fnw klicke bitte auf „HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M478-M479 Series Printer“, um die ältere Firmware-Version für Windows oder Mac herunterzuladen.
The “HP OfficeJet Pro 6970 All-in-One Printer Series” does not work on my Mac for my 6978. It says “This Firmware Updater does not contain upgrades for your device”
I have a hp 7740 and im trying to downgrade the software but once i click the link and do it , it says not applicable. Im on windows 11 and there is no steps to go past this. any help will be greatly apricated thanksnyou
Hallo, ich benötige für meinen HP LaserJet Pro MFP M479fnw eine ältere Firmware als Nov 2025.
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