The HP Officejet Pro 8620 is a popular all-in-one printer designed for small businesses and home offices. Like any other printer, it requires periodic firmware updates to ensure optimal performance, security, and compatibility with various devices. However, sometimes a firmware update can cause issues, such as compatibility problems, printing errors, or even render the printer unusable. In such cases, downgrading the firmware to a previous version may be the only solution. In this article, we will explore the process of downgrading the HP Officejet Pro 8620 firmware, the reasons why you might need to do it, and the precautions to take.
Check your printer’s control panel (under Setup > Printer Maintenance > Device Information ) to see your current firmware version. You will need an older version, typically older than 2016/2017, when Dynamic Security was aggressively pushed.
Note: Finding official old firmware can be difficult; it is often found in third-party ink supplier forums or specialized repair sites. 3. Run the Downgrade Utility Connect your HP 8620 to your PC via USB. Run the downloaded firmware file ( .exe format). Follow the on-screen instructions.
Ensure your printer and computer are connected to a stable power source. Do not turn off either device during the process.
On the printer screen, go to Setup > Tools > Restore Factory Defaults . Restart the printer one last time. How to Prevent Future Firmware Updates
The printer will automatically reboot once the process finishes. Step 4: Verify the Downgrade Success
Ensure you are using a direct USB port on your PC, not a USB hub. Check Windows Device Manager to verify that the computer recognizes the printer. The Update Option is Greyed Out
Click the , Send , or Transfer button to initiate the firmware transmission. Step 3: Monitor the Progress Bar
When prompted with a confirmation warning, select or Disable to lock in your settings. Troubleshooting Common Issues The Firmware Utility Can't Find the Printer
Downgrading the printer removes patches applied for these CVEs, turning the printer into a potential pivot point for attackers to access the wider network.
Before attempting to downgrade the firmware, make sure:
What (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11) is your PC running?
If successful, the screen will display a blue or black "Engineering" or "Service" menu.
Unplug the Ethernet cable if your printer uses one.
Watch the printer’s touchscreen display. You should see a message indicating that a firmware update or data transfer is in progress.
This prevents the printer from auto-installing new firmware before you finish.
Here are the most common ways to turn off auto-updates: