
disable automatic firmware updates hp m454 m479 (415A) — safe, permanent setup
disable automatic firmware updates hp m454 m479 is the fastest way to stop surprise firmware that can change cartridge behavior on HP Color LaserJet Pro M454/M479 (415A/415X series). Use our disable automatic firmware updates hp m454 m479 guide to turn off auto-update from the touchscreen, lock it down in the Embedded Web Server (EWS), verify from HP Smart, and optionally block Internet access for a rock-solid setup.
Why freeze auto updates on 415A/415X devices
Updates can improve security and reliability—but they can also tighten supply validation unexpectedly. For workshops and small offices that rely on predictable consumables, best practice is manual updates on your schedule, after a quick pilot test.
Touchscreen method (on-device)
Menu names vary slightly by firmware; the flow is the same:
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On the printer: Setup → Printer Maintenance → Update the Printer.
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Open Manage Updates.
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Set Allow Updates = No.
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Set Check Automatically = Off (or Never).
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If shown, set Prompt Before Install = Always Prompt.
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Restart the printer and confirm no auto-install prompts appear.
If your screen uses different wording, look for Printer Update Options / LaserJet Update / Manage Updates and choose Off/Manual everywhere.
EWS (web) lock-down — the reliable toggle
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Print a Network/Configuration page and note the IP address.
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On a PC/phone browser, open
http://<printer-IP>
→ Embedded Web Server. -
Sign in as Administrator (enter the PIN from the printer label if asked).
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Go to General → Firmware Update (or System/Tools → Printer Updates).
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Disable Automatic checks and installs; set updates to Manual or Alert Only.
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Apply/Save, then reboot the printer.
Double-check in HP Smart
From HP Smart → Printer Settings → Advanced Settings, you’ll land in the same EWS pages. Confirm that automatic checks and automatic install are disabled.
Optional network safeguard (keeps settings honest)
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In your router, give the printer a DHCP reservation and block Internet/WAN for that device (allow LAN only).
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Printing and scanning continue over LAN; the printer simply can’t reach update servers.
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If you need cloud features, skip the block and rely on the device/EWS settings only.
How to update safely (when you actually want to)
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Create a pilot: re-enable updates on a single device or upload firmware manually via EWS.
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Print a few test pages; verify supplies behave normally.
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Then update the rest, or keep firmware frozen if there’s no benefit.
Troubleshooting after disabling
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Still getting prompts? Recheck EWS Firmware/Printer Updates and set everything to Manual/Off, then reboot.
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Updates install anyway: Remove any HP Update utilities on PCs that push updates, and if you chose the WAN-block route, confirm the rule still applies.
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Cartridge rejected after a recent update: Your unit already took the update. Stabilize settings now; you may need chips compatible with the new build.
Step-by-step table (print this)
Step | Action | Why it helps | Time |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Touchscreen → Printer Maintenance → Update the Printer → Manage Updates | Turns off auto checks/installs at the device | 1–2 min |
2 | EWS → Firmware/Printer Updates = Manual/Off | Enforces policy at admin level | 2–3 min |
3 | HP Smart → Advanced Settings verify | Confirms the same toggles through the app | 1 min |
4 | (Optional) Router: block WAN for the printer IP | Prevents any silent background calls | 2–5 min |
5 | Reboot printer; print a status page | Confirms the policy persisted | 1 min |
6 | Document a manual update pilot routine | Safe testing before fleet rollout | 5–10 min |
FAQs
Will disabling auto updates break features?
No—local printing/scanning works normally. Cloud/ePrint features may require Internet access or newer firmware.
Is it safe to block the printer from the Internet?
Yes, if you don’t need cloud features. Many offices run printers LAN-only for stability.
Can I re-enable updates later?
Any time. Flip the toggles back in the touchscreen or EWS.
Do “Cartridge Policy” or “Protect Cartridges” matter here?
Those are separate supply-control features. This guide targets firmware auto-update only.
Quick checklist
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Touchscreen: Allow Updates = No, Check Automatically = Off
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EWS: Firmware/Printer Updates set to Manual/Off
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HP Smart: matches EWS
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Optional router WAN block in place
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Manual pilot update process documented
Conclusion
The reliable way to disable automatic firmware updates hp m454 m479 is to turn off auto-check and auto-install on both the touchscreen and EWS, then—if you want maximum certainty—block Internet for the printer. Keep a manual update routine and you’ll print on your terms, never on a surprise schedule.