troubleshooting Wizard can not continue. Security or firewall settings are blocking connection

Restore the HP Smart Tank 5100 to Wi‑Fi setup mode, reconnect it through HP’s model-specific setup, and then remove and re-add its old Windows printer entry.

1. Reconnect the printer to Wi‑Fi

Since restarting both devices did not help, do not repeat that step.

1. Use HP’s Restore Wi‑Fi setup mode procedure for the Smart Tank 5100. The wireless light/icon should blink when the printer is ready to accept a new connection. Follow the model-specific wireless instructions rather than guessing at the button combination.^1^
2. On the Windows 10 PC, connect to the normal home Wi‑Fi—not a guest network or an extender with a different network name.
3. Open HP’s Smart Tank 5100 setup page and run the HP setup flow. Select the printer when it appears and enter the home Wi‑Fi credentials when requested.^2^
4. The expected result is that the printer’s wireless indicator becomes steady and HP software reports it as connected.

Internet access alone does not establish that the computer can discover another device locally. The printer and computer must be on the same home network; separate guest Wi‑Fi, extender, or router network names can prevent discovery.^3^

2. Remove the stale Windows entry and add it again

After the HP setup reports that the printer is connected:

1. Open Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners.
2. Select any existing HP Smart Tank 5100 entry and choose Remove device.
3. Select Add a printer or scanner.
4. Wait for the Smart Tank 5100 to appear, select it, and choose Add device.
5. Print a test page after installation.^4^

If it does not appear, install the current Windows software and driver from HP’s model-specific download page, then try Add a printer or scanner again.^5^

3. If Windows is blocking local discovery

Only make these changes on a trusted home network:

1. Open Start → Settings → Network & Internet.
2. Under Wi‑Fi, select the connected network’s Properties.
3. Set Network profile to Private.
4. Return to Network & Internet → Status → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings.
5. Expand Private, enable:
   • Turn on network discovery
   • Turn on file and printer sharing
6. Select Save changes.^6^

4. Handle the firewall safely

Do not disable Microsoft Defender Firewall or open arbitrary ports. Allowing the required HP application is safer than opening a port.^7^

1. Open Windows Security → Firewall & network protection.
2. Select Allow an app through firewall → Change settings.
3. Find HP Smart or the installed HP printer/setup software.
4. Enable it for Private networks.
5. If it is absent, select Allow another app and browse to the installed HP application.
6. Leave the firewall enabled and do not enable access for Public networks unless specifically required.

Also open the active Private network firewall profile and ensure Blocks all incoming connections, including those in the list of allowed apps is not selected; that option overrides allowed applications.^8^

If third-party antivirus or firewall software controls network access, use its allowed-app list to permit HP Smart/HP setup on the private home network rather than turning the entire product off.

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. The printer can continue working, but moving to a supported Windows version is recommended because Windows 10 no longer receives free security fixes.^4^

References

1. HP printer setup (Wi-Fi network) | HP® Support
2. HP Smart Tank 5100 All-in-One Printer Series Setup | HP® Support
3. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printer-connection-and-printing-problems-in-windows#general-troubleshooting)
4. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printer-not-found-and-printer-not-recognized-errors-in-windows)
5. HP Smart Tank 5100 All-in-One Printer Series Software and Driver ...
6. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/share-a-printer-as-a-network-printer#turn-on-sharing-settings)
7. Risks of Allowing Apps Through Windows Firewall | Microsoft Support
8. Firewall and network protection in the Windows Security app | Microsoft Support