The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 is a wide-format inkjet that prints up to A3, and when its firmware will not update, the update fails or the printer shows an update error, the usual causes are the network, the way the update is started and a printer that is busy or in an error state. Epson releases firmware to fix bugs, add features and improve security, and a printer connected to the internet can update itself, from the control panel under Settings, Firmware Update, where you choose Update and then follow the prompts.
The checks in more detail
Make sure the printer is on the network, has no error or paper jam displayed, has paper and ink and is not printing, since updating while it is busy can fail. Leave the printer powered on and do not switch it off during the update, which can take several minutes with restarts. If the printer says it cannot reach the server, check its network. Print a network status sheet and compare the printer's address with that of the router.
A printer on a guest network or behind a strict firewall, or one with a wrong DNS, cannot reach Epson's server; set DNS to automatic or a public service in the printer's network settings. Use a wired connection if you have a port, since a weak Wi-Fi link breaks downloads. Restart the router and the printer. If a proxy is configured in the printer, a network administrator may need to allow the update. If the update still fails, use another route: Epson provides firmware files on its support page for download to a computer and an updater tool,
Epson Software Updater, that sends the update over the network or a USB cable. Connect the printer by USB to avoid network trouble, and run the tool as the page describes. Note the printer's current version before and after, in Settings, Firmware Update, so that you know whether it took. Do not unplug the printer during the update. If an update leaves the printer unresponsive, switch it off for a minute and on again; if it stays dead, contact Epson with the model and serial number. Turn on automatic updates once it works.
Differential
Likely causes of “Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840 firmware update will not install”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The printer is busy or in an error
What separates it The update fails or does not start
How to confirm Clear errors and stop printing
- 2
The printer cannot reach Epson's server
What separates it A network error message
How to confirm Check the network, DNS and firewall
- 3
A weak Wi-Fi link
What separates it The download breaks
How to confirm Use a wired connection
- 4
A proxy or restrictive network
What separates it Updates are blocked
How to confirm Ask the network administrator to allow it
- 5
A corrupt download
What separates it The update repeats and fails
How to confirm Update from a computer with Epson Software Updater
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The exact symptom and when it began
- The ink or toner state
- The paper type used
- The model number
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedClear errors and stop printing
ReversibleBefore updating.
Start the update
ReversibleIn Settings, Firmware Update.
Check the network
ReversibleDNS and signal.
Use a wired link
ReversibleOr USB.
Use Epson Software Updater
ReversibleFrom a computer.
Contact Epson
ReversibleIf it will not update.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- A3 inkjet
- The WF-7840 prints to A3.
- Never switch off
- Leave it on during an update.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the problem persists after these steps, contact the maker with the model and serial number
- !Do not keep running cleaning cycles
- !Keep the receipt for warranty
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I update the WF-7840?+
Settings, Firmware Update, Update.
Can I update by USB?+
Yes, with Epson Software Updater.
Should I switch it off?+
Never during an update.
Can it update itself?+
Yes, if connected.