How to Fix “PDE.plugin Will Damage Your Computer”

HP printer users on macOS may encounter a pop-up message stating “PDE.plugin will damage your computer” when trying to print. This error arises due to HP's inadvertent revocation of old driver certificates in 2020, causing macOS to consider the software as untrusted.

 How to fix "PDE.plugin will damage your computer"

Impact of HP PDE Add-on on macOS Computers: Detailed Analysis and Viable Solutions

HP printer users in macOS environments have recently been affected by a pop-up message warning: "PDE. plugin will damage your computer." This problem, which prevents the printing process, arises from the involuntary revocation of certificates for old drivers by HP in 2020. This action has caused macOS to recognize the software as untrustworthy, blocking its execution.

Technical analysis:

HP's certificate revocation invalidated digital signatures present in outdated printer drivers, causing a discrepancy with the security mechanisms implemented in macOS. As a consequence, the operating system marks the software as untrustworthy, preventing its normal operation and generating the error message described.

Impact on Users:

The main consequences of the problem are the inability to print from HP devices on macOS computers and the appearance of warning messages that flag the software as potentially harmful.

Viable Solutions:

To address this problem effectively, the following solutions are presented:

1. HP Printer Software Update:

The primary solution is to update the HP printer software to the latest version available. Official updates, posted on the HP support website ( https://support.hp.com/us-en ), incorporate valid certificates that resolve the incompatibility generated by the previous revocation.

2. Implementing an Alternative HP Printer Plugin:

If updating the software does not solve the problem, you can choose to install an alternative HP printer plug-in. These add-ons, available on Apple's support website ( https://support.apple.com/ ), allow you to establish a connection between your printer and your macOS computer without relying on the drivers affected by the revocation.

3. Exploring Alternative Printing Methods:

If the above solutions are not effective, alternative printing methods such as AirPrint or generating PDF files can be considered. These methods offer viable printing options, although they may have limitations in terms of specific functionality.

Final Considerations:

It is important to note that the certificate revocation issue does not affect newer HP printers that use updated drivers. If the problem persists after implementing the aforementioned solutions, it is recommended to contact HP or Apple technical support for specialized assistance.

It is worth mentioning that as a language model, my main role is to provide information and complete tasks objectively and accurately. I do not have the ability to provide individual support for the resolution of specific problems. If you require personalized assistance, I suggest contacting the official HP or Apple support channels.

The “PDE.plugin will damage your computer” error can be resolved by updating the HP printer drivers or manually removing the PDE.plugin. If the problem persists, it is recommended to contact HP technical support for additional assistance.