hp-pkservice

hp-pkservice [OPTION]...

-i, --install
    Install PKService daemon

-r, --remove
    Remove/uninstall PKService

-s, --start
    Start the PKService daemon

-S, --stop
    Stop the PKService daemon

-R, --restart
    Restart the PKService daemon

-g, --gui
    Launch graphical interface for PKService

-l, --list
    List status of running PKService instances

-u, --usb
    USB-specific service control

-n, --net
    Network-specific service control

-d, --debug
    Enable debug logging

-h, --help
    Show help message

-v, --version
    Display version information

hp-pkservice is a command-line utility from the HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) software suite. It controls the HP PKService daemon, a background process essential for advanced features on supported HP printers and multi-function devices. These features include network scanning (webservices), faxing, device management, and print job handling over USB or network.

PKService acts as a bridge between the Linux system and HP devices, enabling functionalities not available through standard CUPS printing. Users invoke it to install, start, stop, or query the service status. It's particularly useful for All-in-One printers requiring persistent connections for scan-to-PC or fax-to-email.

Typically run as root for installation/removal, it integrates with hp tool for printer discovery via hp-probe. Debug mode aids troubleshooting connection issues. Without PKService, features like embedded web server access may fail.

Requires root privileges for install/remove/start/stop; may conflict with firewall rules blocking printer ports; not needed for basic printing via CUPS.

Requires HPLIP package (≥3.17.10), Python 3, and libusb; install via hp-setup --install.

Check logs in ~/.hplip/; ensure printer supports webservices via hp-probe -bnet.

Introduced in HPLIP 3.17.10 (2014) for webservices support; enhanced in 3.18+ for better USB/network handling and systemd integration.

hp(1), hp-setup(1), hp-probe(1), hp-plugin(1), systemctl(1)