How to Fix HP Printer Drivers Not Working Properly
Are you struggling with an unavailable printer driver or a problem (1–888–570–1595) HP printer not responding on your Windows PC? This problem is annoying because it prevents you from printing, scanning or copying documents. However, there is nothing to worry about. Fortunately, we have the solution to the problem. After following the various methods explained in the article, you can fix the problem and get the HP printer driver working.
Why won’t my HP printer connect to my computer?
To solve the problem, restart the PC and the printer. This will erase possible errors. Then restore the network settings and update the printer driver. Once done, try to connect the printer. If that doesn’t work or you don’t know how to update the printer driver, read on.
Best Ways to Fix HP Printer Not Working
Best Ways to Download HP Printer Driver
Below we mention reliable and tested ways to download, install and update HP printer driver in Windows 11.10.
Method 1: Update the HP Universal Print Driver
The HP printer driver unavailable error usually indicates that your printer is missing, corrupted, or not recognized by the computer. To fix the driver error on the printer, we will try updating the driver through Device Manager. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press Windows + X > select Device Manager from the context menu.
- Now go to the “Print Queues” or “Printers” section > double click to expand the category and find the HP printer.
- Right-click HP Printer > Update Driver from the context menu.
- Select “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
- Now wait for Windows to find and install the latest HP driver. The process will run in the background if an update is available. However, if you receive the message that the best driver is running, we suggest that you check your computer for Windows Update.
- After updating the driver, restart the PC to apply the changes.
Method 2: Download and install the HP printer driver via Windows Update
- Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
- Navigate to the “Update & Security” option and click on it.
- Click Windows Update in the left pane > “Check for updates”.
- Wait for Windows to check for the latest updates available for your PC.
- If available, you will receive the Download and Installation Link message. Click it to update.
- Allow the process to complete, then reboot the system to apply the changes.
Method 3: Update HP printer driver automatically using Advanced Driver Updater
Manually downloading and updating drivers requires technical skill, time and patience, and I don’t like it. Also, the risk of downloading and installing incorrect drivers is greater. Therefore, the best tool to update drivers is recommended to avoid facing such issues by using Advanced Driver Updater.
- Download and install Advanced Driver Updater.
- Run the best driver update tool for HP printer installation.
- Click Start Scan Now.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
- Check the scan results and update the HP printer driver. If you are using the FREE version, click Update Driver and update the printer driver. However, if you are using the registered version, click Update All to update all outdated drivers.
- Restart the system to apply the changes.
Fix an HP printer that won’t print
HP printers are among the most popular brands on the market today. Its performance and price make it an excellent choice for many homes or offices. HP printers offer both reliable performance and easy printer setup.
Unfortunately, there will be times when you experience printing errors from your HP printer. This can be problematic, especially if you need to do a lot of print jobs. This article will look at some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue.
Method 1 — Perform Basic Troubleshooting
As with any problem with any technology, the first step is to troubleshoot. The HP printer not printing could be due to several reasons. Therefore, basic troubleshooting will help isolate any issues like if you are experiencing a paper jam, paper tray issue, ink level issues, driver error, etc.
When you find that your HP printer is not printing, try the following:
- Check the HP printer connection status of the printer and your PC. Make sure the devices are properly connected. You should also check if your network or USB cable is not broken.
If the USB cable is faulty, you can get a new one to ensure a better connection. Also, be sure to check your printer’s wireless connection. Check if the Bluetooth wireless connection is working or not offline.
2. Restart your HP printer. Turn it off and unplug the power cord. Leave it for a few minutes before plugging it back in.
Some newer HP 2021 printers also require a Wi-Fi connection. Therefore, you need to check the status of your Wi-Fi connection.
3. Restart your computer. Restarting will help ensure that there are no system errors preventing your HP printer from printing.
Sometimes your PC will also read that your printer is offline, so make sure that’s not the case. Be sure to diagnose correctly. You may need to connect to the same Wi-Fi connection.
4. Check if your HP printer has the correct ink levels. If you are using a printer that needs ink or toner, make sure you have enough ink or toner.
Some newer HP printer models typically display the ink level or toner quantity status on the front display of the HP printer. Also, your ink lights will flash if you need to add more.
If this is the problem, you may need to install new ink cartridges. Follow the instructions on the website or your PC’s manual on how to do this.
5. Check if there is enough paper in the paper tray. If you have enough paper, you should also check if you are not experiencing a paper jam or jammed documents.
If you do have a paper jam it is best to consult the manufacturer’s manual on paper removal as there is a risk that you will destroy your internal mechanisms or the paper feeder if this is not done correctly.
6. Check the lights on your printer. An HP Deskjet printer comes with indicator lights, which will give you an idea of what your printer is doing. Consult your user manual to decode and continue your print jobs when the meaning of the lights is unclear.
7. If your printer is not printing color correctly, it may be due to a deep cleaning that is required. You can follow the instructions for cleaning a printhead using your manufacturer’s website.
Correct color printing is a crucial role that printers must fulfill to ensure its proper functioning. Check to see if your machine is printing black correctly, this will also help you isolate any problems.
To read more detailed explanations and steps on how to repair printer connections, click here.
Method 2 — Set Default HP Printer
Whenever you try to print something, your PC automatically assigns those print jobs to the designated default printer. Sometimes you may experience an HP printer not printing when you have not set it as the default printer or selected it as the printer to print. Setting it as the default printer will also help avoid this problem if you have a new printer.
Follow these steps to designate the HP printer as the default printer.
On your keyboard, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. In the run dialog, type “control” and press enter to open the control panel.
In Control Panel, select Devices and Printers.
Next, locate your HP printer in the printers section and right-click on it. Select Set as default printer. Click Yes if prompted.
You will now find a check mark under the HP printer icon; this means it is your default printer.
Method 3 — Cancel all HP print jobs
Sometimes you will come across an HP printer not printing error when the print queue is stuck. This can happen when too many print jobs are lined up, causing your printer to delay processing the print request.
To fix the HP printer problem, clear the print queue. This will also allow new print jobs to arrive faster. https://www.quickohelp.com/hp-printer-not-working
On your keyboard, press Windows logo + R to open the Run dialog box. In the run dialog, type control and press enter to open the control panel.
In Control Panel, select Devices and Printers.
Devices and printers
In the list of print devices, locate your HP printer. Note: Be sure to pick the one you’re having trouble with. Right-click on the appropriate HP printer and select “See what prints” from the drop-down list.
This will open a new page. Click on the “Printer” menu item in the top right and select “Open as administrator” from the drop-down menu.
Then open the “Printer” menu item again at the top right and select “Cancel all documents”.
If a confirmation dialog window opens, you must confirm that you want to clear all documents from the print queue by choosing “Yes”
See if this resolves the HP printer error trying to reprint your document(s). If the HP printer does not print, try the following method.
Method 4 — Update Your HP Printer Driver
Outdated drivers will cause problems when trying to print again. You need to update your drivers for it to work again. To do this, manually download, install, and troubleshoot your printer driver or use third-party software to automate the process. In this example, we will look at the manual way to update your HP printer driver.
A printer driver is a program that allows software to communicate with your HP printer. Each brand of printer has specific software. Therefore, it is crucial to download only from HP official page.
In addition, each operating system may have a specific driver. Make sure to avoid downloading the wrong printer driver to avoid further problems. When your HP printer has outdated drivers, it will not work properly and the printer will not print until the update has been applied.
- Go to Control Panel by pressing Windows logo + R on your keyboard. In the run dialog, type Control and press “Enter” on the keyboard.
- In the control panel, click on “Hardware and sound”
- Next, click Device Manager to view all connected hardware on your machine. Locate the “Printers” drop-down menu, which will contain the HP printer.
- Right-click on the HP printer you want to update and click “Update Driver”.
- Choose whether you want to search for drivers automatically or manually. Unless you have already downloaded the latest drivers, you can automatically choose them and store them on an external drive.
- If Windows cannot find new drivers, go to the manufacturer’s website and download them before installing them manually.
- Finally, run the installer to complete the setup.
If you encounter any errors while updating your drivers, click here to read our guide to fixing printer driver issues.