You wonder why is your HP printer not printing. In this article, the focus is HP printer not printing and other problems. Well, according to investigation, there are several possible factors that can cause the HP printer problems. This article offers a list you can use to troubleshoot any HP printer.
Firstly, you should make sure that your printer has sufficient paper, ink or toner and without paper jam or network problem.
Troubleshooting: HP Printer connection cables
You should check the connection cables between the wall power to the HP printer power connector. Also, perform a cabling check from the printer to computer. When you plug the USB cable into the computer, make sure the notification is displayed on the taskbar on the screen. You should ensure that the network cable runs properly for the HP printer. Additionally, check that the lights on the front of the HP printer are on.
If they are not lighted, plug the printer power cord and turn on the printer. You can try restarting the HP printer by turning it off and unplug the power cord as well. If the light problem persists, the printer should be tested with a different power cord or an HP authorized service should be contacted.
Troubleshooting: Update or check HP printer driver
Run Windows Update
Update your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer using Windows Update.
- In Windows, search for and open Check for updates.
- If there are any available updates, they begin automatically.
- After the updates install, restart your computer when prompted.
Update specific drivers ( ex. printer) in Device Manager
If a specific hardware component (such as the touchpad, video display, printer, or keyboard) is not working correctly, or is missing functionality, update the component driver in Device Manager.
- In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
- In the list of devices, expand the device that you want to update.
- Right-click the device, and then click Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for drivers, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer to complete the installation.
Use Diagnose & Fix in HP Smart to repair common printing issues (Windows, macOS)
Run this troubleshooting tool built into the HP Smart app for Mac and Windows computers if you are experiencing issues with your printer.
Diagnose & Fix performs the following troubleshooting actions:
- Clears print jobs stuck in the queue, resumes any paused print jobs in the queue, and resolves other print queue errors.
- Checks if the printer is offline and reconnects it to the network, if possible.
- Resolves print spooler errors.
- Troubleshoots why the printer is not found on the network (Windows only).
- Checks for and installs any available driver updates (Windows only).
- Connects the printer to the correct port if there is a port mismatch (Windows only).
Install the HP Smart app (Windows, Mac)
Install the HP Smart app and set up the printer with a computer running Windows or macOS. Do the following if you are setting up the printer on a Wi-Fi network.
- Place the printer and the computer near the Wi-Fi router.
- Turn on Wi-Fi on your computer and connect to your network. If the computer is connected to the network with an Ethernet cable, temporarily disconnect the cable and use the Wi-Fi connection during the setup.
- Enable Bluetooth on the computer so that HP Smart can detect the printer during the setup.
- Download the HP Smart app from HP Smart – Microsoft Store (Windows) or HP Smart – Mac App Store (macOS). If you are prompted to sign in with Microsoft to use the app across devices, you can sign in or click No, thanks to continue. NOTE: Disconnect from a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection before downloading.
- If you are setting up HP Smart for the first time, you must create or sign in to an HP account to access all printer functions.
- In HP Smart, click Add Printer or the plus sign to search for the printer, and then follow the instructions to complete the setup.
If the printer is not found during a Wi-Fi setup, restore Wi-Fi setup mode on the printer, restart the printer, close then re-open HP Smart, and then try adding the printer again.
Run Diagnose & Fix
Locate and run Diagnose & Fix in the HP Smart app for Mac and Windows computers.
- Open the HP Smart app, and then open Diagnose & Fix.
- Windows: Click the Diagnose & Fix icon in the bottom left corner.
- macOS: Click your printer, click Printers in the top menu bar, and then click Diagnose & Fix.
- Click the Icon in the lower left (Windows), Select Diagnose & Fix From the Printers Menu (MacOS)
- Click Start. (NOTE: Do not close HP Smart while the troubleshooter is running.)
- Follow any instructions provided if any issues are found.
- If the issue is not resolved, select one of the additional resources, or go to HP Customer Support and search for the specific issue or error message you are experiencing.
What are the requirements to use Diagnose & Fix?
Review operating system and app version requirements for the HP Smart Diagnose & Fix feature.
- An HP printer that supports HP Smart (To find out if your printer is compatible, go to Mobile printing solutions for HP printers.)
- HP Smart app version 100 and later (Windows) or version 5.5.2 and later (macOS)
- A compatible device running the following operating system versions:
- Windows 11 version 21H2 and later
- Windows 10 version 1809 and later
- macOS 10.14 and later
Resolving Print jobs stuck in queue and other printing problems using the HP Print and Scan Doctor
- Windows: Download HP Print and Scan Doctor. (HP Printer Troubleshooting Tool)
- Mac: Use Diagnose & Fix through HP Smart. Learn more here
- Run HPPSdr.exe from the download location on your computer.
- Once HP Print and Scan Doctor is open, click Start, and then choose your printer.
- If your printer is not listed, turn it on and click Retry.
- If there is a connection problem, follow the instructions in the tool.
- Click Fix Printing.