Few technology annoyances are as common an issue as being forced to print out a vital document only to discover that your HP printer is currently out of order. Whether it’s simply refusing to print, blinking a cryptic “offline” message, or simply sitting there and doing nothing at all, a broken printer can grind your workflow to a halt. If you are here, reading this and able to fight with “my hp printer wont print” or questioning “why is my hp printer saying its offline,” then you’re in the right place. We’ve put together the top 5 best ways to fix your HP printer not printing and getting those pages printed out again.
1. The Power Cycle: The Universal IT First Aid
Too many times, the solution is in the most straightforward manner. If your HP printer is malfunctioning, the first thing to do should always be a power cycle. The process will repair transient faults and communication problems.
How to do it
Turn off your HP printer completely. Disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer as well as the power outlet. Let it stay idle for around 60 seconds. Connect the power cord to the outlet and then to the printer. Restart the printer.
Then attempt printing again and check if this basic step has resolved the “my hp printer wont print” or your HP printer not printing issue.
2. Inspect the Connections: Wired and Wireless
Faulty or weak connections are most usually the cause of why there is a problem with printing. If your “hp printer won’t print from computer,” then one must inspect all the wireless and hard connections.
- Wired Connections: Check that your USB cable connecting your computer to your printer is correctly plugged into both computers. If networked, make sure Ethernet cable connections are correctly set.
- Wireless Connections: If your HP printer is wirelessly connected, make sure it’s set to the right network and your computer is on the same network. Your printer may lose the Wi-Fi connection, and hence go offline. Make sure to check the printer control panel to ensure the Wi-Fi status of the printer. In most cases, this cures the “why is my hp printer saying its offline” problem.
3. Clear the Print Queue: Breaking the Logjam
A print job queue can also make your HP printer fail. When a print job is jammed, no new print requests will be accepted.
How to do it
Open your computer and search for “Print Queue” or browse the controls on your printer. Any documents stuck there, right click them and choose either “Cancel” or “Delete.” After removing the queue, try printing again. This typically works if “my hp printer wont print,” although your printer indicates that it is connected.
4. Update or Reinstall the Printer Drivers: Software Harmony
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers are usually the reasons for communication issues between your HP printer and your computer, rendering your printer inactive or the “hp printer wont print from computer” error again and again.
How to fix it
Visit the HP support site, input your printer model number, and download the latest driver for your operating system. You may be prompted to uninstall previously installed drivers first before installing new ones for fresh installation.
5. Print Status and Error Messages: Reading the Clues
Your HP printer itself will typically provide good clues about why it’s not working. Be sure to take close notice of any messages on the front of your printer or flashing lights.
- Offline Status: If your computer shows “why does my hp printer say offline,” ensure the printer is on and it is plugged into the network (wired or wireless). Also, verify whether you have accidentally suspended the printer within your computer’s printer settings.
- Error Messages: Jot down any precise error messages on the printer. Error messages typically name the exact issue, i.e., paper jam, low ink, or hardware failure. Refer to your printer guide or HP support webpage for fixes for these specific errors.
Also Read :- Get the Latest HP Printer Driver: Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Conclusion
It’s infuriating enough to have a broken HP printer, but these top 5 steps in troubleshooting will be really systematic in returning you to printing speed again.
Which of these is your first action in trying to have your HP printer running again?