HP printers are extremely efficient and reliable. But when they don’t work properly and your HP printer won’t print, it’s just frustrating. Chill out, if this is happening to you—you’re not alone.
This guide explains why this is happening and takes you through step-by-step fixing procedures to get your printer printing again.
Most Frequent Reasons Why My HP Printer Won’t Print
There are countless reasons why your HP printer won’t print, ranging from connectivity issues to driver upgrades.
Some of the most frequent reasons are described briefly below:
• Connectivity Issues: The printer won’t print without any connectivity to the computer or network.
• Old or Corrupted Printer Drivers: The printer won’t print properly if drivers are old.
• Print Queue Errors: Hung or stuck print jobs will jam the printer.
• Toner or Ink Low: The printer will not print when the toner or ink level is extremely low.
• Paper Jams: Printed paper within the printer will not allow new print jobs.
•Incorrect Default Printer Setting: If another default printer is set, your HP printer will lose the request.
• Incompatibility with Software: Printing can be incompatible with security or firewall settings.
Step-by-Step Solutions
If the HP printer is not printing, then:
1. Check Printer Connection
• For USB printers: Make sure that USB is connected from the computer side and the printer side too.
• For Wireless Printers:
Make sure that the printer is on the same Wi-Fi as your computer.
Unplug the router and restart the printer.
• For Network Printers: Make sure that the network connection is correct and connectivity is not the problem.
2. Restart computer and printer
• Turn off your printer, unplug it, and keep it idle for some 60 seconds.
• Restart your computer.
• Boot up the printer and try printing.
3. Reinstall or Update Printer Drivers
It can be caused by old drivers if your HP printer is not functioning. Try the following steps to reinstall or update the drivers:
•Manually Update Drivers:
Now, go to the HP Support website.
Enter your printer model and download updated drivers.
Update drivers and restart your system.
•Reinstall the Printer:
Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click your HP printer and then select Remove Device.
Reinstall the printer with proper drivers.
4. Empty the Print Queue
Your HP printer won’t print because it may maybe jammed in a print queue. To repair:
• Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Right-click your HP printer and select See what’s printing.
• Click Cancel All Documents and terminate the print queue.
• Reboot your printer and try printing again.
5. Check Ink or Toner Levels
Won’t print when the ink is low. To scan ink levels
• Open HP Printer Assistant computer software.
• Check the ink or toner level.
• Replace low or empty cartridges and print a test.
6. Paper Jams
• Open the paper tray and check if the paper is jammed inside.
• Carefully remove the paper that was jammed and restart your printer.
7. Make Your HP Printer Default Printer
• Go to Devices and Printers > Control Panel.
• Right-click on your HP printer and choose Set as Default Printer.
• Try to print a test page.
8. Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor Tool
HP provides a diagnostic tool named HP Print and Scan Doctor. You can download the same from the HP Support website. It detects and fixes print issues automatically.
9. Disable Firewall or Security Software temporarily
Firewall settings can block printer and computer communication otherwise. Disable your firewall temporarily and try printing. If print is successful, restore firewall settings to allow printer communication.
10. Reset Factory Settings Printer
If they don’t work, then you may have no choice but to reset your printer to its original factory settings:
• Click Open: Printer Settings in the control panel.
• Reset settings or restore defaults.
• Power down the printer based on instructions from the screen.
• Replug the printer and try printing.
Final Words
If your HP printer won’t print, fear not. Using these simple print troubleshooting methods, you’ll be able to rectify most printing issues within seconds. Good connection, updating the drivers, clearing print queues, and maintaining proper ink levels will get your HP printer humming smoothly in a flash.