HP Printer Troubleshooting: Ultimate Guide to Fixing Issues

HP Printer Troubleshooting: Ultimate Guide to Fixing Issues

/ Sed Galope

HP printers are generally reliable and user-friendly, but like any device, they occasionally experience problems or errors. Common issues with HP printers on PCs include:

  • The printer is not turning on.
  • The printer is not printing properly.
  • Paper jamming or misalignment.
  • Loud noises are coming from the printer when printing.
  • Slow printing speed.
  • Connection issues.

Other problems may be caused by outdated software or firmware updates. The article below provides the best solution for troubleshooting HP Printer issues and errors.

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HP Printer Troubleshooter – How to Fix HP Printing Problems

Set HP as the Default Printer

One of the easiest Hp printers troubleshooting techniques is to set the printers as default. This way, every printing task would be sent to the Hp printer, which also helps avoid the offline issue. Be it any hp printer, this quick-fix solution would work. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the control panel from Windows main menu. Type control in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the list option to launch the menu.

windows search control panel

Step 2: Select the devices and printers option in the control panel menu.

Devices and printers

Step 3: In the next window, select the HP printer from the list of devices and right-click it to select the option of the set as default printer from the context menu.

set as default printer

Update HP Drivers

Updating the hp printer driver to compatible operating system versions is another way to troubleshoot the avoid or resolve errors confronted by most hp printers. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the device manager from the run utility. Click Windows key+ R, and in the run command box, type devmgmt.msc and click ok to continue. It will launch the device manager menu.

devmgmt msc

Step 2: In the device manager window, navigate to the option of print queues and expand it. Locate the option of printers.

Step 3: In the list of printers, select the HP printer and right-click it to select update driver from the context menu.

update printer driver

Check for HP Printer Spooler Error

Fixing printer spooler service errors can also act as troubleshooting for resolving the Hp printer errors. For issues ranging from basic printing, wrong paper tray, or other print jobs, setting spooler service, i.e., restarting the service, can help the pursuit. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Click Windows key+ R to launch the Run utility. Type services.msc in the run command box, and click ok to continue. It will launch the Windows services window.

run services msc

Step 2: In the services menu, locate the printer spooler option. Right-click it to select the option of the stop from the context menu.

printer spooler service
stop print spooler service

Step 3: In the next step, launch Windows file explorer via the Windows key+ E shortcut keys. And type C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printer in the address bar. Click ok to continue.

Step 4: Clear all pending files in the printer queue in the next window. Restart the printer spooler service by following the steps mentioned above.

start print spooler service

Clear Previous Print Command Traffic

A stuck print queue in Hp printers is an error that can be troubleshot by removing the printing queue for starting at least basic printing. This can be done without any complex Hp support. Here is how you can perform the action.

Step 1: Launch Windows settings from the main menu. Type settings in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the list option to launch the menu.

windows settings

Step 2: In the settings menu, select devices, followed by selecting the option of printers and scanners in the left pane. Double-click the option to launch.

windows settings devices option

Step 3: In the next window, from the list of printers, select the HP printer and click the option of the open queue.

select hp printer
open queue for hp printer

Step 5: In the pop-up queue menu, select all the stuck printing queues and right-click to select the cancel option.

cancel all print queues

Disable Proxy/VPN Connection

If proxy servers/VPN are being used on the device and an external printer (HP) is connected may result in various Hp printer errors. Disabling the proxy server settings may resolve the issue. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Type settings in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option in the list to launch the menu.

windows settings

Step 2: In the settings menu, navigate to the Network & Internet Proxy option. Double-click the option to launch the menu.

Step 2: In the Network & Internet Proxy window, toggle off (switch off) the button under the option of the proxy server.

disable

Change Printer Properties

Changing printer properties may act as a troubleshooting quick-fix solution to resolve various HP printer errors. Disabling SNMP in port properties can troubleshoot the printer error in this context. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the control panel from the run utility. Click the Windows key+ R shortcut keys from the keyboard. Type the control panel in the run command box and click ok to continue.

windows search control panel

Step 2: Select the devices and printers option in the control panel menu.

Devices and printers

Step 3: In the next window, select the targeted HP printer and right-click it to select printer properties from the context menu.

Step 4: In the properties window, navigate to the ports tab and click the button to configure port.

Step 5: Under the section of LPR settings, Uncheck the box for the option of SNMP status enabled. Click ok to continue.

enable snp settings

Regularly Run Maintenance Checks on Your HP Printer

Regular maintenance checks on an HP printer are essential to keep the device operating at peak performance. This helps maintain the quality of prints and avoids costly repairs or replacements that may arise due to neglect. Maintenance checks include cleaning the paper path, checking for driver updates, updating firmware, and properly aligning ink cartridges.

Frequently Asked Questions About HP Printer Troubleshooter

What is HP Laserjet?

HP Laserjet is a brand of laser printers produced by HP Inc. These printers are capable of producing high-quality prints at exceptional speeds, making them perfect for offices and other commercial purposes. The wide range of models available makes it easy to find the right model for your needs and budget.

How do I fix my HP laser printer?

When troubleshooting your HP Laser Printer, there are several steps you can take to find the source of the issue. Try running a test print to see if it works. If the printer is still not working properly, check the general settings in your printer driver. Ensure the paper size and type settings are correct, as well as the page size, margins, and other parameters.

Why do HP laser printers stop working?

HP laser printers can suddenly stop working due to a variety of reasons. It is important to identify the exact cause to resolve the issue. Common causes include paper jams, low toner levels, defective cartridges or drums, fuser unit failure, or dirty printer rollers. Sometimes, a power surge may also be responsible for printer malfunction.

Why can’t I connect to my network print server?

Other possible causes of this issue include problems with your printer, the server software, and settings, or even a limitation of your operating system. For example, if you are using an older version of Windows, some newer printers may not be compatible with the print spooler service, meaning it won’t connect.

What is an HP printer folder?

HP Printer Folders are a way to organize and store your documents, photos, music, videos, and other files on an HP printer. This makes it easier for you to access the files you need quickly and easily. Also, HP printers provide cloud storage services that allow you to store even more files in the same folder.

What is the HP Smart App?

The HP Smart App is a powerful tool that simplifies printing and scanning. It provides easy access to your printer, scanner, and other devices right from your mobile device or computer. With this app, you can easily change settings and monitor print jobs remotely. It also offers useful features like photo editing and cloud storage integration.

Sed Galope
Meet the author

Sedfrey is an experienced writer and editor. He's also a PC hardware and gaming enthusiast. In his spare time, he enjoys reading about the latest innovations in the PC market and finding fixes to hardware and software errors.