HP Printer Not Printing? 10 Quick Fixes

Quick Fix

Turn your HP printer off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then clear the print queue by going to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners > your printer > Open Queue > Cancel All Documents. Try printing again.

Understanding HP Printer Problems

When your HP printer won’t print, jobs might get stuck in the queue, the printer shows as offline, or nothing happens when you click print. This affects all printer types – inkjet, laser, and all-in-ones.

Common causes include connection issues (USB or WiFi), outdated drivers, stuck print queue, and low or empty ink/toner. Sometimes Windows updates can disrupt printer functionality.

HP printers are generally reliable, and most issues can be resolved without professional service using these methods.

Method 1: Restart Printer and Computer

Turn off your HP printer using the power button
Unplug the power cord from the printer
Wait 60 seconds
Plug the power cord back in
Turn the printer on
Restart your computer
Try printing a test page

Method 2: Clear Print Queue

Press Windows + I to open Settings
Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Click on your HP printer
Click Open print queue
Click the three dots > Cancel all
Wait for queue to clear
Try printing again

Method 3: Set Printer as Default

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Turn off Let Windows manage my default printer
Click on your HP printer
Click Set as default
The printer should now show as default
Try printing your document

Method 4: Check Printer Connection

USB: Unplug and replug the USB cable firmly
Try a different USB port on your computer
Try a different USB cable if available
WiFi: Check printer’s WiFi indicator light
Print a network configuration page from printer menu
Ensure printer is on the same network as computer
Restart your router if WiFi connection is unstable

Method 5: Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

Download HP Print and Scan Doctor from HP’s website
Run the downloaded tool
Select your printer from the list
Click Fix Printing
The tool will diagnose and fix common issues
Follow any additional prompts
Test printing after repairs complete

Method 6: Update or Reinstall Drivers

Press Windows + X > Device Manager
Expand Print queues
Right-click your HP printer > Update driver
Select Search automatically
If that doesn’t help, right-click > Uninstall device
Download latest driver from HP’s support website
Install the downloaded driver and restart

Method 7: Restart Print Spooler Service

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter
Find Print Spooler in the list
Right-click it and select Restart
If it’s stopped, click Start
Double-click Print Spooler
Set Startup type to Automatic
Click OK and try printing

Method 8: Check Ink/Toner Levels

Check the printer’s display panel for ink/toner warnings
Open HP Smart app or printer software on your computer
Look for ink/toner level indicators
Replace any empty or low cartridges
After replacing, run a printhead cleaning if print quality is poor
Try printing a test page

Preventing Future Printing Issues

Keep printer drivers updated
Print at least once a week to prevent ink from drying
Use genuine HP ink/toner cartridges
Keep the printer firmware updated
Don’t let paper sit in tray for months – it can absorb moisture

FAQ

Why does my HP printer say offline?

Offline status means Windows can’t communicate with the printer. Check USB/WiFi connections, restart both devices, and ensure the printer isn’t in sleep mode. Right-click the printer and select “Use Printer Online” if that option appears.

Why does my printer print blank pages?

Blank pages usually indicate clogged printheads or empty ink. Run the printhead cleaning utility from HP printer software. If ink levels show full but pages are blank, the cartridges may be defective or dried out.

Can I print from my phone to HP printer?

Yes, install the HP Smart app on your phone. Ensure your phone and printer are on the same WiFi network. The app will find your printer and allow you to print photos and documents.

Why is my HP printer printing slowly?

Slow printing can be caused by high-quality print settings, WiFi congestion, or low memory on the printer. Try printing in draft mode, connect via USB, or restart the printer to clear its memory.

Why won’t my printer print in color?

Check that color printing is selected in print settings (not grayscale). Verify color ink cartridges aren’t empty. Some documents default to black-and-white – check the application’s print settings.

Should I turn my printer off when not in use?

For inkjet printers, leaving them on in sleep mode is better – it runs periodic maintenance to prevent clogs. Laser printers can be turned off without issues. Most modern printers use minimal power in sleep mode.