HP Printer Troubleshooting Guide

This is a printer troubleshooting guide for HP Printers that will assist in the process of solving HP printer problems and providing assistance to troubleshoot them.

HP printer troubleshooting steps

Here are a few simple instructions that can be followed to assist you in the process of troubleshooting the HP printer issues.

With these simple steps, you would be able to remove any HP printer problem and continue to use the printer without any hassle. Ensure the HP printer is set as the default printer. Follow the instructions to complete the process of setting the printer as default.

    1. Move over to the device the HP printer is connected to and open the Settings app.
    2. Then, open the Control Panel and choose Printers & Devices.
    3. Following this, locate the HP printer using the model name and right-click.
    4. From the dropdown menu, choose “Set as default printer”.
    5. Once this change has been applied to the printer, it will indicate a green checkmark.
    6. This is an indication that the HP printer has been set as the default printer.

Update faulty and outdated drivers with the HP Driver Easy Application

When there is an issue with the HP printer that is causing it not to print in colour or if you are facing any other issues as well, it is clear that one of the main issues is with the HP printer driver.

Follow these steps below to assist in the troubleshooting of the HP printer and allow it to continue to work effectively without any issues.

  1. Move over to the device and type out “run”. This will cause a dialogue box to open.
  2. In the typing space in the dialogue box enter “devmgmt.msc” followed by clicking OK.
  3. This will allow the device to open the Windows Device Manager.
  4. Locate Print Queues and double-click on it to further expand it to view other options.
  5. A list of printer names will appear. Right-click the printer name after identifying it.
  6. Choose “Update Driver” from the list that appears.
  7. This will initiate the download and following this, complete all the instructions as a part of the installation process of the HP printer driver.

Check HP Printer Spooler Error and troubleshoot it

When there is an issue with the HP printer that is causing it not to print in color or if you are facing any other issues as well, it is clear that one of the main issues is with the HP printer driver.

Follow these steps below to assist in the troubleshooting of the HP printer and allow it to continue to work effectively without any issues.

  1. Move over to the device and type out “run”. This will cause a dialogue box to open.
  2. In the typing space in the dialogue box enter “devmgmt.msc” followed by clicking OK.
  3. This will allow the device to open the Windows Device Manager.
  4. Locate Print Queues and double-click on it to further expand it to view other options.
  5. A list of printer names will appear. Right-click the printer name after identifying it.
  6. Choose “Update Driver” from the list that appears.
  7. This will initiate the download and following this, complete all the instructions as a part of the installation process of the HP printer driver.

Clear Printer Command Traffic

There are times that the HP printer is unable to function and accept print commands because of the existing prints that have been sent earlier. The backlog prints must be removed for the printer to continue to functions properly. One way to make the change and allow the printer to function properly is to re-command the printer.

Here are the instructions that should be followed to remove the previous queues and to allow the printer to function normally.

  1. Move over to the device and click on the Windows option.
  2. From there, choose Settings and then select the Control Panel.
  3. Select Printers & Devices and locate the HP printer icon.
  4. From here, select “What’s Printing”.
  5. This will give you a list of all the print commands. Click on the Printer menu and “Cancel all documents”.
  6. After this, click “Yes.” This will remove all the pending print files and will allow the printer to function effectively without any issues.

Complete basic connect checks

There will be times the HP printer might face an issue as simple as connectivity issues. For this, the below instructions should be followed to make sure all the connections are intact.

  1. Check if the power cord is connected properly to the rear end of the printer.
  2. Make sure there is no issue with the power supply socket.
  3. To be sure, turn off the printer, remove the power cord and connect it back by first connecting it to the printer and then the power supply.
  4.  It is important to note that the power cord should be connected directly to the power supply with no attachments or extensions.
  5. Once the power cord is connected, turn it on. Allow it to remain idle for a few minutes and then take a quick print test to check if the HP printer is working normally.

Check if there are any hardware issues and ensure that all duplicate parts are removed and their original parts have been connected back.

If issues with the printer continue to prevail, then the following steps must be continued to remove the printer issues.

  1. Complete the basic checks to make sure the basic printer issues are removed.
  2. Make sure there is sufficient paper in the paper feeding tray.
  3. Check if there is sufficient ink in the printer cartridges.
  4. Ensure there are no paper jams with the printer. Check the paper feeding tray and check the access door.
  5. Remove the jammed paper if there is any. Make sure the paper is yanked out and there are no bits of paper stuck inside.
  6.  Try replacing the printer cartridges as they could be out of date.
  7. Check if there are any issues with the printer parts. Replace it if needed.

HP Printer troubleshooting problem steps to follow in case of Windows 10 and Mac device.

Troubleshooting Mac

Complete a few checks if the HP printer is connected to an active wireless connection.

  • Make sure the HP printer connection is stable. Check if the printer is connected to a stable connection.
  • Check if the USB cable is connected. It has to be connected and it has to be intact.
  • If there is an issue with the USB cable, replace and remove it. Try using another cable.
  • Restart the printer. For this, remove the power cord while the printer is turned off.
  • Yank the power cord from the rear end of the printer and then from the power supply.
  • Allow it to remain idle for a few minutes and connect the power cord back to the printer.
  • Then, back to the power supply and turn it back on.

Check if the HP printer and the error have been removed and the printer can function effectively.

Complete the below steps to complete the issues of the printer.

  • Click the Apple icon from the menu and choose System Preference.
  • From the menu that appears, “Printers & Scanners”.
  • Right-click on the printer, and then select “Reset printing system”.
  • Select “Quit” from the Window.
  • Once the process is completed, select OK after entering the details of the administrator.

Restart your HP printer device and follow the steps to restart your device

  1. While the printer is turned off, remove the power cord front the rear end of the printer.
  2. Then, remove the power cord of the power supply and allow the printer to remain idle for a few minutes.
  3. Turn off the Mac device by shutting it down and turning off the wifi router.
  4. Once all the devices have been turned off, proceed to connect it back on.
  5. Turn the printer back on, by connecting the power cord back to the power supply.

Troubleshooting Windows 10

  1. Turn off the printer and turn it back on: This is one of the first steps that have to be completed to remove the printer issues. To complete this step, turn off the printer by pulling the power cord out of the rear end of the printer. Then, pull out the power cord from the power supply. Wait for a few minutes and allow it to remain idle for a few minutes. Connect the power cord back to the printer and power it back on.
  2. Check the cables and make sure the cables are intact: If USB cables are connecting the printer and device, remove the USB cable and connect it back again.
  3. Check the wireless connection: Make sure there is an active wireless connection. Make sure the connection is stable. Use an alternative network connection to make sure it is the issue of the wireless connection.
  4. Check if the printer driver is updated: Make sure the printer driver is updated. Check if the device has to be updated as well. Download and install the printer driver.

Follow the instructions to complete the download and the installation of the HP Easy Driver Download application.

  1. Download the HP Easy Driver Download application and proceed to install it by following the on-screen instructions.
  2. Once the installation is complete, open the application and click the “Scan Now” option.
  3. Allow the HP Easy Driver Download software to run a quick check on the HP printer.
  4. Follow the next step to download the updated printer driver.
  5. Click Update and the update will be initiated.

Cancel stuck commands: At times the printer will fail to function when there is an issue with the existing long list of the previous command. For this to be removed the printer will have to undergo a few changes in the settings.

  1. Open the start icon and choose the Control Panel.
  2. Choose Printers & Drivers and then locate the HP printer.
  3. From the list, right-click the printer and choose Print.
  4. Then open the printer menu and select “Cancel all documents.”
  5. This will remove all the pending prints from the list.

Complete a quick check to make sure the pending issues of the printer is removed.

The above steps should be able to assist in troubleshooting the HP printer issues. All the steps must be followed accurately to remove the printer issues. If issues continue to prevail, then you have the option of getting in touch with our experts. They will assist you in the process of removing the issues from the printer and allow it to function in no time.

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