There are a variety of options when it comes to printers, but HP printers remain the most popular. They are a perfect choice for both personal and professional use. However, like all printers, HP printers can also encounter errors.

Sometimes, the connection to the HP printer might break, or it could unexpectedly go offline. Additionally, it might refuse to print your requested file altogether.

So, what can you do if your HP printer stops working? Let's look at some troubleshooting methods to get your printer functioning on Windows.

Why Is My HP Printer Not Working on Windows?

One obvious reason could be loose printer cables. Besides, there are many other causes for your HP printer malfunctioning, as described below:

  • Faulty or outdated printer drivers: Like every other external device, your printer needs drivers to work. If these drivers are outdated or faulty, they may result in connection issues. Don't worry; we have a fix for this issue as you progress in this guide!
  • Incorrect printer setup: When you initially connect your HP printer, the HP Smart software asks you several questions. If you misconfigure the settings at that time, it can cause issues in the long run.
  • Wireless connectivity issues: If you're using a wireless HP printer, issues with your wireless connection can often cause problems.

Regardless of the reason, troubleshooting is easy, thanks to HP's variety of free tools and some Windows utilities.

1. Apply Some Quick Fixes for Troubleshooting

Below are some one-shot fixes to try to resolve minor printer issues:

  • Check the printer cables: It may sound simple, but it's a logical fix. Ensure the wires connecting your printer and computer are connected to the ports. To do so, unplug the cable first and plug it back in properly.
  • Bring your computer and the printer on the same network: This is for you if you use a wireless printer.
  • Run the Printer troubleshooter utility: Open the Windows Settings app and navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Click Run next to Printer to launch the troubleshooter utility. Once the tool identifies any problem, it'll attempt to fix it automatically.
    Printer Troubleshooter Option

2. Install the HP Smart App

HP Smart is a Windows software developed by HP, allowing you to set up and perform all printer-related functions from a single app. It lets you scan, print, and manage your HP printer from your PC.

If you've already installed the HP Smart app, we recommend you clean uninstall it first. You can take the help of any one of the best Windows app uninstallers for this purpose.

Now that you've uninstalled the app, follow the steps below to install the HP Smart app on Windows:

  1. Open the HP Smart app download link to go to its Microsoft Store page.
  2. On the Microsoft Store window, click the Install button.
    HP Smart App On Microsoft Store
  3. Open the HP Smart app and click Set Up a New Printer.
    HP Smart App Setup
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to re-set up your HP printer.

After the setup, make sure to restart your PC. This allows your system to update its settings and adequately integrate the app.

The installation steps may differ depending on your printer type (wired or wireless). If you're confused with the setup steps, please check the HP Smart app Documentation page for help.

If you receive the No printers found error, visit the HP Software and Driver website and install the required drivers for your printer.

Most of the time, the printer's wrong setup creates a mess. So, hopefully, a new setup should help you resolve the HP printer malfunctioning issues.

3. Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor Tool

Are you still having issues with your HP printer? There's another effective tool from HP that could assist you in troubleshooting; it's the HP Print and Scan Doctor utility.

The HP Print and Scan Doctor tool is a powerful troubleshooter designed to tackle printing and scanning issues for HP printers. Note that it differs from the in-built Windows Printer troubleshooter, so don't skip this!

To start with the tool, download it first from the HP Support website. After downloading it, run the executable file and click Start to run the troubleshooting tests.

HP Printer And Scan Doctor Overview

Before running the test, ensure that your computer has a stable internet connection. Any interruption could disrupt the process and may lead to incomplete diagnostic results.

From diagnosing the problem to implementing the solution, it does it all. So, run it every time you face printer-related issues on Windows.

4. Modify Your HP Printer Settings

Sometimes, even a tiny misconfiguration in your printer settings can cause it to stop working correctly.

So, what to do when your HP Printer is not responding because of wrong settings? A simple way to tackle this is by re-modifying your printer settings on Windows.

Follow the steps below to modify your printer settings:

  1. Open the HP Smart app from the start menu or its desktop shortcut.
  2. On the printer dashboard screen, click on Printer Settings.
    HP Smart App Overview
  3. A new window will open. Here, you can modify your printer's settings.

5. Remove and Re-Add Your HP Printer

Sometimes, your PC might not detect your printer, despite having the correct setup and proper cable connection. In such cases, removing and re-adding your printer can resolve any connection issues.

Here's how you can re-add your printer:

  1. Press Win + Q to launch the Windows search app. Type Add a printer or scanner in the text field.
  2. On the Printers & scanners window, click on your printer's name.
  3. Click the Remove button to disconnect your printer and refresh the connection.
    HP Printer Settings On Windows 11
  4. After removing the printer, click Add a printer or scanner to re-add your printer. Alternatively, you can use the HP Smart app again to connect your printer.

If it still doesn't work in your case, it might be better to try the last method.

6. Restart All the HP Printer Services

A printer works because of three components: printer drivers, proper cable connection, and Windows services. If any of them are missing, your HP printer won't work.

You've already checked the drivers and cable connection in the previous steps, so now, let's learn how to restart the printer services as a last resort:

  1. Open the Windows Services app on your computer.
  2. Find the HP Print Scan Doctor Service in the list, right-click on it, and then click Restart.
    HP Print Scan Doctor Service
  3. Find the below-given services one by one, and restart each of them in the same way:
  • Printer Spooler service
  • Printer extension and notifications service
  • Print Workflow service

If the services mentioned above stop running, your printer might stop working correctly. So, giving them a quick restart can often resolve any issues and get your printer back in the game.

What If You Own a Wireless HP Printer?

Fortunately, the methods we've discussed above work for wireless printers as well. However, remember that wireless printers rely on a network connection. So, if your printer is still not working, the main issue might be your network connection.

For internet-related issues, you may want to read how to fix Wi-Fi issues on Windows for help. Also, ensure your printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they're not, try restarting your router and then connect them correctly.

When you're troubleshooting, try to keep your wireless printer close to your router. If the printer is too far away, the Wi-Fi signal might get weak, which can cause connectivity problems.

HP Printer Not Working on Windows Issue, Fixed

Printer problems can be annoying, especially when you need to print essential documents quickly. But as we've seen in this guide, most printer problems can be fixed easily.

Try these solutions individually, starting with the easy fixes and moving on to the advanced ones. Eventually, you'll indeed have your printer up and running quickly.