Guide to Fix “ HP Printer not responding” error

Getting stuck midway between your printing job can be the most frustrating feeling in this world. There is one such error that occurs very commonly among HP printer users, “ HP Printer is not responding”.  Errors like these degrade the printing experience for the users. However, the solution to this issue is not that difficult to understand or Fix. Further, down the article you will find every common fix you can try to resolve this error.

 

Why is the HP Printer not responding?

There can be multiple reasons why your HP printer is not responding. However, before starting with the fixes, here are some of the most common that cause the error for many Hp printer users:

1. The printer driver is missing or outdated.
2. You get a faulty connection.
3. You set a bad configuration in Windows.
4. There’s something wrong with the printer.

 

“ HP Printer not responding” error Quick Fixes

If you are also dealing with the “ HP Printer not responding” error with your HP printer, then here are some quick fixes to get you started: 

 

Fix 1 (Check printer status)

Check the printer status first. Basically, this means checking the printer hardware and making sure everything is working properly.

1.   Check if the print cartridge is in good condition.

2.   Check that the paper tray is securely attached.

3.   Check for sufficient ink, paper, and toner.

4.   Check all connections and cables between the computer and the HP printer

Fix 2 (Basic troubleshooting for HP printers)

Windows operating system provides easy access to the troubleshooting menu. Run Windows Troubleshooter by following these steps.

1.     Open settings

2.     Click Devices.

3.     Click Printers and Scanners.

4.     Tap on Run the troubleshooter.

5.     Let the troubleshooter do his work.

After fixing the issue, click Apply this fix and the issue will be fixed automatically.

Fix 3 (Set your HP printer as the default printer)

If you always use the same printer, setting it as the default printer is important. HP printers often misbehave when not set as the default printer, resulting in errors like "HP printer is not responding". To set it as default:

1. Panel opened
2. Click View devices and printers.
3. Right-click the printer and select Set as the default printer.

Try to print now and continue to the next fix if the problem persists.

Fix 4 (Update the HP printer drivers)

HP printer drivers are often the root cause of the HP printer not responding issue. Each HP printer model has its own drivers, and it is critical to print that you have the correct drivers installed for your printer.

Without well-maintained drivers, the printer will not print documents when requested by the computer:

 

1. Open Device Manager
2. Expand the printer category
3. Right-click the HP printer you are using
4. Select Update driver.
5. Click Search automatically for updated driver software

 

If Windows finds one, follow the prompts to finish installing the new updated drivers. If Windows can't find one, you'll have to download and install your printer's latest and most up-to-date drivers.

Fix 5 (Repair system file)

The problem may be in the Windows operating system. Hence, you should run Windows Repair which fixes problematic system files that are affecting the normal performance of Windows OS.

Follow the steps to run SFC:

1. Open Start
2. Look for the command prompt.
3. Right-click and run as administrator
4. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

It takes a while to detect and replace the corrupted files, but once that's done, restart your PC, ensure your HP printer is connected, and try to print.

 

Final Words

To summarize, the Hp printer is not responding is a very common error. Although the error seems intimidating the solution is not that difficult. I hope the fixes mentioned above helped you resolve this error instantly.