If your HP printer is not printing, the issue may stem from several common problems including connection issues, empty or low ink, paper jams, print queue jams, or driver problems.
Here are the key steps to troubleshoot your HP printer not printing:
1. **Check the Printer’s Power and Connection**
Ensure the printer is powered on and all cables (power and USB or network) are securely connected. For wireless printers, verify the printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network and the wireless light is steady (not flashing) indicating a strong connection[1][2][3].
2. **Check Ink and Paper Status**
Make sure the printer has enough ink or toner. If your printer has a display, check the ink status there. Also, verify that the paper tray is loaded correctly and not empty. Paper jams are a common cause of printing failure, so inspect and clear any jammed paper from the rollers[2][4].
3. **Clear the Print Queue**
Sometimes print jobs get stuck or corrupted in the queue. On your computer, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select your HP printer, open the queue, and cancel all pending print jobs. Then try printing again[3].
4. **Set the HP Printer as Default**
If your print jobs are not going to your HP printer, it might not be set as the default printer in Windows. You can check this in Control Panel > Devices and Printers and set your HP model as default[1].
5. **Restart Printer and Computer**
Power cycle your printer and computer: turn them off, unplug the printer for about 60 seconds, plug back in, and turn on both devices. This resolves many temporary glitches[3].
6. **Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers**
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause printing problems. Uninstall existing HP printer software from Control Panel and download the latest drivers from HP’s official support site for your printer model, then reinstall them[1][3].
If after these steps your HP printer still won’t print, there may be more specific hardware issues or configuration errors requiring expert assistance.
These troubleshooting tips cover the most frequent reasons your HP printer might not print: connection problems, ink and paper supply issues, stuck print jobs, and software driver problems[1][2][3][4].