How to Fix HP Printer Network Printer Authentication Error on Windows 10?

HP printers are widely used for home and office printing due to their wireless capabilities and reliable performance. However, many users experience a Network Printer Authentication Error on Windows 10, which prevents the computer from connecting to the printer over Wi-Fi. This issue usually occurs due to incorrect credentials, outdated drivers, Windows credential conflicts, or network configuration problems.

What is HP Printer Network Printer Authentication Error?

The HP Printer Network Authentication Error appears when Windows 10 fails to verify the printer’s network credentials. This typically happens when:

The printer password was changed
Router settings were updated
Windows credentials are outdated
Printer drivers are corrupted
Network sharing settings are misconfigured

When this error occurs, your printer may show as “Offline” or “Access Denied” in Windows.

Common Causes of HP Printer Authentication Error

Understanding the root cause helps fix the issue faster:

Incorrect Wi-Fi password entered in printer setup
Windows Credential Manager storing old login details
Printer firmware not updated
Outdated HP printer drivers
Router reset or IP address change
Firewall blocking printer communication

Step-by-Step Fix for HP Printer Authentication Error on Windows 10

1. Restart Printer and Router

A simple restart can resolve temporary network conflicts.

Turn off your HP printer
Unplug your Wi-Fi router for 60 seconds
Turn everything back on
Reconnect the printer to Wi-Fi

2. Remove and Re-Add the Printer in Windows 10

Open Control Panel
Go to Devices and Printers
Right-click your HP printer
Select Remove Device
Click Add a Printer and reconnect

This refreshes authentication settings.

3. Clear Windows Credential Manager

Sometimes Windows stores outdated login credentials.

Press Windows + R
Type control and press Enter
Open Credential Manager
Remove saved HP printer credentials
Restart your computer

Then reconnect the printer using correct Wi-Fi credentials.

4. Update HP Printer Drivers

Outdated drivers often cause authentication issues.

Open Device Manager
Expand Print Queues
Right-click your HP printer
Select Update Driver

You can also download the latest drivers from official HP support resources.

How to Login and Setup HP Printer Network on Windows 10

Proper login and setup ensure secure authentication.

Connect printer to Wi-Fi using printer control panel
Install HP printer software on Windows
Sign in to your HP account (if required)
Add printer via HP Smart app or Windows Settings

Make sure you use the correct Wi-Fi password during setup.

How to Download and Install HP Printer Software

Proper installation prevents authentication conflicts.

Remove old HP printer software
Restart Windows 10
Download the correct driver for your printer model
Run installer as Administrator
Follow on-screen setup instructions
Connect printer when prompted

After installation, verify printer status shows Ready instead of Offline.

How to Activate HP Printer Services

Some HP printers require activation via HP account login.

Install HP Smart
Add your printer
Sign in with HP account
Complete printer activation steps

Activation ensures firmware updates and remote features work properly.

Update HP Printer Firmware to Fix Authentication Errors

Firmware updates improve security and network compatibility.

Open HP Smart app
Select your printer
Check for firmware updates
Install available updates

Outdated firmware can block secure authentication.

HP Printer Not Working After Router Reset?

If your router was reset, the printer may lose Wi-Fi settings.

To fix:

Restore printer network defaults
Reconnect to new Wi-Fi network
Re-enter updated password
Reinstall printer on Windows 10

This resolves most authentication failures after network changes.

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If the error persists:

Assign a static IP address to printer
Disable firewall temporarily for testing
Ensure both printer and PC are on same network
Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Reset printer network settings

HP Printer Customer Support and Service Options

If none of the solutions work, you may need professional help.

HP customer support can assist with:

Network authentication configuration
Firmware troubleshooting
Driver reinstallation support
Printer hardware service

Before contacting support, note your printer model and Windows version.

Preventing HP Printer Authentication Errors in Future

To avoid future network issues:

Do not frequently change Wi-Fi password
Keep printer firmware updated
Update Windows regularly
Avoid installing multiple printer drivers
Maintain stable router settings

Conclusion

The HP Printer Network Authentication Error on Windows 10 can be frustrating, but it is usually caused by incorrect credentials, outdated drivers, or network configuration changes. By clearing stored credentials, reinstalling printer drivers, updating firmware, and reconnecting the printer properly, you can quickly restore printing functionality.