HP network printers are designed to deliver reliable wireless printing for homes and offices. However, users may sometimes encounter the error “HP Printer Driver Not Responding” when trying to print over Wi-Fi or a local network. This issue usually occurs due to outdated drivers, network connectivity problems, corrupted printer software, or incorrect configuration settings.
What Does “HP Printer Driver Not Responding” Mean?
When your HP network printer driver is not responding, it means your computer is unable to properly communicate with the printer through the installed driver. The printer may appear offline, stuck in queue, or fail to print documents entirely.
This problem can occur on Windows or Mac systems and is commonly related to:
- Corrupted or outdated HP printer drivers
- Network connection interruptions
- Incorrect printer configuration
- Firewall or antivirus blocking communication
- Windows print spooler service errors
Common Causes of HP Network Printer Driver Not Responding
Understanding the root cause helps fix the issue faster. Below are the most common reasons:
1. Outdated or Corrupted Printer Driver
If your HP printer driver is outdated or corrupted, your system cannot properly process print commands.
2. Weak or Disconnected Network
A dropped Wi-Fi signal or router reset may disconnect the printer from the network.
3. Incorrect Default Printer Settings
If the wrong printer is selected as default, the driver may appear unresponsive.
4. Print Spooler Service Issues
The Windows print spooler manages print jobs. If it crashes, printing will stop.
5. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking Printer
Security software may block printer communication over the network.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix HP Printer Network Driver Not Responding
Follow these proven solutions in order:
1. Restart Printer, Computer, and Router
A simple restart can refresh network connections.
Steps:
- Turn off the HP printer.
- Shut down your computer.
- Unplug your Wi-Fi router for 60 seconds.
- Restart router → computer → printer.
Try printing again.
2. Check Network Connection Status
Make sure your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
On the printer control panel:
- Open Wireless Settings
- Confirm the connected network name (SSID)
If disconnected:
- Reconnect using the Wireless Setup Wizard
- Enter your Wi-Fi password carefully
3. Set HP Printer as Default Printer
Incorrect default settings can trigger the driver issue.
On Windows:
- Open Control Panel
- Click Devices and Printers
- Right-click your HP printer
- Select Set as Default Printer
Make sure “Use Printer Offline” is unchecked.
4. Restart Print Spooler Service (Windows)
If the print spooler service is stuck, the driver won’t respond.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type
services.mscand press Enter - Locate Print Spooler
- Right-click and choose Restart
Try printing again.
5. Update HP Printer Driver
Outdated drivers are a major cause of the issue.
To update:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Printers
- Right-click your HP printer
- Select Update Driver
- Choose Search automatically for drivers
Alternatively, reinstall the latest driver compatible with your printer model.
6. Uninstall and Reinstall HP Printer Driver
If updating doesn’t work, perform a clean reinstall.
Steps:
- Open Control Panel → Programs and Features
- Uninstall HP printer software
- Restart your computer
- Reinstall the latest full-feature printer software
- Follow on-screen setup instructions
This resolves corrupted driver files.
7. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
Security software may block printer communication.
- Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus
- Test printing
- If resolved, add printer software to allowed apps list
Remember to re-enable security software afterward.
8. Check for Windows Updates
Sometimes system updates fix compatibility issues.
- Open Settings
- Click Update & Security
- Select Check for Updates
- Install pending updates
- Restart computer
9. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor (Windows)
HP provides a diagnostic tool that automatically detects and fixes driver issues.
It checks:
- Connectivity problems
- Driver conflicts
- Print spooler errors
- Offline printer status
Run the tool and apply recommended fixes.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
- Ensure printer firmware is updated
- Use USB connection temporarily to verify driver functionality
- Reset printer network settings and reconnect
- Assign a static IP address to prevent network conflicts
When to Contact HP Customer Support
If none of the above solutions resolve the problem, you may need professional assistance. Contact HP customer service if:
- Printer driver repeatedly crashes
- Printer shows hardware error messages
- Network settings cannot be configured
- Firmware update fails
A certified technician can diagnose deeper system or hardware issues.
Preventing HP Printer Driver Issues in the Future
To avoid “driver not responding” errors:
- Keep printer drivers updated
- Regularly update Windows or macOS
- Maintain strong Wi-Fi connectivity
- Avoid interrupting print jobs
- Restart printer occasionally to refresh system memory
Regular maintenance ensures smooth and uninterrupted printing.
Conclusion
The HP Printer Network Driver Not Responding error is typically caused by driver corruption, outdated software, or network connectivity problems. Fortunately, most cases can be resolved by restarting devices, updating drivers, restarting the print spooler service, or reinstalling printer software.
Leave a Reply