How to Fix HP Printer Printing Extra Blank Pages After Document?

If your HP printer is printing extra blank pages after completing a document, you’re not alone. This issue is common among HP printer users and is usually related to print settings, driver problems, software glitches, or document formatting errors. The good news is that you can fix this issue quickly with proper troubleshooting steps.

What Causes HP Printer to Print Extra Blank Pages?

Before applying solutions, it’s important to understand the possible causes:

Incorrect paper size settings
Extra blank page in the document file
Printer driver corruption
Outdated printer software
Separator page enabled in printer settings
Software compatibility issues
Printer firmware needing update

Identifying the root cause helps you apply the correct fix quickly.

Check Document Formatting Before Printing

Sometimes the issue is not with the printer but with the document itself.

Steps to check:

Open the document in Word, PDF, or your editing software.
Scroll to the last page and check for blank pages.
Enable “Show Paragraph Marks” in Microsoft Word to detect hidden page breaks.
Remove any extra page breaks or empty paragraphs.
Save the document and print again.

If the blank page disappears, the issue was formatting-related.

Verify HP Printer Paper Size and Print Settings

Incorrect paper settings can trigger extra blank page printing.

Steps to adjust settings on Windows:

Open Control Panel.
Click on Devices and Printers.
Right-click your HP printer.
Select Printing Preferences.
Confirm the paper size matches the loaded paper (A4, Letter, etc.).
Disable “Print Separator Page” if enabled.
Click Apply and OK.

Also, ensure duplex (double-sided printing) is configured correctly.

Update HP Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common reason for printing errors.

How to Update HP Printer Drivers:

Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.
Expand Printers.
Right-click your HP printer.
Select Update Driver.
Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”

Alternatively, you can reinstall the printer driver completely.

Reinstall HP Printer Software (Download & Install)

If updating doesn’t fix the issue, reinstalling the printer software can help.

Steps to Reinstall:

Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Uninstall your HP printer software.
Restart your computer.
Download the latest HP printer software from official HP support.
Install the software and follow on-screen instructions.
Connect your printer when prompted.

This ensures proper installation and resolves corrupted driver issues.

Disable Separator Page Setting

HP printers sometimes print a blank separator page between jobs.

To Disable:

Open Devices and Printers.
Right-click your HP printer.
Select Printer Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab.
Click Separator Page.
Select None and save settings.

Print a test page to confirm the fix.

Update HP Printer Firmware

Firmware updates improve printer performance and fix bugs.

How to Update Firmware:

Open HP printer software on your computer.
Navigate to Tools or Printer Maintenance.
Select Update Printer.
Install any available firmware updates.

Keeping firmware updated prevents printing errors and compatibility issues.

Check for HP Printer Not Working Issues

If the printer continues printing blank pages:

Perform a printer restart.
Disconnect power for 60 seconds.
Reconnect and power on.
Print a test page.
Check ink or toner levels.

Low or dried ink cartridges can also cause blank page issues.

Run HP Print and Scan Doctor (Troubleshooting Tool)

HP provides a diagnostic tool for troubleshooting.

It can automatically detect:

Driver problems
Connection issues
Print queue errors
Software conflicts

Run the tool and follow on-screen repair instructions.

HP Printer Login and Account Setup (If Using HP Smart)

If you use HP Smart App:

Open the HP Smart application.
Login with your HP account.
Ensure your printer is added correctly.
Check printer status.
Remove and re-add printer if necessary.

Account sync issues sometimes cause unexpected print behaviors.

Reset HP Printer to Default Settings

If all else fails:

Access printer control panel.
Navigate to Settings.
Choose Restore Defaults.
Confirm reset.

This removes custom configurations that may cause blank page printing.

When to Contact HP Customer Support

If the issue continues after troubleshooting:

There may be internal hardware damage.
Printer firmware may be corrupted.
Print mechanism may need servicing.

Contact HP customer support for professional assistance. Provide:

Printer model number
Operating system details
Error messages displayed

HP service technicians can guide you through advanced diagnostics.

Benefits of Fixing HP Printer Extra Blank Page Issue

Saves paper and ink
Improves printing efficiency
Prevents document formatting issues
Ensures accurate page count
Enhances overall printer performance

Conclusion

If your HP printer is printing extra blank pages after a document, the issue is usually related to formatting errors, driver problems, or incorrect printer settings. By checking document formatting, updating drivers, reinstalling software, disabling separator pages, and updating firmware, you can resolve the issue effectively.

Regular updates and maintenance help keep your HP printer functioning smoothly and prevent similar problems in the future.