HP printers are widely used for their reliability and network printing capabilities. However, users sometimes encounter the “Network Printer Driver Not Available” error, which prevents printing over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. This issue usually occurs due to outdated drivers, incorrect printer configuration, or connection problems.
What is HP Printer Network Printer Driver Not Available Error?
The HP Printer Network Printer Driver Not Available error means that your computer cannot find or communicate with the required printer driver over the network. Printer drivers act as translators between your computer and printer. When drivers are missing, corrupted, or incompatible, the system cannot process print jobs.
This error commonly appears when:
- Printer drivers are outdated or missing
- Windows updates removed or replaced the driver
- Printer is incorrectly configured on the network
- Network connection issues exist
- Printer spooler service is not running
Resolving this error requires reinstalling or updating the correct HP printer drivers and verifying network settings.
Common Causes of HP Printer Driver Not Available Error
Understanding the causes can help fix the issue faster. The most common causes include:
Outdated or Corrupted Printer Drivers
Old or damaged drivers prevent proper communication between your system and printer.
Incorrect Network Configuration
If your printer’s IP address changes or network settings are incorrect, the system cannot locate the printer driver.
Windows Update Conflicts
Sometimes Windows updates replace printer drivers with incompatible versions.
Print Spooler Service Issues
The print spooler manages print jobs. If it stops working, drivers may appear unavailable.
Missing Printer Installation
If the printer is not installed properly on the network, the system cannot access its drivers.
How to Download HP Printer Network Drivers
Downloading the correct driver is essential to resolve the error. Follow these steps:
Identify Your HP Printer Model
Check the printer label or printer settings to confirm the exact model number.
Search for Compatible Drivers
Open your computer browser and search for your HP printer model along with “driver download.”
Select the Correct Operating System
Choose the driver version that matches your Windows or macOS version.
Download the Full Feature Driver Package
Always download the full feature software package, as it includes all required drivers and utilities.
Save the Driver File
Store the downloaded file in an easy-to-access location such as the desktop or downloads folder.
How to Install HP Printer Network Driver Properly
Installing drivers correctly ensures smooth communication between your printer and computer.
Step 1: Remove Old Printer Drivers
Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Remove your HP printer.
Step 2: Run the Driver Installer
Locate the downloaded driver file and double-click it.
Step 3: Follow Installation Instructions
Accept permissions and follow on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Select Network Connection
Choose Wireless or Network connection when prompted.
Step 5: Complete Installation
Finish the installation and restart your computer.
This ensures the driver is installed correctly and ready for network printing.
How to Activate HP Printer Driver and Network Services
After installation, you must ensure the printer services are active.
Enable Print Spooler Service
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type services.msc
- Find Print Spooler
- Right-click and select Start
- Set Startup type to Automatic
This ensures the printer can process print jobs.
Set Printer as Default
- Go to Devices and Printers
- Right-click your HP printer
- Select Set as Default Printer
This ensures the system uses the correct printer driver.
How to Fix HP Printer Driver Not Available Error (Step-by-Step)
Follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Restart Printer and Computer
Restart both devices to refresh connections.
Reinstall Printer Drivers
Remove existing drivers and install the latest version.
Check Network Connection
Ensure your printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Update Printer Drivers
Install the latest driver version compatible with your system.
Add Printer Using IP Address
Steps:
- Open Devices and Printers
- Click Add Printer
- Select Add Printer Using TCP/IP Address
- Enter printer IP address
- Install driver
This ensures direct network communication.
How to Update HP Printer Network Driver
Updating drivers resolves compatibility and performance issues.
Open Device Manager
Press Windows + X → Select Device Manager
Locate Printer
Find your HP printer under Printers
Update Driver
Right-click printer → Select Update Driver
Install Latest Version
Follow instructions to complete update
Driver updates improve performance and fix common network errors.
HP Printer Login and Setup for Network Printing
Proper setup ensures your printer works smoothly on the network.
Connect Printer to Wi-Fi
Steps:
- Open printer control panel
- Go to Network Settings
- Select Wireless Setup Wizard
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network
Add Printer to Computer
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Select Printers and Scanners
- Click Add Printer
- Select your HP printer
This completes network setup.
HP Printer Customer Support and Service Options
If troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, HP support services can help.
Driver and Software Support
HP provides updated drivers and installation software.
Remote Troubleshooting
Technical support can diagnose network and driver problems.
Printer Maintenance Support
Support services help resolve hardware and software issues.
Firmware Updates
HP provides firmware updates to improve printer performance.
Troubleshooting Tips to Fix HP Printer Driver Issues
Follow these additional tips to ensure proper driver functionality:
Restart Print Spooler Service
Refreshing spooler service resolves driver conflicts.
Check Windows Updates
Install system updates for compatibility.
Reconnect Printer to Network
Reconnect printer to ensure stable connection.
Use Correct Printer Port
Ensure correct TCP/IP port is selected.
Run Printer Troubleshooter
Windows troubleshooting tool automatically detects issues.
Benefits of Fixing HP Printer Driver Issues Properly
Resolving driver issues provides several advantages:
Smooth Network Printing
Ensures uninterrupted printing over Wi-Fi.
Improved Printer Performance
Updated drivers improve speed and reliability.
Reduced Printing Errors
Prevents driver-related printing failures.
Better Compatibility
Ensures printer works with latest operating systems.
Extended Printer Lifespan
Proper maintenance improves overall printer efficiency.
Conclusion
The HP Printer Network Printer Driver Not Available Error is a common issue caused by missing, outdated, or incorrectly installed drivers. By downloading the correct drivers, installing them properly, activating required services, and troubleshooting network settings, you can restore your printer’s functionality. Regular driver updates, proper network configuration, and routine maintenance help ensure reliable and efficient HP printer performance without interruptions.
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