How to Fix HP Printer Not Printing After Reboot?

Many HP printer users experience issues where the printer stops printing after a system reboot. This can happen due to driver problems, software conflicts, or network interruptions.

What Causes HP Printer Not Printing After Reboot?

HP printers may fail to print after a reboot due to:

Outdated or corrupted drivers – The printer driver may not load correctly after a system restart.
Network connectivity issues – Wireless printers may lose connection to Wi-Fi after reboot.
Pending print jobs – A stuck print job can block the queue from processing new documents.
Software conflicts – Antivirus programs or system updates can interfere with printer operations.
Power management settings – Some computers disable USB or network ports to save power, affecting printer detection.

How to Download and Install HP Printer Software

Proper software installation ensures your HP printer functions correctly. Follow these steps:

Visit HP Support – Go to the official HP website or HP support software portal.
Select Your Printer Model – Enter your printer’s exact model to download compatible drivers and software.
Download Printer Drivers – Choose the full feature driver package for your operating system.
Run Installation File – Open the downloaded file and follow on-screen instructions.
Connect Printer – Connect via USB or Wi-Fi during installation as prompted.
Complete Setup – Finish installation, restart your computer, and ensure the printer is detected.

How to Activate HP Printer After Installation

After installing software, some HP printers may require activation to access all features:

Open HP Smart or Printer Assistant – Launch the HP software installed on your computer.
Sign In or Create HP Account – Use your HP login credentials or create a new account.
Activate Printer – Follow prompts to link your printer to your HP account.
Verify Functionality – Print a test page to ensure activation is successful.

Troubleshooting HP Printer Not Printing After Reboot

If your HP printer still doesn’t print after reboot, try the following solutions:

1. Clear Pending Print Jobs

Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers
Right-click your HP printer → See what’s printing
Cancel all pending jobs and restart the printer

2. Update Printer Drivers

Outdated drivers often cause post-reboot issues.
Go to HP Support → download the latest drivers → install and restart your PC.

3. Check Network Connection

For Wi-Fi printers, ensure the printer reconnects to your network after reboot.
Restart your router and verify printer IP address matches the network.

4. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP offers a diagnostic tool to detect and fix printing issues automatically.
Scan for network, driver, and software problems.

5. Disable Power Management for USB Ports

Open Device Manager → Universal Serial Bus Controllers
Right-click each USB Root Hub → Properties → Power Management
Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power

6. Restart HP Services

Press Win + R → type services.msc → Enter
Locate HP Print Spooler Service → Restart the service

How to Contact HP Customer Support

If the problem persists, HP customer support can help:

Phone Support: Reach HP support for immediate guidance.
Online Chat: Use HP official support chat for troubleshooting.
Email Support: Submit a ticket describing your issue.
HP Smart App: Access live support and printer diagnostics.

Tips to Prevent HP Printer Issues After Reboot

Keep your printer drivers updated.
Regularly clear print queues.
Ensure network settings remain stable for wireless printers.
Avoid abrupt shutdowns; use proper reboot procedures.
Maintain HP software and firmware updates.

Conclusion

Fixing an HP printer that doesn’t print after reboot is often a matter of updating drivers, checking network connections, and clearing pending jobs. Using HP software for installation, activation, and diagnostics ensures smooth operation. Regular maintenance and updates can prevent recurring issues, keeping your printer reliable for all your printing needs.