Windows updates are designed to improve system performance and security, but sometimes they can interfere with printer functionality. If your HP printer is not printing after a Windows update, you are not alone. Driver conflicts, system setting changes, or spooler errors are common causes of this issue.
Why Is My HP Printer Not Working After a Windows Update?
After a Windows update, your HP printer may stop responding due to:
- Outdated or incompatible printer drivers
- Corrupted print spooler service
- Changed default printer settings
- Disabled printer services
- Network configuration reset
- Firewall or security restrictions
Understanding the root cause helps you apply the correct troubleshooting method quickly.
Restart Your Computer and HP Printer
Before performing advanced troubleshooting:
- Turn off your HP printer.
- Shut down your computer completely.
- Disconnect the printer power cable for 2–3 minutes.
- Restart your computer.
- Reconnect and power on the printer.
This basic reset often resolves temporary Windows update conflicts.
Check Printer Status and Set as Default
Sometimes Windows updates change default device settings.
- Open Control Panel
- Click Devices and Printers
- Right-click your HP printer
- Select Set as Default Printer
- Ensure “Use Printer Offline” is unchecked
If your printer shows as offline, right-click and select Use Printer Online.
Update or Reinstall HP Printer Drivers
Outdated drivers are the most common reason HP printers stop working after Windows updates.
Steps to Update Drivers:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Printers
- Right-click your HP printer
- Select Update Driver
- Choose “Search automatically for drivers”
If that does not work, uninstall and reinstall:
- Right-click printer in Device Manager
- Click Uninstall Device
- Restart computer
- Download and install the latest HP printer driver compatible with your Windows version
Proper driver download and installation ensures compatibility with the latest Windows update.
Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooting tool:
- Open Settings
- Click Update & Security
- Select Troubleshoot
- Click Printer
- Run the troubleshooter
It automatically detects and fixes common printer issues.
Restart Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler manages print jobs. If it crashes after a Windows update, printing will fail.
- Press Windows + R
- Type
services.msc - Find Print Spooler
- Right-click and select Restart
If needed, set Startup Type to Automatic.
Check HP Printer Login and Account Setup
Some HP printers connected via Wi-Fi require HP Smart app login or account activation.
- Open HP Smart app
- Sign in to your HP account
- Confirm printer status shows “Ready”
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi if required
Login issues after updates may prevent cloud-based printing services from functioning.
Reconnect HP Printer to Wi-Fi Network
Windows updates may reset network profiles.
- On the printer control panel, open Wireless Settings
- Select your Wi-Fi network
- Enter password
- Confirm connection
After reconnecting, add the printer again in Windows under Devices and Printers.
Roll Back Windows Update (If Necessary)
If the problem started immediately after a specific update:
- Go to Settings
- Click Update & Security
- Select View Update History
- Click Uninstall Updates
- Remove the recent update
Restart the system and test printing again.
Check Firewall and Security Settings
Sometimes security updates block printer communication.
- Temporarily disable firewall
- Allow printer services in firewall settings
- Ensure printer network is marked as Private
Re-enable security settings after testing.
Activate HP Printer Services
Some HP models require service activation after updates:
- Reinstall HP Smart software
- Complete printer setup again
- Activate Web Services if available
- Confirm firmware is updated
Firmware updates help maintain compatibility with Windows versions.
HP Printer Not Printing Still? Advanced Troubleshooting
If your HP printer is still not working:
- Remove and re-add the printer device
- Clear print queue completely
- Update Windows to latest patch
- Install full feature driver package instead of basic driver
- Check USB cable or try different USB port
Contact HP Customer Support and Service
If troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, professional assistance may be required.
HP customer support can help with:
- Driver compatibility issues
- Activation problems
- Hardware failures
- Firmware update guidance
- Warranty service
Keep your printer model number and Windows version ready when contacting support.
Prevent HP Printer Issues After Future Windows Updates
To avoid similar problems:
- Regularly update HP printer drivers
- Keep HP Smart app updated
- Install Windows updates gradually
- Create a system restore point before major updates
- Keep printer firmware updated
Conclusion
If your HP printer is not printing after a Windows update, the issue is usually related to driver conflicts, spooler errors, or network disruptions. By updating drivers, restarting services, checking login settings, and performing proper troubleshooting, you can restore your printer functionality quickly.
Leave a Reply