If your HP printer starts printing random symbols or garbled text after a system or driver update, it is usually caused by corrupted printer drivers, incorrect printer language settings, or outdated firmware.
What Causes HP Printer to Print Random Symbols?
Several factors can cause an HP printer to print random symbols:
- Outdated or corrupted printer drivers – Updates can sometimes overwrite critical driver files.
- Incorrect printer language or emulation mode – Some HP printers support PCL or PostScript; mismatched settings can create garbled text.
- Firmware issues – A firmware mismatch can lead to incorrect character rendering.
- Connection problems – Faulty USB, network, or Wi-Fi connections may interfere with proper communication between the printer and your computer.
Troubleshooting HP Printer Printing Random Symbols
1. Check Printer Drivers
Updating or reinstalling the driver often resolves symbol printing issues:
- Go to Device Manager on your PC.
- Locate your HP printer under Printers.
- Right-click and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If updating doesn’t help, uninstall the driver and reinstall the latest version from HP’s official website.
2. Verify Printer Language Settings
HP printers use different emulation modes:
- PCL 5/6 and PostScript are common printer languages.
- Open Printer Properties → Advanced → Printing Defaults → Printer Language.
- Ensure the correct language is selected based on the document type.
3. Update Printer Firmware
Firmware updates can fix bugs that cause random symbols:
- Open the HP Smart app or HP Support Assistant.
- Check for available firmware updates for your printer.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the update.
4. Reset Printer
A full reset can resolve corrupted settings:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Wait 60 seconds and plug it back in.
- Power on and print a test page.
How to Download and Install HP Printer Drivers
To ensure your HP printer works correctly, always use the latest drivers:
- Open your preferred browser and go to the HP Support website.
- Search for your printer model.
- Select your operating system.
- Download the full feature driver and software package.
- Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
HP Printer Login and Activation
Some HP printers require login for cloud features and software activation:
- Use the HP Smart app to log in with your HP account.
- Activate your printer to access advanced features like remote printing, cloud scanning, and status notifications.
- Ensure your printer is connected to Wi-Fi or network for smooth activation.
HP Printer Customer Support and Service
If your HP printer continues to print random symbols after following the steps:
- Contact HP Customer Support via the official website or HP Smart app.
- Provide your printer model, serial number, and a detailed description of the issue.
- Support may guide you through remote troubleshooting, driver reinstallation, or service request if needed.
Common HP Printer Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
- Printer not responding after update – Reinstall the driver and restart your PC.
- Wi-Fi printing issues – Reset your network connection and reconnect the printer.
- Blank or incomplete pages – Run printhead cleaning via HP Smart.
- Paper misalignment or jams – Check paper tray settings and realign the paper guides.
Conclusion
Random symbols printing after an HP printer update is usually caused by driver or firmware issues. By updating drivers, checking printer language settings, installing firmware updates, and using proper troubleshooting steps, you can restore your printer to normal operation. Regular maintenance and software updates help ensure your HP printer continues producing high-quality prints without interruptions.
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