HP Windows 10 Support Center — Printing

HP Customer Support — Windows 10 Support for Printing

HP Windows 10 Support Center — Printing

If you have issues with your printer or printing service make sure that you get the latest fixes for your Windows 10 version.
Version 1909/1903 or Version 2004. Find out your version here
Or try the HP Print and Scan Doctor to fix your printer issues

Printer Issues After Updating Windows 10

Fix printer problems caused by a Windows 10 update or upgrade

Printer Issues After Updating Windows 10

Fix printer problems caused by a Windows 10 update or upgrade

Are you unable to print or scan after a Windows 10 update or upgrade?

If so, make sure you have restarted Windows at least once. To Restart, click the lower left Start button, click and select Restart.

If problems persist, then make sure your printer is compatible with Windows 10.

If your printer is compatible with Windows 10, download and run the Print and Scan Doctor to detect and fix isses.

If problems persist, reinstall the latest HP printing software.

Depending on the type of HP printer software you are using, refer to one of these two support documents if it stopped working:

If you are still facing issues and none of the solutions are working, try using System Restore. To do a system restore, follow Recovery options in Windows 10. Find the options here>

Update the firmware on an HP printer

HP regularly releases new firmware versions for printer enhancements, app updates, or issue fixes. Update the firmware regularly to get the most out of your printer.

If one method does not work, try another method.

Update the firmware directly from the printer

Many HP printers support updating the firmware directly from the printer control panel when connected to the internet.

Make sure the printer is connected to the internet using a wireless or Ethernet connection. USB connections do not work.

On the printer, touch or press HP ePrint icon or button, select Settings or Setup , and select the option to update the firmware.

Sign up or accept the terms of service if prompted, and then follow the instructions to turn on Web Services and set up automatic updates.

If the printer does not automatically check for an update, tap Check for Updates or a similar option.

Do not turn off the printer during a firmware update. This can permanently damage your printer.

Download printer firmware from the HP website (Windows)

Go to the HP website on your Windows computer to check for and install the latest printer firmware update.

Make sure the printer is on and connected to your computer.

Go to HP Software and Driver Downloads , and then enter your printer model.

Select Firmware from the list of drivers, click Download next to the update, and then follow the instructions.

If you do not see a firmware option, there are no firmware updates for your printer.

On the HP Printer Update screen, check the status of your printer.

If your network printer does not display, use a USB cable to temporarily connect your printer to the computer. Wait 20 seconds, and then click Refresh .

If the status is Ready, select the check box next to the serial number, and then click Update .

Do not turn off the printer during a firmware update. This can permanently damage your printer.

If the status is Up-to-Date, your printer firmware is up to date.

Download printer firmware from the HP website (Mac)

Go to the HP website on your Mac to check for and install the latest printer firmware update.

Make sure the printer is on and connected to your computer.

Go to HP Software and Driver Downloads , and then enter your printer model.

Select Firmware from the list of drivers, click Download next to the update, and then follow the instructions.

If you do not see a firmware option, there are no firmware updates for your printer.

In the HP Firmware Updater screen, select the name of your printer, and then click Continue .

On the Update Information step, review the results.

If the option to re-flash your device displays, click Continue to update the firmware.

Do not turn off the printer during a firmware update. This can permanently damage your printer.

If there are no device upgrades available, your printer firmware is up to date.

Update the printer firmware through the HP Smart app

Use the HP Smart app to check for and install firmware updates.

Open the HP Smart app. If you do not have HP Smart, download it from 123.hp.com or your app store.

If you are setting up HP Smart for the first time, you must create or sign in to an HP account to access all printer functions.

On the app home screen, select your printer name or image.

Under Advanced, select Advanced Settings or Printer Home Page (EWS) .

Select Tools or Web Services .

Click Printer Updates or Product Update , and then click Check Now . Any firmware updates automatically download and install onto your printer.

Do not turn off the printer during a firmware update. This can permanently damage your printer.

HP printer setup (Windows built-in driver)

Set up your printer using the printer drivers that come built into Windows.

HP recommends installing HP Smart — Microsoft Store (in English), or the full-feature driver from 123.hp.com to get the most out of your printer.

Add a network printer to Windows

Set up a wireless or wired network printer in Windows without installing any additional drivers.

Search Windows for and open Change device installation settings , and then make sure Yes (recommended) is selected.

Place the printer near the network router.

Turn on the printer and connect it to the network.

Printers with a control panel menu: Open the Wireless Setup Wizard from the Wireless , Settings , or Network Setup menu. Select your network name, and then enter the password to complete the connection.

Printers without a control panel menu: Press and hold the Wireless button on the printer until the light starts blinking. Within two minutes press and hold the WPS button on the router. The light on the printer stops flashing when the connection completes.

Printers being connected with an Ethernet cable: Connect the cable to the port on the rear of the printer and to an available port on the router.

Make sure your computer is connected to same network the printer is connected to.

In Windows, search for and open Add a printer or scanner .

Click Add a printer or scanner . Wait for Windows to locate the printer. When found, click the printer name, and then click Add device to complete the setup.

If your printer is not found, click The printer that I want isn’t listed . In the Find a printer by other options window, select an option to locate and add the printer.

Add a USB-connected printer to Windows

Set up a USB printer connection in Windows without installing any additional drivers.

Search Windows for and open Change device installation settings , and then make sure Yes (recommended) is selected.

Make sure an open USB port is available on your computer. Do not connect the printer to a USB hub or docking station as the printer might not receive enough power to operate properly.

Turn on the printer, and then connect the USB cable to the printer and to the computer port.

If a Found new hardware message displays, follow any prompts to install the printer.

If you can print, the driver installed successfully.

If you cannot print, continue with these steps to add the printer in Windows settings.

In Windows, search for and open Add a printer or scanner .

Click Add a printer or scanner , and then wait for Windows to locate available printers.

If your printer is found, click it, and then click Add device to complete the driver installation.

If your printer is not found, continue with these steps.

Click The printer that I want isn’t listed .

In the Find a printer by other options window, select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings , and then click Next .

In the Choose a printer port window, select Use an existing port , select USB001: (Virtual printer port for USB) from the drop-down menu, and then click Next .

Follow the instructions to install the driver for your printer model.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Still have a question? Find additional answers and help.

How do I use the printer functions and settings?

Windows supports most standard printing and scanning tasks and settings with the built-in driver.

Scan documents and photos: Complete scan jobs with a Windows app that works with the built-in driver.

Windows Fax and Scan: In Windows, search for and open Windows Fax and Scan . Click New Scan , and then select your printer.

Windows Paint: In Windows, search for and open Paint . Click File > From scanner or camera .

Windows Scan app: In Windows, search for and open the Windows Scan app . If it is not listed, go to Windows Scan (in English) to install it.

Print job setup and settings: Depending on the app, click the menu icon , and then click Print , or click File > Print .

Check estimated ink levels: View the ink level indicators on the printer control panel, if available. Or print a self-test page or printer status report.

Change print settings: In Windows, search for and open Printers & scanners . Click your printer name, click Manage , and then click Printing preferences in the left sidebar.

Fax: Use the buttons and menus on the printer control panel.

Access the printer homepage (network printers): Manage preferences, get firmware updates, and perform maintenance tasks. To open the homepage, get the printer IP address, type it into an internet browser address bar, and then press Enter . The IP address displays on the Wireless settings screen on printers with a control panel display. For most printers without a display, press the Wireless and Information buttons at the same time, or press the Wireless and Start Copy Black buttons at the same time. A report prints that lists the address.

What if the printer did not connect to the network?

Check for network issues and review setup requirements if the printer failed to connect.

Check the network connection: Move the printer and computer or mobile device closer to the wireless router, and then check if the signal quality improved. Try opening a website to see if the internet connection is working properly. If Wi-Fi is slow or intermittent, restart the router by disconnecting the power cord, wait 15 seconds, and then reconnect it.

Printer is off or in sleep mode: Touch the printer touchscreen or press the Power button to wake the printer and put it in a ready state. Sometimes the printer status might display Offline when it is actually ready.

Restart the printer: Restarting the printer can clear possible error conditions and restore the wireless connection.

Check the printer wireless signal: If your printer has a light next to a Wireless icon or button , make sure the light is on. Check the wireless settings to make sure the signal is turned on.

Print a Wireless Test Report: Search the HP Customer Support website for your printer model, and then search for self test page to find the document on how to print and evaluate the report.

What if my printer is not found or the connection failed during USB setup?

Check the USB cable for damage and length, replace it if necessary, and restart your printer and computer.

Turn off the printer and your computer.

Disconnect the USB cable from your computer and printer, and then inspect the cable.

If the cable is damaged or longer than 3 m ( 9 ft 10 in ), replace it.

If the cable is undamaged and shorter than 3 m ( 9 ft 10 in ), connect the cable to a different USB port on the computer. The port should be USB 2.0 or greater. If you are using a USB hub or docking station, connect the cable directly to the computer.

Connect the cable to your printer, and then make sure the cable is fully secured to both ports.

Turn on the computer, and then wait for the computer to complete startup.

Turn on the printer, and then add your printer (Mac) or wait for the computer to install the new device (Windows).

What if my printer is not found or the wired network connection fails?

Make sure you are using an undamaged Ethernet cable, check for a green light near the Ethernet port on the printer, and then print a Network Configuration Page to verify the connection.

Turn off the printer, and then disconnect the Ethernet cable from the router and the printer.

Check the cable for damage, and then verify that it is an Ethernet cable and not a phone cable.

Ethernet and phone cables look similar, but Ethernet cables are usually bigger and have eight visible wires on the end.

Connect the cable to a different Ethernet or LAN port on the router, and then plug it into the printer, making sure it is fully secured to both ports.

Turn on the printer.

Check the lights on the printer’s Ethernet port to make sure the connection is successful. The green light should be steady, and the orange activity light should blink.

Print a Network Configuration or Wireless Network Test Results page.

Printers with a control panel menu: Print the page from the Wireless , Network Settings , or Setup menu.

Printers without a control panel menu: Print the page using button combinations on the printer control panel.

For most printers, press the Wireless and Information buttons at the same time, or press the Wireless and Start Copy Black buttons at the same time.

For HP DeskJet 6000 and 6400, ENVY 6000 and 6400, and Tango printers, touch and hold the Information button until all control panel buttons light up, and then touch the Information and Resume buttons at the same time.

Under the General Information section, make sure the Network Status is Ready.

HP Windows 10 Support Center — Printing

HP Customer Support — Windows 10 Support for Printing

HP Windows 10 Support Center — Printing

If you have issues with your printer or printing service make sure that you get the latest fixes for your Windows 10 version.
Version 1909/1903 or Version 2004. Find out your version here
Or try the HP Print and Scan Doctor to fix your printer issues

Printer Issues After Updating Windows 10

Fix printer problems caused by a Windows 10 update or upgrade

Printer Issues After Updating Windows 10

Fix printer problems caused by a Windows 10 update or upgrade

Are you unable to print or scan after a Windows 10 update or upgrade?

If so, make sure you have restarted Windows at least once. To Restart, click the lower left Start button, click and select Restart.

If problems persist, then make sure your printer is compatible with Windows 10.

If your printer is compatible with Windows 10, download and run the Print and Scan Doctor to detect and fix isses.

If problems persist, reinstall the latest HP printing software.

Depending on the type of HP printer software you are using, refer to one of these two support documents if it stopped working:

If you are still facing issues and none of the solutions are working, try using System Restore. To do a system restore, follow Recovery options in Windows 10. Find the options here>