HP Printer Not Working After Software Update? Here’s How to Fix It

If your HP printer has not working after a software update, it can be frustrating, but there are several things you can do to resolve the issue. Software updates, whether for Windows, macOS, or your printer’s firmware, can sometimes cause compatibility problems or disrupt printer connections. Here's a step-by-step guide to get your HP printer back to normal.

1. Update HP Printer Drivers

One of the first things to check is whether the printer driver is up to date. A software update on your computer might have caused the HP printer driver to become outdated or incompatible.

To update HP printer drivers:

Go to the HP Support website.

Enter your printer’s model number in the search bar.

Download the latest printer driver compatible with your operating system.

Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.

Alternatively, you can use the HP Smart app to automatically detect and install updates for your printer.

2. Restart Your Printer and Computer

Sometimes, simply restarting both your computer and printer can resolve connection issues. After a software update, both devices might need a fresh start to reestablish a stable connection.

Turn off both your computer and HP printer.

Wait for about 30 seconds, then power them back on.

3. Check the HP Printer Connection

Ensure that the connection between your HP printer and computer is intact, especially if you're using a wired USB connection or Wi-Fi.

USB connection: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and your computer. Try using a different USB port if necessary.

Wi-Fi connection: If you're using a wireless printer, verify that your printer is still connected to the correct Wi-Fi network. You can check and reconnect it via the printer's control panel or the HP Smart app.

4. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP offers a free tool called HP Print and Scan Doctor that can automatically diagnose and fix common printing issues.

Download the HP Print and Scan Doctor from the HP website.

Open the tool and follow the instructions to run diagnostics and apply any necessary fixes.

5. Reset Your HP Printer

If your printer is still not working after a software update, try resetting it. This can help resolve various issues by restoring factory settings.

Turn off your HP printer.

Wait for 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

If your printer has a reset option in its settings, you can perform a reset directly from the menu.

6. Uninstall and Reinstall Printer

If all else fails, you may need to uninstall and reinstall your printer on your computer. This can remove any corrupted settings or drivers that might be causing issues.

To uninstall the printer on Windows:

Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

Right-click on your HP printer and select the Remove device.

Afterward, reinstall the printer by either using the installation CD, the HP website, or your computer’s automatic detection.

7. Check for Further Software Updates

After a major software update, sometimes additional patches or updates are released to fix compatibility issues with printers. Check for any pending updates for both your computer and printer.

Conclusion

If your HP printer isn't working after a software update, it’s usually a fixable issue. Start by checking for driver updates and ensuring your printer’s connection is stable. Running HP’s troubleshooting tools, restarting both devices, and even reinstalling the printer may resolve the issue. If nothing works, reaching out to HP support for further assistance is a good next step.