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How to Fix HP DeskJet Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If your HP DeskJet printer is not working on Windows 11, don’t worry. Many users face similar issues, and most can be fixed with simple steps. This guide will walk you through detailed, easy-to-follow solutions to get your printer working again.

Printers can stop working for various reasons like driver problems, connection issues, or Windows settings. Identifying the cause helps fix the problem faster.

Follow the instructions carefully, starting from the easiest solutions to more advanced ones. This will save you time and avoid unnecessary steps.

By the end of this article, you should be able to print smoothly with your HP DeskJet on Windows 11.

Quick Note: Basic Checks Before You Start

  • Make sure your HP DeskJet printer is properly connected to your computer or network.
  • Check that the printer is turned on and has enough paper and ink.
  • Verify all cables (USB or power) are securely plugged in.
  • Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates can fix compatibility issues.

Step 1: Restart Your Printer and Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix many printer issues. This refreshes the device and the computer, clearing minor glitches.

  1. Turn off your HP DeskJet printer and unplug it from the power source.
  2. Restart your Windows 11 computer.
  3. After your PC has restarted, plug in and turn on your printer.
  4. Try printing a test page to see if the problem is resolved.

Step 2: Check Printer Connection

For your printer to work, Windows needs to recognize it correctly. Check both wired and wireless connections carefully.

If Using USB Connection:

  • Ensure the USB cable is firmly connected to both the printer and the PC.
  • Try using a different USB port on your computer.
  • If possible, test the USB cable on another device to confirm it works.

If Using Wireless Connection:

  • Make sure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC.
  • On the printer, print a network configuration page to confirm the Wi-Fi connection.
  • If the printer is not connected, use the printer’s control panel to reconnect it to Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Set Your HP DeskJet as the Default Printer

Windows sometimes tries to print to the wrong device. Setting your HP DeskJet as the default printer ensures your documents print correctly.

  1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
  2. Select Bluetooth & Devices from the menu.
  3. Click on Printers & Scanners.
  4. Find your HP DeskJet printer in the list and click on it.
  5. Click Set as default.

Step 4: Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common printer problems.

  1. Open Settings and go to System.
  2. Click on Troubleshoot and then Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Printer and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will check for issues and try to fix them.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Printer drivers help Windows communicate with your HP DeskJet. Outdated or corrupt drivers often cause printing problems.

To Update Drivers:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Printers or Print queues section.
  3. Right-click your HP DeskJet printer and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will search and install updates if available.

To Reinstall Drivers:

  1. In Device Manager, right-click your printer and select Uninstall device.
  2. Confirm the uninstallation.
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Visit the official HP Support website and download the latest driver for your DeskJet model compatible with Windows 11.
  5. Install the downloaded driver and restart your PC if prompted.

Step 6: Clear Print Queue and Restart Print Spooler

A stuck print job can block all other print tasks. Clearing the print queue and restarting the print spooler service can fix this.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Scroll down to find Print Spooler.
  3. Right-click on it and select Stop.
  4. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS.
  5. Delete all files inside this folder. These are your stuck print jobs.
  6. Go back to the Services window, right-click Print Spooler, and select Start.
  7. Try printing again.

Step 7: Check Windows Update for Optional Printer Drivers

Sometimes Windows Update offers optional driver updates that can improve printer performance or fix bugs.

  1. Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
  2. Click on Advanced Options.
  3. Click on Optional updates if available.
  4. Look under Driver updates and install any HP printer-related driver updates.
  5. Restart your computer if needed.

Alternative Method: Use HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP offers a free tool called HP Print and Scan Doctor that can quickly diagnose and fix printer problems.

  • Download the tool from the official HP website.
  • Run the application and follow the instructions to detect issues.
  • The tool can repair drivers, clear queues, and fix connectivity problems automatically.

FAQs

Why is my HP DeskJet not showing up in Windows 11?

Your printer might not be connected properly or the drivers may not be installed. Check connections, restart devices, and ensure drivers are up to date.

How do I print a test page on Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click Print a test page.

Can I use an old HP DeskJet printer with Windows 11?

Most HP DeskJet printers are compatible with Windows 11. If drivers aren’t automatically installed, download the latest drivers from HP’s website.

What if my printer prints blank pages?

Check ink levels and cartridges, clean the print heads, and make sure you are using the correct paper type. Updating drivers can also help.

Why does my printer keep going offline?

Network issues or power-saving settings may cause this. Make sure the printer and PC are on the same network and disable any sleep mode on the printer.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and your HP DeskJet still does not work on Windows 11, consider the following:

  • Contact HP Support directly for expert help: https://support.hp.com
  • Check if your printer model is fully compatible with Windows 11.
  • Try connecting the printer to another computer to see if the issue is with the printer or your PC.
  • Consider resetting your printer to factory settings and setting it up again.

Conclusion

Fixing an HP DeskJet printer that is not working on Windows 11 is usually straightforward. Start with basic checks like connections and restarting devices. Then, set the printer as default and run the built-in troubleshooter. Updating or reinstalling drivers often solves driver-related issues. Clearing the print queue and using HP’s diagnostic tool can also help.

By following these simple, step-by-step solutions, you can resolve most printing problems on Windows 11 without frustration. Remember to be patient and take each step carefully. Happy printing!

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