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If you are searching why is my hp printer connected but not printing, it usually means your Windows update changed how your printer communicates with the computer. Even though the printer looks connected, background services, drivers, or printer settings may no longer be working correctly. The fastest fix you can try today is restarting the printer and computer, clearing the print queue, and confirming the printer is set as the default printer. These steps alone fix most printer not printing issues within minutes.
This guide walks you through every possible cause and solution, so anyone can follow without technical stress.
Why This Issue Happens After a Windows Update
Windows updates often modify system files and background services that printers depend on. While these updates are meant to improve performance, they sometimes disrupt existing printer configurations.
- During the update, Windows may replace your existing printer driver with a generic version that does not fully support your hp printer model. This can cause the printer to stop responding even though it shows as connected.
- Windows updates can reset printer preferences, meaning your printer may no longer be set as the default printer. As a result, print jobs are sent to the wrong printer or nowhere at all.
- Background services like the print spooler may stop working or fail to restart properly after the update, preventing any new print jobs from processing.
Common HP Printer Problems Users Face After Updates
Understanding the root of the printer problem makes it easier to fix it correctly.
- A printer driver conflict occurs when Windows installs a driver that does not fully match your printer model. This leads to situations where the printer is connected but isn’t printing.
- The print queue may contain a failed or incomplete print job from before the update. When this happens, the printer stops accepting new print commands.
- Wireless printer connections may appear active, but the printer and the computer are no longer securely connected to the same network after the update completes.
Quick Diagnostic Checklist to Identify the Real Problem
Before spending time on deeper troubleshooting, it helps to run through a simple checklist. Many printer problems can be identified in less than two minutes by checking these points.
| What to Check | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| The printer is connected but nothing prints | Likely a print queue or driver issue | Clear the print queue and restart |
| The printer shows offline | Windows lost active connection | Disable offline mode and reconnect |
| The test page does not print | Driver or spooler issue | Restart the print spooler or reinstall the driver |
| The printer prints but the pages are blank | Ink or toner issue | Check ink levels and cartridges |
| Printing worked before the Windows update | System reset caused a conflict | Update or reinstall the printer driver |
If one or more of these apply, continue with the steps in this guide. This checklist helps narrow down the printer problem without technical knowledge.
Step 1: Restart the Printer and Computer Properly
Restarting is not just a basic step; it resets communication between the printer and the computer.
- Turning the printer off clears internal memory errors that may have occurred during the update process.
- Restarting your computer refreshes Windows services that control printing, including the print spooler and printer detection.
- Turning the printer back on after Windows fully loads allows the system to recognize the printer as properly connected again.
Step 2: Check for Physical Printer Issues First
Even when the problem appears software-related, physical issues can quietly stop printing.
- A paper jam, even a very small piece stuck inside, can prevent the printer from printing while showing no clear error message on the screen.
- An improperly placed paper tray can cause the printer to pause printing automatically to avoid misfeeds.
- Low ink or toner levels can stop printing entirely, especially if black ink is empty, as many hp printers require black ink to be present.
Step 3: Clear the Print Queue Completely
A blocked print queue is one of the most common causes of printer not printing issues.
- When a print job fails, it often remains stuck in the queue and prevents any new print job from being processed.
- Clearing the print queue removes all pending jobs and gives the printer a clean slate to accept new print commands.
- After clearing the print queue, always try to print a new document instead of resending the old one.
Step 4: Set the Correct Printer as Default
Windows may silently change your default printer during an update.
- If the wrong printer is selected as the default, your documents are sent to a printer that is not connected or is offline.
- Setting your HP printer as the default printer ensures every print request is sent to the correct device automatically.
- This step is especially important for users who previously used multiple printers or virtual printers.
Step 5: Make Sure the Printer Is Not Offline
A printer can be connected and still show as offline in Windows.
- When the “Use Printer Offline” option is enabled, Windows stops sending print jobs even though the printer is turned on.
- Disabling offline mode immediately restores communication between the printer and the computer.
- This issue commonly appears after Windows updates reset power or network settings.
Step 6: Print a Test Page to Confirm the Issue
A test page helps identify whether the problem lies with Windows or the printer itself.
- If the test page prints successfully, it confirms that the printer works and the issue is related to software or application settings.
- If the test page does not print, it usually indicates a deeper driver or connection problem.
- Printing a test page is one of the most reliable ways to narrow down printer issues quickly.
Step 7: Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver
Printer drivers are often the main cause of hp printer not printing after updates.
- Installing the latest printer drivers ensures compatibility with the most recent Windows updates.
- Reinstalling the printer removes corrupted driver files that may have been partially replaced during the update.
- This step often resolves HP printer won’t print errors that persist after basic troubleshooting.
Step 8: Restart the Print Spooler Service
The print spooler controls how print jobs are processed in Windows.
- If the print spooler service stops working, the printer will not receive any print commands.
- Restarting the print spooler refreshes the entire printing system without requiring a full computer restart.
- This fix is especially helpful when the printer suddenly stops working without warning.
Common Mistakes That Can Make Your HP Printer Stop Printing
When a printer doesn’t print, many users unknowingly make the issue worse. Avoid these common mistakes, especially after a Windows update.
- Installing multiple printer drivers for the same printer model
- Repeatedly clicking print when the print queue is stuck
- Removing ink cartridges without turning the printer off
- Ignoring low ink or toner warnings
- Changing printer settings without checking the default printer
These actions can cause the printer to stop working completely or create repeated printing issues. Always follow one fix at a time and test before moving to the next step.
Step 9: Review Printer Settings and Print Settings
Incorrect printer settings can silently block printing.
- Settings such as paused printing or incorrect paper size can prevent documents from printing even though no error is shown.
- Print quality settings may cause printing black or blank pages if ink levels are low.
- Reviewing printer settings ensures everything matches your current paper and ink setup.
Step 10: Fix Wireless Printer and WiFi Issues
Wireless printers depend heavily on stable network connections.
- If the printer and computer are not on the same WiFi network, printing will fail even if the printer appears connected.
- Windows updates may reset network permissions, causing the printer to lose secure communication.
- Reconfirming the wireless connection restores proper communication between the printer and computer.
Step 11: Check Ink Cartridge and Print Head Condition
Ink-related problems often appear suddenly after updates or long idle periods.
- A loosely installed ink cartridge can cause the printer to stop printing altogether.
- A clogged print head may result in missing text, faded prints, or printing issues even when ink is available.
- Checking ink or toner levels ensures the printer is physically capable of printing.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 Specific Printer Issues
Different Windows versions handle printers slightly differently.
- Windows 10 updates sometimes reset printer drivers without notifying the user.
- Windows 11 may change default printer behavior based on recent usage.
- Reinstalling the printer usually resolves compatibility issues in both versions.
When the Printer Still Won’t Print
If the printer still does not respond after all fixes:
- Try printing from another application to rule out software-specific problems.
- Test printing from another computer or mobile device to confirm whether the issue is device-related.
- These steps help isolate whether the printer or the Windows system is causing the issue.
When Professional Help Makes Sense
Some printer problems require expert diagnosis.
- Repeated printer issues after every update indicate a deeper configuration problem.
- Users who are not comfortable adjusting system settings may prefer a quick professional fix.
- Remote support saves time and avoids unnecessary hardware replacement.
How OneClick Technologies LLC Can Help You
OneClick Technologies LLC provides reliable remote IT support for home users and small businesses who want problems fixed without confusion.
Our experts can:
- Diagnose and fix hp printer problems
- Fix printer not printing issues after Windows updates
- Repair printer driver and print spooler errors
- Restore printer and computer communication
We focus on clear guidance, honest solutions, and real human support.
How to Prevent HP Printer Not Printing After Future Windows Updates
While Windows updates are unavoidable, you can reduce the chances of facing the same printer problem again by taking a few preventive steps.
- Keep the HP printer driver updated manually instead of relying on Windows
- Do not let Windows automatically change your default printer
- Print a test page after every major Windows update
- Restart the printer and computer after the updates are complete
- Check ink or toner levels regularly to avoid sudden stop printing issues
These small habits help ensure the printer remains properly connected and continues working smoothly after updates.
Final Thoughts
If you searched why is my HP printer connected but not printing, the issue is almost always caused by Windows updates affecting printer drivers, print queue, or printer settings. Following the steps above resolves most printer problems without replacing the printer.
Get Your Printer Working Again Today
If your hp printer is still not printing and you want a fast, stress-free fix, OneClick Technologies LLC is ready to help.
👉 Visit https://oneclicktechnologies.us/ and let our experts restore your printer so you can print without frustration.
