If your HP printer won’t print on either a Windows PC or a Mac, you're not alone. This common issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, including software glitches, connection problems, or outdated drivers. Fortunately, most of these problems have simple, step-by-step solutions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you troubleshoot and fix your HP printer whether you’re using Windows 10/11 or macOS (Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, etc.).

 

 

Common Reasons Why HP Printers Stop Printing

Before diving into the fixes, it’s helpful to understand why your printer may not be responding:

  • Printer is offline or paused

  • Outdated drivers or operating system conflicts

  • Printer not set as default

  • Stuck print queue

  • Network or USB connection issues

  • Empty ink/toner or paper jams

  • Corrupt or failed print jobs

Let’s walk through the solutions for both Windows and macOS users.

Part 1: Fixes for HP Printers Not Printing on Windows

✅ 1. Restart Printer and Computer

Start with the basics:

  • Turn off the printer and unplug it from power for 30 seconds.

  • Restart your computer.

  • Plug the printer back in and turn it on.

Then try printing again.

✅ 2. Check Printer Connection (USB or Wi-Fi)

  • For USB printers: Make sure the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the PC. Try a different USB port if possible.

  • For wireless printers: Ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC. You can print a Network Configuration Page from the printer control panel to verify.

Use the HP Smart app to confirm your printer is online and accessible.

✅ 3. Set the HP Printer as Default

Sometimes, Windows sends print jobs to a different (offline or virtual) printer.

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

  2. Right-click your HP printer and select Set as default printer.

  3. Make sure it has a green check mark.

✅ 4. Clear the Print Queue

A stuck print job can block all future print tasks.

Steps:

  1. Go to Devices and Printers, right-click your HP printer.

  2. Select See what’s printing.

  3. Click Printer > Cancel All Documents.

  4. Close the window and try printing again.

✅ 5. Use HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP provides a free tool to diagnose and fix common printing issues.

Steps:

  1. Download HP Print and Scan Doctor.

  2. Launch the app and select your printer.

  3. Click Fix Printing.

  4. Follow on-screen instructions to resolve any errors.

 

 

✅ 6. Reinstall HP Printer Drivers

Corrupt or outdated drivers can cause communication failure.

Steps:

  1. Go to Device Manager.

  2. Find your HP printer under Printers or Imaging devices.

  3. Right-click and select Uninstall device.

  4. Visit HP’s Support Page and download the latest drivers.

  5. Install and restart your PC.

✅ 7. Check for Windows Updates

Keeping your system updated ensures compatibility with printer drivers.

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.

  2. Install any pending updates.

  3. Reboot and test your printer.

Part 2: Fixes for HP Printers Not Printing on macOS

✅ 1. Check Printer Connection

  • For USB printers: Ensure the cable is secure. Try another port if needed.

  • For wireless printers: Make sure the printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.

Use the HP Smart app for macOS to check printer status and connectivity.

✅ 2. Reset the Printing System

This clears all printer settings and removes problematic configurations.

Steps:

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Right-click in the printer list (or hold Control + click).

  3. Select Reset printing system.

  4. Enter your Mac password to confirm.

  5. Re-add your HP printer using the + button.

✅ 3. Re-add Printer Using IP Address

Sometimes macOS has trouble discovering printers automatically. Adding the printer via its IP address can help.

Steps:

  1. Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer.

  2. Note the IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100).

  3. In Printers & Scanners, click + > IP.

  4. Enter the IP address and select AirPrint as the driver.

  5. Click Add.

✅ 4. Use AirPrint or Official HP Drivers

Option A: AirPrint

  • macOS will often default to AirPrint, which is compatible with most HP models.

  • Re-add your printer and ensure Use: AirPrint is selected.

Option B: Install HP Drivers

  1. Visit HP’s website.

  2. Download macOS-specific drivers for your printer model.

  3. Install and restart your Mac.

✅ 5. Clear the Print Queue

Steps:

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

  2. Select your HP printer and click Open Print Queue.

  3. Cancel any stuck print jobs.

  4. Try printing again.

✅ 6. Update macOS

macOS updates often resolve printing-related bugs.

  1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.

  2. Install any updates.

  3. Restart your Mac and test the printer.

 

 

Bonus Tips for Both Windows and Mac Users

🛠 Check for Paper Jams and Ink Issues

  • Open your printer and inspect for paper jams or stuck debris.

  • Make sure ink or toner cartridges are not empty or misaligned.

🧰 Run HP Smart App Diagnostic

  • The HP Smart app is available for both Windows and macOS.

  • It can scan for issues, update firmware, and help with wireless setup.

Download it from HP Smart or the app store on your device.

When to Contact HP Support

If you've tried all the above methods and your HP printer still won't print, it's time to contact HP Customer Support. They can help determine if there’s a deeper hardware issue or if your printer needs service.

Conclusion

When your HP printer won’t print on Windows or macOS, the fix is usually simpler than it seems. From checking cables and clearing queues to reinstalling drivers or resetting the print system, the steps in this guide cover nearly every possible cause.

With a little patience, your HP printer should be back up and running in no time—ready to tackle your next document or photo job with ease.

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