You’re not alone—many users are facing the issue of their HP printer not printing after a Windows 11 update in 2025. Whether it’s stuck in the queue, goes offline, or just refuses to respond, this is a frustrating but fixable problem.
In this guide, we’ll show you the most effective ways to troubleshoot and resolve this issue step by step.
Why Is My HP Printer Not Working After the Windows 11 Update?
After installing the latest patch or a feature update of Windows 11, your HP printer could do any of the following:
Show as offline
- Not respond to print commands
- Give driver-related errors
- Be visible as “Unspecified device” in the Control Panel
- This typically happens because:
- Printer drivers were not compatible or outdated.
- • The print spooler has crashed or was reset.
- The default printer settings were removed by Windows.
- HP Smart App is not connecting after an update
Fixes for HP Printer Not Printing After Windows 11 Update (2025)
Restart Your Printer and PC
- Turn off the printer completely.
- Unplug the power cord for one minute. 2.
- Restart your computer.
- Power on the printer and plug it back in.
- Occasionally, a clean power-on cycle can remedy small post-update hiccups.
Run HP Print and Scan Doctor.
HP’s official tool can fix most printing issues.
- Download from: HP Print and Scan Doctor
- Open the tool, select your printer, and run the diagnostics.
- Follow any on-screen instructions to fix driver or spooler issues.
Uninstall and Reinstall HP Printer Drivers
To uninstall:
Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners
Choose your HP printer and press Remove.
Then:
Visit HP’s Official Driver Page.
Download the latest driver compatible with Windows 11.
Install and reboot.
Set HP Printer as the Default Printer
Sometimes, the default printer is changed after a Windows update.
The default printer is sometimes being changed by the Windows update.
- Click Windows + I. Click Devices. Click Printers & Scanners.
- Your HP printer > Make default prevalent.
- Or, turn off “Let Windows manage my default printer.”
Check the Print Spooler Service.
Damaged spooler = stuck print tasks.
Steps:
- Type services in the run dialogue box and press enter. msc, hit Enter
- Locate Print Spooler, right-click > Restart
- Double-click and make the startup type Automatic.
Final Thoughts
The “HP printer not printing after Windows 11 update” issue in 2022 is quite prevalent—though it is almost always resolvable with the proper steps. Keep your drivers and firmware updated, and turn to tools such as HP Smart and Print & Scan Doctor when in doubt.
