How to Fix if HP Printer not Connecting to Computer?

If you are looking for durable printers that can print with great efficiency, HP printers got your back. These printers are made with durable materials and have a good service life. Besides, HP printers come with a myriad of the advantages, such as automatic updates, high-quality printing, enhanced security and several others.

However, you may encounter errors when connecting your HP printer. Therefore, this post elaborates on the best solutions to resolve the HP printer not connecting to computer issue. Let’s get started.

Possible Reasons Behind Your Printer’s Wireless Connection Issues

The printer won’t connect to computer issue can be triggered due to a multitude of possible reasons. Check the below-given list:

• A damaged USB cable is one of the most apparent reasons behind HP printer will not connect to USB error.
• It is also possible that your printer may not be detected by your computer.
• Issues with your printer driver can also give rise to this printer error.

How To Troubleshoot the “HP Printer Won’t Connect” Problem?

Now that you know the possible reasons for your printer issue, you can suppress them by applying the best solutions. Below are some of the best solutions that can resolve your issue:

Solution 1: Resolve Printer Connection Issue

To run your printer smoothly, you need to make sure that it is properly connected to your device and with the network connection. To do so, you have to:

1.1: Restart Your Printer

Sometimes a simple restart can fix your printer. In such a case, just turn your printer off, wait for a few seconds and then turn it on. Once started, wait until it is ready to work.

1.2: Check For The Connection Issues 

If your printer is connected to a USB cable, the stable should be intact. If damaged or broken, you may not be able to connect your printer to the computer using it. You also need to check your USB port and clean it in order to prevent the port from connecting to the USB.

If your printer is connected to the system via Bluetooth or wireless network, you need to check the manual for connecting your printer wirelessly. The reason to follow the manual is that the connecting steps can vary from one printer to the other.

1.3: Look For The Network Connection Issues 

Sometimes, network issues can also prevent your printer from connecting to your computer; make sure that it is connected to a strong and stable Internet connection. Once the HP printer not detected on the network issue is resolved, try to print a test job.

Solution 2: Make Sure That Your Printer Driver is Updated 

An outdated printer driver can also prevent your printer from connecting. Therefore, you need to look for the missing updates. Updating your printer driver to the latest release available can resolve the error.

Moreover, working with an updated printer driver gives the best printing experience. There are two ways to update the printer driver – Manual & Automatic. Check below:

2.1: Update Your Printer Driver Manually

Follow the below-described steps with the utmost attention:

• First of all, you need to locate your printer’s model number. You may find your printer’s name and number on the Printer or Device and Printer panels that you have previously opened.
• Thereafter, go to the HP printer’s website and click on Support and Driver. Here, click the Download Driver and Software button. Also, type your printer’s name and number in the search area. Click Go to move ahead.
• Proceeding further, enter the operating system’s version to get a relevant update for your driver. Once you are done, click download the driver located underneath the Driver section.
• Once the printer driver is downloaded, run the installer to complete the setup procedure. Restart your printer and it is done.

2.2: Update Your Printer Driver Automatically

Below are the steps for automatic printer driver update:

• Make sure that your printer driver is set to download the software automatically.
• Now change the settings of device installation in Windows and then open it again.
• From within the Windows Device Installation Settings, select Yes and then click Save Changes to end the task.

Solution 3: Check For The Common Printer Issues 

HP printer issues, such as HP printer not detected on computer can crop up due to printer issues. To keep such issues at bay, you need to ensure that your printer is in optimal shape. Follow the below stated steps:

• Open Control Panel on your computer and then look for the icons there.
• Next, hit the Tools and Printers option.
• Here, you need to locate your printer, right-click on it and select Troubleshoot from the drop-down list.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to resolve the HP printer not connecting to computer problem.

Solution 4: Restart Print Spooler Service Manually

The print spooler handles the paper printing tasks sent from a computer to a printer or print server. If this service is not working, you may not be able to see your printer and it will be disconnected. Restarting the print spooler can fix it:

• Open the Run window (Windows + R) in the first place.
• Now type MSC services in the given Runbox and click the OK button.
• Here, move down and try to locate the spooler service option.
• If the service is running, right-click on it and then select Stop when a drop-down list opens.
• Thereafter, right-click on the services and click Start to restart the print spooler.
• In the end, restart your computer and make sure that the printer is connected to the computer.

To Wrap It Up!

This comprehensive blog can help you with your query on how to reconnect a wireless HP printer when it is not connecting to your computer. For additional assistance, you can get in touch with our adept professionals.