Posted by Connecting your HP printer to a Windows 10 computer should be an easy process, but sometimes technical hiccups can cause your device to go unrecognized. If you’re asking how do I get Windows 10 to recognize my HP printer, don’t worry. In this post, we’ll list the detailed steps involved in this process.
Why Windows 10 Does Not Recognize Your HP Printer?
A Windows 10 PC fails to detect an HP printer because of faulty drivers and software. Sometimes, your printer isn’t listed and so, you need to add it first. Temporary glitches also prevent the detection of the printer. These glitches can be resolved by manually restarting both devices.
Steps to Get Windows 10 to Recognize an HP Printer
Here are the step-by-step instructions to ensure that your PC detects the printer.
1. Check the Basics First
Power on the printer. Ensure the device is turned on and properly connected to a power source. Now, do a connection check. If it’s a wired printer, ensure the USB cable is securely connected. For wireless printers, verify that your printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC. Restart your printer and your computer. A simple reboot can sometimes resolve detection issues.
2. Install the Latest HP Drivers
Windows 10 usually detects printers automatically. But if there are missing drivers or they are corrupt, it can cause problems.
- Visit the HP Support website.
- Enter your printer model and download the latest driver software for Windows 10.
- Install the driver following the on-screen instructions.
- When you are typing the printer’s name, make sure to enter the ”Full Feature” driver instead of just the basic one for maximum compatibility.
3. Use Windows 10’s Built-In Printer Troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes a troubleshooting tool designed specifically for printer problems. To use it, follow these instructions:
- Go to Settings.
- Click Update & Security, followed by Troubleshoot.
- Select Printer and then click Run the Troubleshooter.
- Follow the instructions on your screen. Windows 10 will attempt to detect and fix the issue automatically.
4. Add the Printer Manually
If Windows 10 still doesn’t recognise your HP printer automatically, you can add it manually. Just follow the points below.
- Open Settings in your PC.
- Choose Devices and then Printers & scanners.
- Click Add a printer or scanner.
- If Windows doesn’t find your printer, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Choose the option that suits your requirement, like adding a local printer manually or selecting a network printer.
5. Check and Update Windows 10
Sometimes the operating system itself needs an update to properly detect hardware. If it is not updated, your HP printer will go undetected.
- Go to Settings, followed by Update & Security.
- Choose Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.
- After updating, restart your computer and try connecting the printer again.
6. Verify Printer Spooler Service
The Print Spooler service must be running for printers to work properly.
- Press Windows + R and type services.msc on the Run box.
- Now, hit Enter.
- Find Print Spooler in the list.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
- Make sure the service is set to Automatic.
7. Reset the HP Printer
If none of the steps work, try resetting your printer to enable its detection.
- Turn off the HP printer and unplug it from the power source.
- Wait for about 60 seconds.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
- Retry the connection process.
Conclusion
The steps above will surely enable Windows 10 to detect your HP printer. Try them all out. In case the problem persists, contact HP Printer Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I fix my HP printer not connecting?
Restart your router, printer, and computer or mobile device. Reconnect your computer or mobile device to the network name (SSID) that your printer is connected to after disconnecting it.
2. How do i make my hp printer discoverable?
Ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled on your HP printer. Use the Wireless Setup Wizard (found in the printer’s settings) to connect it to your network. Also, keep the printer close to your router for a stronger signal.
3. Why is my HP printer not showing up on network?
Restart your PC and printer and ensure that both devices are connected to a single network. Now, reinstall the printer drivers. Make sure that you install the full feature driver.