Fix “HP Print Driver Unavailable” Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

Experiencing a “driver unavailable” error with your HP printer can be frustrating, interrupting your workflow and preventing you from printing important documents. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough to resolve this issue by focusing on your Hp Print Driver. Follow these steps to get your HP printer back online and functioning smoothly.

Restart the Print Spooler

The Print Spooler is a Windows service that manages print jobs. Restarting it can often resolve driver communication issues.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down and locate Print Spooler.
4. Right-click on Print Spooler and select Stop.
5. Open Run dialog again (Windows key + R).
6. Type spool and click OK.
7. Open the PRINTERS folder.
8. Delete all files within the PRINTERS folder.
9. Return to the Services window, right-click on Print Spooler, and select Start.

Uninstall HP Printer Drivers

Completely uninstalling and then reinstalling your HP print drivers can eliminate corrupted driver files causing the “unavailable” error.

1. In Windows search, type and open Programs and Features.
2. Select your HP Printer from the list of installed programs.
3. Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen prompts to remove the software.
4. After uninstallation, in Windows search, type and open Devices and Printers.
5. Locate your HP printer in the Devices and Printers window. If found, right-click on it and choose Remove device.
6. Open the Run dialog again (Windows key + R).
7. Type printui.exe /s and click OK. (Note the space between “printui.exe” and “/s”).
8. In the Print Server Properties window, click the Drivers tab.
9. Look for your HP Printer driver in the list. Select it and click Remove at the bottom of the window.
10. Click OK to confirm driver removal.
11. Click Apply and then OK on the Print Server Properties window.
12. Close the Devices and Printers window.

Install Windows Built-in Print Driver

If dedicated HP drivers are causing issues, utilizing the Windows built-in print driver can provide a stable printing solution.

1. Go to Control Panel and open Devices and Printers.
2. Click on Add a printer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. When prompted to select drivers, click Windows Update. Allow a few minutes for the driver list to update.
4. In the Manufacturer pane, find and click on HP, Hewlett Packard, or Hewlett-Packard.
5. In the Printers pane, select the name of your printer model.
6. Click Next and complete the printer installation.

For more detailed instructions and visual aids, refer to this official HP document: HP Printers – Installing and Using the Windows Built-in Print Driver

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “HP print driver unavailable” error and restore your printer’s functionality. If you continue to experience issues, consider visiting the HP support website for further assistance or troubleshooting resources specific to your printer model.