Fix: HP Printer Driver is Unavailable – Troubleshooting Guide

Encountering an “Hp Printer Driver Is Unavailable” error can be a frustrating roadblock when you need to print. This issue commonly arises during printer installation or when your system fails to recognize the printer driver. Fortunately, resolving this problem is often straightforward by utilizing the built-in drivers in Windows. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to get your HP printer back online using Windows’ native driver support.

Using Windows Built-in Drivers for HP Printers

Windows has a built-in library of drivers that can automatically recognize and install basic drivers for many printers, including HP models. This method is often the quickest way to resolve driver unavailability issues. Here’s how to use this feature:

Step 1: Adding Your Printer Through Control Panel

The first step is to manually add your printer through the Windows Control Panel. This process allows you to initiate driver installation using Windows’ built-in resources.

1. Open Control Panel. You can find it by searching for “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar.
2. Navigate to Devices and Printers. Under “Hardware and Sound,” click on “View devices and printers.”
3. Click on Add printer located at the top of the window. This will launch the Add Printer wizard.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will begin searching for available printers.

Step 2: Updating the Driver List with Windows Update

When prompted to select drivers, it’s crucial to update the driver list using Windows Update. This ensures you have the most current driver options available directly from Microsoft.

1. In the driver selection window, look for and click on the “Windows Update” button.
2. Wait for the driver list to be updated. This process might take a few minutes as Windows connects to Microsoft’s update servers and refreshes the driver list.

Step 3: Selecting Your HP Printer from the Updated List

Once the driver list is updated, you can then select your specific HP printer model.

1. In the Manufacturer pane on the left, scroll down and select HP, Hewlett Packard, or Hewlett-Packard.
2. In the Printers pane on the right, find and click on the name of your printer model.

Connecting Your HP Printer to the Network

A stable network connection is essential for wireless printers to function correctly. Ensure your HP printer is properly connected to your network, whether wirelessly or via Ethernet cable.

Wireless Connection (Printers with a Control Panel Menu)

For HP printers equipped with a control panel, connecting to Wi-Fi is usually done through a setup wizard.

1. Turn on your printer.
2. Open the Wireless Setup Wizard from the printer’s control panel menu. This is typically found under Wireless, Settings, or Network Setup.
3. Select your network name (SSID) from the list of available networks.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted to complete the network connection.

Wireless Connection (Printers without a Control Panel Menu)

For printers lacking a control panel, the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) method can simplify wireless connection.

1. Press and hold the Wireless button on your printer until the wireless light starts blinking.
2. Within two minutes, press and hold the WPS button on your router.
3. Wait for the light on the printer to stop flashing, indicating a successful connection.

Ethernet Cable Connection

For a wired network connection, using an Ethernet cable is a reliable option.

1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the rear of your HP printer.
2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to an available Ethernet port on your router.

Adding Your Printer in Windows Settings

After ensuring your printer is connected to the network and drivers are ready, finalize the printer setup through Windows Settings.

Automatic Printer Detection

Windows can automatically detect printers on the same network.

1. Make sure your computer is connected to the same network as the printer.
2. In Windows, search for and open Add a printer or scanner.
3. Click Add a printer or scanner.
4. Wait for Windows to locate your printer.
5. When your printer name appears in the list, click on it.
6. Click Add device to complete the setup.

Manual Printer Addition if Not Automatically Detected

If your printer is not automatically detected, use the manual addition option.

1. In the “Add a printer or scanner” window, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
2. In the “Find a printer by other options” window, select an option to locate and add your printer, such as adding by IP address or hostname if you know it, or letting Windows search again using different criteria.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “HP printer driver is unavailable” error and successfully install your HP printer using Windows built-in drivers. This method ensures compatibility and provides a stable printing solution.