The printer driver problem may arise due to an outdated, incompatible, or faulty driver. A printer suddenly stops working and shows an error message that may link to the HP printer driver issue. An error message stating "printer driver is unavailable" could appear.
As you all know, HP printers are among the reliable printers to deliver an exceptional outcome. Also, HP printers are built with durable material to last many years. Its significant advantages make it at the top of the list of users' choices. The printer is known for its cutting-edge functionality, improved security, and fantastic output. HP printers are helpful not only for customers but also for businesses. With increased versatility and quality output, the printer boosts productivity in the workplace.
However, being so advantageous, the HP printers are also prone to several issues, including "printer driver is unavailable." This problem is related to the printer driver not allowing the printer to work correctly. The printer only works with a compatible and well-functioning printer driver.
Causes of HP Printer Driver Issue
There can be multiple reasons HP printer stops working and show a "printer driver is unavailable" message. Identifying the cause helps fix the problem using the proper steps. The actual reasons for this issue with the HP printer are as follows:
The system has an obsolete printer driver: The printer driver in the Windows or the Mac system has become outdated. When you have used a printer for a long time and have not updated the printer driver, it causes a functioning issue and stops printing.
The latest updates are ignored: To avoid the printer problem, you mustn't avoid installing the new updates of the software. Download and install them to prevent or resolve issues related to the printer driver whenever you see pending updates.
The system has corrupted files: When you download a corrupt printer driver, you face a printing issue, or the printer shows unavailable. The corrupt printer driver may not recognize by the system and does not allows setting up.
Solutions for HP Printer Driver Problems
You must apply some fixes when you attempt to print something and get issues related to the printer driver. Below are a few solutions to bring HP printers out of the driver problem.
Solution 1: Remove and Reinstall HP Printer Driver on Your System
The first and the most common solution to the driver problem is removing and reinstalling the printer driver.
- Pressing the Windows key on the keyboard, hit the R key. It will let the Run dialog box appear on the screen.
- On the available space of the Run box, type the text "devmgmt.msc" and hit Enter key on the keyboard.
- After hitting the Enter key in the previous step, you will be navigated to the Device Manager window.
- Select and expand the "Print Queue from the list of categories." Select your HP printer model and right-click on it.
- Choose the option "Uninstall Device" and hit the Uninstall button in the pop-up window. Ensure a checkmark on the box to delete the driver.
- Once the printer gets uninstalled from the system completely, restart the system, and OS saves the changes.
- Go to the "HP Customer Support- Software and Driver Downloads" page of HP's official site.
- In the search box, enter your HP printer model name and click on the Enter button to search for your printer.
- Multiple different printer driver options appear. Choose the one that is required and suitable for your system OS.
- Download the required printer driver and follow all the steps to install it on your system.
Solution 2: Install HP Printer Driver Using Compatible Mode
An incompatible printer driver is another cause of this issue. To resolve this driver problem, you must install the printer driver in compatibility mode.
- Visit the HP official site and click "software and drivers" in the support section.
- On the next screen, choose the Printer option as one of its products of the HP.
- Enter the name of your HP printer model and click on Submit present next to it.
- The printer driver will appear suitable with your type HP printer model. Click on the file to start downloading the driver.
- After completing the download, double-click the downloaded file and click Properties.
- Under the compatibility tab, select to run the program in compatibility mode.
- Choose OS, select the "Run the program as an administrator" option and click Apply.
- Click OK, double-click on the printer driver file, and click the Yes button. After completing the above necessary steps, restart the system.
Solution 3: Check for the Corrupt System Files & Fix Issue
A corrupt file on the system can also trigger the printer driver issue. To fix this problem, you may require downloading an additional program to scan and repair the system.
- Download, run and install the Reimage program on your system.
- Open the Reimage application and click Yes on the pop-up window.
- It will run a free scanner and thoroughly scans your computer. The scanning process may take some minutes to get complete.
- Once the scanning completes, a detailed report will appear showing all issues on your system.
- Click on the Start Repair button to fix all the problems automatically. Here you need to buy a full version with a 60-days guarantee for money back if the program does not work.
- Check the HP printer driver status; all driver issues have been resolved.
