Upgrading software or the OS allows for fixing many issues; it even lets you work with better features. However, what if this update becomes a problem? You might have heard of the HP printer issue after the Windows update. Printer problems are common in the Windows operating system. Sometimes, updating Windows can also bring problems and make the printer work improperly. It even caused the printer to stop working. This issue can be annoying when you do not understand the problem. One must find the cause and the solutions to this common printer issue. A few solutions are available to tackle this error. 

Causes of HP Printer Issue After Windows Update

Printer issues can occur after a Windows update when you download an incompatible version of Windows OS. Therefore, you must carefully choose the correct version of Windows according to the printer model. An outdated or wrong driver creates printer problems after a new update. A corrupt printer driver does not even let the printer work properly after updating the Windows operating system. One must check that they download the printer driver from the HP official site and always keep it updated. Avoid downloading the software from untrusted sites or unreliable software-downloading sites. 

Solutions to HP Printer Issue After Windows Update

Whenever you find a printer issue that starts causing problems only after the Windows update, the solutions below will help you troubleshoot it. Follow the methods and instructions carefully for a quick solution. 

Solution 1: Check For the Print Spooler Service Error

When you update the Windows operating system, the print spooler may stop working, creating an issue in printing. However, resolving the problem requires restarting the print spooler. To restart the print spooler service, follow the steps below. 

• In the search bar, look for the Services app and choose the relevant outcome. 
• On the Services window, locate the Print Spooler service and right-click on it. 
• From the list, select Start and then press the OK button. 
• Instead of Start, if there is a Stop option, click on Stop and restart again. 

You have restarted the Print Spooler on Windows. Also, check the status of the service. 

• To check the status, select Properties by right-clicking on the Print Spooler and then going to the General tab. 
• Under Startup Type, look for the status and ensure it is Automatic. If not, set it as Automatic, choosing from the drop-down list. 
• After that, click on the Apply button, close all the windows, and restart the Windows computer. 
• Try to print the document and check if the issue is resolved or not. 

Solution 2: Check For Printer Connection to the Incorrect Port

When the printer is connected to the incorrect port, you also get an HP printer issue after a Windows update. Check if the printer is connected with the correct port or not. If not, reconnect the printer to the correct port to resolve the issue and make the printer work again. 

1. From the search bar, look for the Settings app and open the Settings window. 
2. Choose Devices and then Printer & Scanner. After that, select Devices and Printers. 
3. Select your model from the device list and right-click on it. 
4. From the list, select Properties and then choose Change Properties under the General tab. 
5. Go to the Ports tab and select the port containing your HP printer model name. 
6. Finally, click on Apply to finish the process and resolve the printer problem. 
7. You have completed the process. Now, check whether it is printing as usual or not. 

Solution 3: Disable the "Printer Offline" Mode to Fix HP Printer Issue After Windows Update

When the printer does not work after the update, look for the "Use Printer Offline" option. The printer may have gone into offline mode. You must disable the "Printer Offline" mode and make the printer online again. Use the steps below to bring the printer to online mode. 

1. Type Devices in the Windows search bar and click on the result. 
2. Go to the Devices and open the Printers and Scanners window from the Settings app. 
3. Select your printer model and then choose the "See what's printing" option by right-clicking on it. 
4. Click on the Printer menu at the top-left corner and uncheck "Use Printer Offline." 
5. Finally, the printer switched from offline mode to online. Now, you will start printing the documents. 

Solution 4: Uninstall the Last Windows Update

It may happen that the HP printer is not compatible with the current update. The printer does not work when you download the incompatible update. If the printer problem is caused only after the update, try uninstalling the last update. Uninstalling the updates may resolve the problem. 

1. Click on the Windows icon, locate the gear icon, and click on Settings. 
2. Go to the Windows update option and click on the Update history option. 
3. An Update History page will open. Under Related Settings, choose Uninstall Updates. 
4. A list of Windows updates will appear. Choose the most recent one and hit the Uninstall button at the top. 
5. Follow the prompt instructions to uninstall the update and restart the computer.