If the HP printer driver won’t install warning message is displayed, do the solutions provided in this article to resolve the problem.
1. Restart your computer – HP Printer Driver Won’t Install Warning
A simple restart on your computer might just do the trick. Therefore, the first port of call to fix this HP printer warning is to restart your computer.
Use any of the methods below to restart your Windows computer.
How to Restart your Computer via the On-screen Windows/Start Button – HP Printer Driver Won’t Install Warning
To restart your computer via the on-screen Windows/Start button, do the following steps:
Step 1: Click on the “Windows/Start” button on the taskbar. Alternatively, you can press your keyboard’s Windows key.
Step 2: Click on the Power icon.
Step 3: Click on “Restart.”
How to Restart your Computer via the Ctrl + Alt + Delete Keys – HP Printer Driver Won’t Install Warning
To restart your computer via the ctrl + alt + delete keys, do the following steps:
Step 1: Press down the following keys on your keyboard at once: ctrl (control), alt (alternate), and del (delete).
Step 2: Let go of the keys.
Step 3: A new window or menu will appear.
Step 4: Click on the Power icon in the screen’s lower right screen.
Step 5: Click on “Restart.”
How to Restart your Computer via the Power Button – HP Printer Driver Won’t Install Warning
To restart your computer via the power button, do the following steps:
Note: You should only use this method if your computer is frozen and the other methods aren’t working.
Step 1: Find the power button of your computer.
Step 2: Press down the power button until the computer goes off.
Step 3: Wait for the computer’s screen to go black, and the fans to shut off.
Step 4: Wait for about 10 seconds.
Step 5: Press down the printer’s power button.
After restarting your computer, try to install the driver again.
If you still encounter the problem, do the next solution.
2. Confirm that the Print Spooler is Running – HP Printer Driver Won’t Install Warning
To confirm that your print spooler is running, do these steps:
Step 1: Click on the “Cortana/Search” icon on the taskbar.
Step 2: Type this in the search box: View local services
Step 3: Click on “View Local Services” from the search results.
Step 4: Scroll down until you get to “Print Spooler.”
Step 5: Confirm that the status of the print spooler is “Started.”
- If the status of the print spooler is “Started,” do the next solution.
- If the status of the print spooler is not “Started,” do the next steps.
Step 6: Right-click on “Print Spooler.”
Step 7: Click on “Properties.”
Step 8: If the setting for “Startup Type” is “Disabled” or “Manual,” click on the drop-down menu. After that click on “Automatic” before clicking on “Apply.”
Step 9: Under the “Service Status” option, click on “Start” before clicking on “OK.”
Step 10: Restart your computer
After restarting your computer, do the next solution.
We recommend that you read this article: HP Printer Warning [Detailed Guide] to learn about other HP printer warnings that you might encounter when using your HP printer.
3. Install your HP Printer Driver – HP Printer Driver Won’t Install Warning
To install your HP printer driver, go to the HP Software and Driver Downloads page, and then enter your HP printer model and then click on “Submit.”
When the new page opens, locate the full feature software and driver for your HP printer, and then click on “Download.”
After that, follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer driver.
If you still can’t install the driver, do the next solution.
4. Reset your PC – HP Printer Driver Won’t Install Warning
This should be a last resort because doing this might make you lose all the details on your computer.
To reset your PC, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Do the instructions below that apply to your Windows version.
Windows 11
i. Right-click on the “Windows” icon on the taskbar.
ii. Click on “Settings.”
Windows 10
i. Click on the “Windows” icon on the taskbar.
ii. Click on the “Settings” icon.
iii. Click on “Update & Security.”
Windows 8
i. Open your computer’s charms bar by swiping from the right.
ii. Click on “Change PC Settings.”
iii. Click on “Update and recovery.”
Step 2: Click on “Recovery.”
Step 3: Check for the “Advanced Startup” option. It is usually at the lower screen area on the right.
Step 4: Click on “Restart Now.”
Step 5: Wait for the “Please wait” message to open the Advanced Startup Options.
Step 6: Click on “Troubleshoot.”
Step 7: Click on “Reset this PC.”
If you are using Windows 8, click on “Refresh your PC” if you want your files saved. Or if you don’t want your files saved after the reinstallation, you can click on “Reset your PC.”
For Windows 8 users, after doing the above, skip to step 9.
Step 8: Click any of these options:
i. Keep My File – This option allows you to keep all your personal files while the installed apps and software will be removed. Your Windows will reinstall anew but will have a backup of your files. So, your Windows will look new but with your saved files.
ii. Remove Everything – If you choose this option, everything will be removed including your personal files. Your Windows will then be reinstalled anew.
iii. Restore Factory Settings – Not only does this option remove all your files and installed apps and software, but it also reinstalls the preinstall software that came with the original operating system of the computer.
Step 9: The screen will then display “Preparing,” so you need to wait for some seconds.
If you selected the “Keep my files” option (“Refresh your PC” option for Windows 8), do the next step.
If you selected the “Remove everything” option (“Reset your PC” option for Windows 8), jump to step 13.
Step 10: Choose an admin account to continue.
Note: You’ll need to enter the password of the account; therefore, you need to select an admin account whose password you know. If you can’t pass this step by entering the password, then you’ll need to restart the reset this PC process and then select the “Remove everything” option. As such, your personal data will not be saved.
Step 11: Enter the password of the admin account you selected.
Step 12: Click on “Continue.” After that jump to step 14.
Step 13 is for those that selected the “Remove everything” option (“Reset your PC” option for Windows 8).
Step 13: Choose any of the options below:
i. Just Remove my Files – Select this option if you want to resolve a computer issue and you intend to still use the computer normally once the issue is resolved after the reset.
ii. Fully Clean the Drive – When you select this option, all the data in the drive will be completely cleaned. This option is best if you are selling the computer, giving away the computer, or recycling the hard drive or computer. You can also use this option if you encountered malware that dealt severely with your computer and even affected the boot sector.
Note: This option will take longer to complete; the duration could range from 1 hour and above.
Step 14: When the “Reset this PC” page is displayed, click on “Reset.”
Step 15: Wait while Windows resets your PC.
Step 16: Once the reset is complete, wait while your Windows is reinstalling. This process can last for a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes.
Note: Your computer will restart severally; you don’t have to worry as it is normal.
Step 17: Wait for the Windows installation to be finalized.
If you selected the “keep my files” option, this process will take less than 5 minutes. However, if you selected the “Remove everything” option, the process can take up to 20 minutes.
Step 18: Your computer is now ready to use in the same condition it was when you first bought or installed it, or performed an upgrade.
If you chose the “keep my files” option, your files will be in the location where you saved them before the reset.
After resetting your PC, try to install your HP printer driver.
If you still have problems installing the driver, you need to contact HP Customer Support for further assistance. If the issue cannot be resolved remotely, a technician will be sent to repair your printer or provide you with a replacement if the repair is not possible.