If your HP printer is slow, we recommend that you read this article carefully to learn proven solutions for this issue.
Table of Contents
Why is HP Printer printing so slowly? [Answered] – HP Printer is Slow
The following are the reasons why your HP printer is printing slowly:
i. Quiet mode is turned on.
ii. Faulty connections such as damaged USB cable.
iii. Print quality is too high.
iv. Printing on certain types of paper.
v. Printing with just one ink cartridge.
vi. Issues with your HP print driver.
vii. Outdated HP printer firmware.
viii. Shared network connection.
ix. The printer server is overloaded.
x. Printer configurations are bad.
xi. Paper jam.
xii. Low or empty ink or toner.
How to Fix Slow Printing HP Printer [Detailed Guide] – HP Printer is Slow
If your HP printer prints really slowly, do the solutions below that apply to your computer’s operating system:
HP Printer is Slow to Print on Windows [How to Fix] – HP Printer is Slow
If your HP printer is very slow to print on Windows, do the following solutions to resolve the issue. Ensure that you check if the HP slow printing problem is resolved before moving on to the next solution.
1. Reset your HP Printer
To reset your HP printer, do the steps below:
Step 1: For printers with a rechargeable battery, take away the battery.
Step 2: Turn on your HP printer.
Step 3: Remove the printer’s power cable from your printer.
Step 4: Unplug the printer’s power cable from the outlet, power strip, or surge protector.
Step 5: Wait for about 60 seconds.
Step 6: Plug the printer’s power cable into an electric wall outlet.
Note: Plugging your HP printer into a power strip or surge protector is not recommended by HP.
Step 7: Connect the printer’s power cable to your HP printer.
Step 8: Turn on your HP printer. This final step should reset your printer.
We recommend that you read this article: How to Reset HP Printer [Detailed Guide]to learn other resets that you can perform on your HP printer.
If your HP printer is slow to print even after doing the steps above, do the next solution.
2. Turn your Printer’s Quiet Mode Off (For Windows 10)
When your HP printer is in quiet mode, it allows it to work with less noise. The downside is that this mode reduces the print speed of your printer.
Therefore, if this mode is available to your printer and is turned on, you have to turn it off if your HP printer is slow at printing using any of the methods below.
How to Turn off HP Printer Quiet Mode via HP Smart app
To turn off HP printer quiet mode via the HP Smart app, do the steps below:
Step 1: Open the app.
Step 2: Click on your HP printer.
Step 3: Click on “Advanced Settings.”
Step 4: Click on the tab labeled “Settings.”
Step 5: Check under “Preferences” and click on “Quiet Mode.”
Step 6: Select “Off.”
Step 7: Click on “Apply.”
Note: In case you are prompted to enter a PIN or password, enter the administrator password or the PIN on your printer’s label. The label is either on your printer’s back or inside your printer.
Read this article: HP Printer Password [How To, Problems & Solutions] to learn more about HP printer passwords.
How to Turn off HP Printer Quiet Mode via HP Printer Assistant
To turn off HP printer quiet mode via HP Printer Assistant, do the steps below:
Step 1: Run a search for your HP printer on your Windows computer.
Step 2: Choose your HP printer from the search results.
This action will open the HP Printer Assistant.
Step 3: Click on the tab labeled “Quiet Mode.”
Step 4: Select “Off.”
Step 5: Click on “Save Setting.”
You can check out this link: Quiet Mode on HP Printer – HP Printer Mode to learn more about HP printer quiet mode.
If your HP printer is slow to print even after turning off the quiet mode, do the next solution.
3. Change Paper Type Settings & Reduce the Print Quality on Windows
To change the paper type settings and reduce the HP print quality on Windows, do the following steps:
Step 1: Search for “printers” on your Windows computer.
Step 2 Click on “Printers & Scanners” from the search results.
Step 3: Click on your HP printer.
Step 4: Click on “Manage Printing Preferences.”
Step 5: Click on the tab labeled “Paper/Quality” or “Paper.”
Step 6: Select “Plain Paper” in the field for “Paper Type” or “Type.”
Step 7: Reduce your print quality.
For HP LaserJet and Inkjet Printers: Select “Normal” or “Draft” from the field for “Print Quality.”
For HP Laser Printers: Locate and click on the tab labeled “Graphics,” and then check the field for “Quality: and click on “Standard.”
Step 8: Click on “Apply” or “OK.”
If your HP printer is slow to print even after doing the above steps, do the next solution.
4. Use Both Ink Cartridges for Printing (For Inkjet Printers)
Using one ink cartridge for inkjet printers that support such might be the reason why your HP printer is slow. Therefore, you need to do the following:
i. Open your printer’s cartridge access door.
ii. Ensure that all the ink cartridges are installed correctly.
iii. Confirm that your ink levels are not low or empty. If any cartridge is low or empty, replace them.
If your HP printer is running slowly even after doing the above, do the next solution.
5. Uninstall your HP Print Driver & Install and then Run HP Smart on Windows
To uninstall your HP print driver before installing and then running HP Smart on Windows, do the following:
Step 1: If USB cables are connected to your HP printer, remove them.
Step 2: Search for “Add or remove programs” on your Windows computer.
Step 3: Click on “Add or remove programs” from the search results.
Step 4: Check the programs list for the name of your HP printer.
- If you see your HP printer listed, click on the name of your printer before clicking “Uninstall.”
- If you don’t see your HP printer listed, search for “Printers & Scanners” and then open it from the search results. After that, click on your HP printer before clicking “Remove device.”
Step 5: If you see this message: “User Account Control”, click on “Yes.”
Step 6: Do the on-screen instructions to remove your HP printer software.
Step 7: Restart your Windows computer.
Step 8: Go to this site to download and then install the HP Smart app.
If your HP printer is slow to print even after doing the above steps, move on to the next solution.
6. Update your HP Printer Firmware
To update your HP printer firmware, use any of the methods below:
How to Update your HP Printer Firmware via Control Panel
To update your HP printer firmware via the printer’s control panel, you need to press the HP ePrint button or icon to find the “Check for Updates” or “Product Update” menu.
Alternatively, do the following if your printer doesn’t have the HP ePrint button or icon:
i. Open your printer’s “Settings,” “Service,” or “Setup” menu.
ii. Choose “Tools,” “Printer Maintenance,” or “Preferences.”
iii. Choose “LaserJet Update,” “Printer Update,” or “Web Services.”
How to Update your HP Printer Firmware from HP Download Page
To update your HP printer firmware from the HP download page, do the steps below:
Step 1: Visit this website.
Step 2: Type your HP printer model.
Step 3: Check under firmware and then install the available firmware updates.
How to Update your HP Printer Firmware via HP Smart App
To update your HP printer firmware via the HP Smart app, do the following steps:
Step 1: Open the app.
If the HP Smart app is not installed on your computer, go to the Microsoft Store to download it. After that, open the download file to install the app.
Step 2: Sign in or create an account.
Step 3: Add your HP printer.
You can read this article: How to Add a Printer to HP Smart App to learn how to add your HP printer to the HP Smart app.
Step 4: Click on the image of your HP printer.
Step 5: Click on “Advanced Settings” or “Printer Home Page (EWS)”.
Step 6: Click on “Web Services” or “Tools.”
Step 7: Click on “Printer Updates.”
HP Printer is Slow to print on Mac [How to Fix] – HP Printer is Slow
If your HP printer is slow to print on Mac, do the following solutions to resolve the issue. Ensure that you check if the HP slow printing problem is resolved before moving on to the next solution.
1. Reset your HP Printer
To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we shared earlier in this article under the “Reset your HP Printer” section.
If your HP printer is slow to print even after resetting it, do the next solution.
2. Turn your Printer’s Quiet Mode Off (For Mac)
You can turn your HP printer’s quiet mode off via the HP Smart app or HP Utility.
To turn your HP printer’s quiet mode off via the HP Smart app, follow the steps we shared earlier in this article under the “How to Turn off HP Printer Quiet Mode via HP Smart app” subsection.
How to Turn Off HP Printer Quiet Mode via HP Utility
To turn off your HP printer quiet mode via HP Utility, do the steps below:
Step 1: Click “Finder.”
Step 2: Click on “GoApplications.”
Step 3: Double-click on the folder labeled “HP.”
Step 4: Double-click on “HP Utility.”
Step 5: Click your HP printer.
Step 6: Click on “Quiet Mode.”
Step 7: Select “Off.”
Step 8: Click on “Apply Now.”
If your HP printer is slow to print even after turning off the quiet mode, do the next solution.
3. Change Paper Type Settings & Reduce the Print Quality on Mac
To change the paper type settings and reduce the HP print quality on Mac, do the following steps:
Step 1: Open the document or photo you intend to print on your Macintosh computer.
Step 2: Click on “FilePrint.”
Step 3: Ensure that your HP printer is the selected printer in the window for “Print Settings.”
Step 4: Click on “Show Details.”
Step 5: Click on the drop-down menu in the middle of the window.
Step 6: Select “Media & Quality” or “Paper Type/Quality.”
Step 7: From the slider or menu for “Print Quality” or “Quality,” select “Draft” or “Normal.”
If your HP printer is slow to print even after doing the above steps, do the next solution.
4. Use Both Ink Cartridges for Printing (For Inkjet Printers)
To use both ink cartridges for printing, follow the instructions we shared earlier in this article under the “Use Both Ink Cartridges for Printing (For Inkjet Printers)” section.
If your HP printer is slow to print even after using both ink cartridges, do the next solution.
5. Uninstall your HP Print Driver & Install and then Run HP Smart on Mac
To uninstall your HP print driver and install and then run HP Smart on Mac, do the following:
Step 1: Download and then install the HP Easy Start.
Step 2: Open the HP Easy Start.
Step 3: Click on the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Click on “Uninstall HP Software.”
Step 5: Do the steps on the screen to uninstall all the software related to your HP printer.
Step 6: Go to this site to download and then install the HP Smart.
If your HP printer is slow to print even after doing the above, do the next solution.
6. Update your HP Printer Firmware
To update your HP printer firmware, use any of the methods we shared earlier in this article under the “Update your HP Printer Firmware” section.
HP Printer is Slow [Other Solutions] – HP Printer is Slow
Apart from the solutions we have shared above, you can try these other solutions if your HP printer is slow:
1. Check your Printer’s Network Status – HP Printer is Slow
To check your printer’s network status, do the following:
i. Check the signal strength of your network
To do this, check the taskbar of your computer, and then click on the icon for wireless connection. You should also move your computer and printer close to your wireless router to ensure that the signal is stronger.
ii. Close programs and applications that aren’t in use at the moment.
If you leave too many programs and applications open, it can cause your HP printer to print slowly. This is especially true for users with short bandwidth.
iii. Ensure that your Ethernet cable is connected properly if your printer is connected to the network via this medium.
iv. Reboot your wireless router.
To do this, unplug your router, and then wait for some seconds before plugging it back in.
2. Stop and then Restart Print Spooler Service – HP Printer is Slow
In case your HP printer is slow to respond, it could be that the print spooler is having some issues. In such a case, you need to stop and then restart the print spooler service.
How to Stop and then Restart Print Spooler Service
To stop and then restart the print spooler service, do the steps below:
Step 1: Press your keyboard’s “Windows” and “R” keys at once.
This action will open the Run command.
Step 2: Type this in the open field: services.msc
Step 3: Click on “OK” or press your keyboard’s “Enter” key.
Step 4: Locate and then right-click “Printer Spooler.”
Step 5: Click on “Stop.”
Step 6: Minimize the window.
Step 7: Open File Explorer.
Step 8: Type this in the address bar: C/:/Windows/System32/spool/PRINTERS
Step 9: Once the directory opens, delete all the entries.
Step 10: Open Print Spooler again.
Step 11: Restart the service.
If your HP printer is printing slowly over a network after restarting the print spooler, do the next solution.
3. Use TCP/IP Port – HP Printer is Slow
One reason why your HP wireless printer is slow to respond might be a result of the port in use. Sometimes, the WSD port can make your HP printer slow to connect. Therefore, the solution is to use the TCP/IP port instead.
How to Use TCP/IP Port
To use a TCP/IP port, do the following steps:
Step 1: Search for “Printers & Scanners.”
Step 2: Click on “Printers & Scanners” from the search results.
Step 3: Find and right-click on your HP printer.
Step 4: Select “Printer Properties.”
Step 5: Click on the tab labeled “Ports.”
Step 6: Click on “Add Port.”
Step 7: Select “Standard TCP/IP Port.”
Step 8: Click on “Next.”
Step 9: In the field for “Hostname or IP address,” type your printer’s IP address.
If you don’t know your printer’s IP address, you can find it by printing a configuration page. Read this article: HP Configuration Page [How To/Issues & Solutions]to learn how to print an HP configuration page for your HP printer model.
Step 10: In the field for “Port Name,” enter a name.
Step 11: Ensure that you don’t select the option for “Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use.”
Step 12: Click on “Next.”
Step 13: Wait for some minutes.
Step 14: Choose your printer type.
Step 15: Click on “Next.”
Step 16: Use the updated or current printer driver.
Step 17: Click on “Next.”
Step 18: Enter your HP printer name.
Step 19: Click on “Next.”
Step 20: Select “Do not share this printer.”
Step 21: Click on “Next.”
Step 21: Click on the checkbox to select the “Set as the default printer.” option.
Step 22: Click “Finish.”
The above solutions will also work if your HP 8600 printer is slow to print or your HP printer is slow between pages.
HP Printer Slow To Print PDF [Solved] – HP Printer is Slow
In this section, we will provide you with solutions if your HP printer is slow to print PDFs.
HP Printer is Slow to Print PDF [Reasons] – HP Printer is Slow
The following are some reasons why your HP printer is slow to print PDF:
i. The print job is complex.
Note: This affects older HP LaserJet printers that didn’t have enough memory.
ii. The PDF is corrupt.
HP Printer is Slow to Print PDF [Solutions] – HP Printer is Slow
If your HP LaserJet printer is slow to print PDF, do the following solutions:
1. Update your Adobe Reader Version
To update your Adobe Reader version, do the following steps:
Step 1: Open the Adobe Reader official website on a web browser.
Step 2: Check the left pane, and find the section for “Your system.”
- If your operating system is on the list, click on “Install now.”
- In the event that your operating system isn’t on the list, click on “Do you have a different language or operating system?” After that, choose your operating system, choose a language, and choose an Adobe version. Finally, click on “Download now.”
Step 3: Finish the installation by following the prompts on the screen.
Step 4: Restart your PC.
Step 5: Print the PDF again.
If your HP printer is slow to print PDF even after doing the above, do the next solution.
2. Reinstall your HP Printer Driver
To reinstall your HP printer driver, do the steps below:
Step 1: Open the HP Software and Drivers Downloads Page on a web browser.
Step 2: Type your HP printer model name in the search box.
Step 3: Click on “submit.”
Step 4: From the search results, select your HP printer model.
Step 5: Choose a language from the “Driver Language” option.
Step 6: Choose the operating system or your computer.
Note: Ensure that you choose the correct operating system version.
Step 7: Find your printer driver under the section for “Driver.”
Step 8: Click on “Download.”
After reinstalling your HP printer driver, print the PDF again.
If your HP printer is slow to print PDF even after reinstalling the driver, you can check other driver options supported by your HP printer. If you find other driver options, you can try any of those driver options.
Note: Not all HP LaserJet printers support the use of several driver options. Some of these printers include:
- HP LaserJet P2035 Printer series
- HP Color LaserJet 3600 Printer series
- HP Color LaserJet 3550 Printer series
- HP Color LaserJet 3500 Printer series
- HP Color LaserJet 2600n Printer
- HP Color LaserJet 1600 Printer
If using an alternative printer driver fails to resolve the issue, move to the next solution.
3. Modify the Adobe Reader Settings
To modify the Adobe Reader settings, do the following:
Step 1: Use Adobe Reader to open the PDF
Step 2: Click on “File.”
Step 3: Select “Print.”
Step 4: Click on the button labeled “Advanced.”
Step 5: Select the checkbox for “Print as Image.”
Step 6: Click on “OK.”
Step 7: If your HP printer only supports the use of UPD PS drivers, then you need to disable this setting: “Postscript Passthrough.”
To disable this setting, do these:
i. Go to “Devices and Printers” on your computer.
ii. Right-click on your HP printer (HP Universal Printing Postscript).
iii. Choose “Printer Properties.”
iv. Click on the tab labeled “Device Settings.”
v. Choose “Disabled” as the “Postscript Passthrough,” selection.
vi. Click on “Apply.”
vii. Click on “OK.”
HP Printer Copying Very Slow [Fixed] – HP Printer is Slow
If your HP printer is slow to copy, we recommend that you click on this link: Why is My HP Printer Copying So Slow – Your HP Printer Copying Problems Fixed and then follow the instructions we shared.
If the instructions provided in the link above fail to resolve the issue, then you should contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.
HP Printer Slow After Windows 10 Update [Fixed] – HP Printer is Slow
If your HP printer is slow after Windows 10, do the following troubleshooting:
1. Restart your Windows 10 Computer – HP Printer is Slow
To restart your Windows 10 computer, do the following:
Step 1: Click on the Windows/Start icon on the taskbar.
Step 2: Click on the “Power” icon.
Step 3: Click on “Restart.”
After the computer restarts, check if the problem is resolved.
If it is not, do the next troubleshooting.
2. Reset your HP Printer – HP Printer is Slow
To reset your HP printer, follow the steps we shared earlier in this article under the “Reset your HP Printer” section.
If resetting the printer doesn’t resolve the issue, do the next troubleshooting.
3. Confirm that your Printer’s Compatibility with Windows 10 – HP Printer is Slow
If your HP printer isn’t compatible with Windows 10, it might cause the printer to be slow after the update. Therefore, you need to confirm that your printer is compatible with Windows 10.
You can check out this page to confirm if your HP printer is compatible with Windows 10.
If your HP printer is compatible, then move on to the troubleshooting below.
4. Check the Settings of your Print Driver – HP Printer is Slow
To check the settings of your print driver, do these steps:
Step 1: Run a Windows search for “printers.”
Step 2: From the search results, click on “Devices and Printers.”
Step 3: Double-click on your HP printer icon.
Step 4: Double-click on “Set Preferences.”
Step 5: Locate the information for the paper type
Step 6: Ensure that you select “Plain Paper” in the area for “Paper Type.”
Step 7: Select “Normal” or “Draft” in the area for “Quality Settings.”
Step 8: Click on “Apply” or “OK.”
Step 9: Close all the open windows.
Check if the problem is resolved.
If it is not, do the next solution.
5. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor – HP Printer is Slow
Click this link: Run HP Print and Scan Doctor – HP Printer Setup Cannot Find Printer to learn how to run HP Print and Scan Doctor by following the steps we shared.
If running the HP Print and Scan Doctor doesn’t resolve the problem, do the next troubleshooting.
6. Reinstall your HP Printer Software and Driver – HP Printer is Slow
Visit the HP Software and Driver Download page, and then download and then install the newest software and driver version for your HP printer.
If reinstalling the software and the driver fails to fix the problem, move to the next troubleshooting.
7. Perform a System Restore – HP Printer is Slow
Click this link: Restore your computer via System Restore Point to learn how to restore your Windows 10 computer to a previous system restore point.
If the system restore doesn’t work, then you need to contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.
Watch the video below for a visual explanation on how to perform a system restore.
