In this article, we will share with you easy-to-follow steps to fix the HP printer not printing after Windows 10 update issue.
Table of Contents
Steps to Fix HP Printer Not Printing After Windows 10 Update
Follow the steps below to fix the HP printer not printing on Windows 10 after an update issue:
Restart your Computer – Step 1
If your HP printer cannot print after a Windows 10 update, restarting your computer might resolve the issue.
How to Restart Windows 10
To restart your Windows 10 computer, do the following:
i. Click on the Windows “Start” icon at the bottom left corner of the taskbar.
ii. Click on the “Power” icon.
iii. Click on “Restart”.
After doing the above, print a test page to confirm if the issue is resolved.
If the HP printer not printing after Windows 10 update issue persists, do the next step.
Confirm that your HP printer is compatible with Windows 10 – Step 2
Not all HP printers are compatible with Windows 10. This is especially true for those printers that were manufactured way before the release of Windows 10.
Therefore, if your HP printer is not printing after Windows 10 update, you should confirm if your printer is compatible with the operating system by clicking here.
If you are running the Windows 10 S version on your computer, click here to check if your HP printer is compatible with that operating system.
If your printer is not compatible, you need to downgrade to the previous Windows version you were using.
Once you are certain that your HP printer is compatible, move to the next step.
Run HP Print and Scan Doctor – Step 3
The HP Print and Scan Doctor is a repair utility tool that helps to fix a lot of HP printer problems. Hence, if your HP printer is not printing after a Windows 10 update, running the HP Print and Scan Doctor might just fix the problem.
To run HP Print and Scan Doctor, click HP Printer Printing Blank Pages – How to Run HP Print and Scan Doctor, and follow the instructions provided in the “How to Run HP Print and Scan Doctor” section.
Reinstall your HP Printer Software and Driver – Step 4
An issue with your printer software and driver could be responsible for the problem under discussion. Therefore, you need to uninstall your printer software and driver and then visit https://support.hp.com/redirect/hub/s-002 to download the full and basic drivers, printer software, and updates for your HP printer.
After reinstalling the printer software and driver, print a test page.
If it prints, you don’t need to troubleshoot further.
If the test page fails to print, do the next step.
If you are encountering any other HP printer not printing issue, you can read this: HP Printer Not Printing [Issues & Solutions] to learn how to resolve the issue.
Perform a System Recovery on your Computer – Step 5
If the steps above fail to solve the issue, performing a system recovery might fix the issue. There are different recovery options that you can perform on your Windows 10 computer. Hence, we will discuss all of them below. Ensure that you choose an option that is applicable to your situation.
1. Uninstall a Windows Update
If you experienced the problem after installing a Windows update, uninstalling the update might resolve the problem.
How to Uninstall a Windows Update
To uninstall a Windows update, do the following:
i. Click on the Windows “Start” button.
ii. Click on the “Settings” icon.
iii. Click on “Update & Security”.
iv. Click on “Windows Update”.
v. Click on the button labeled “View your update history”.
vi. Click on “Uninstall updates”.
vii. Right-click on the update you intend to uninstall.
viii. Click on “Uninstall”.
2. Reset your Computer
When you reset your Windows computer, it reinstalls the Windows 10 operating system but allows you to decide what files you want to keep before reinstalling Windows.
Your computer can be reset using any of the following:
i. Reset via your computer’s settings.
ii. Reset using the sign-in screen.
iii. Via a recovery drive.
iv. With the aid of an installation media.
We will guide you on how you can use the first two methods to reset your computer.
How to Reset Windows Computer from Settings
To reset your Windows computer from Settings, do the following:
Step 1: Click on the Windows “Start” button.
Step 2: Click on the “Settings” icon.
Step 3: Click on “Update & Security”.
Step 4: Click on “Recovery”.
Step 5: Choose “Get Started” under the “Reset this PC” section.
Step 6: Select from the following settings and/or options below:
i. Keep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps On
If you choose the above option, the following will happen:
a. Windows 10 will be reinstalled, and your personal files will be kept.
b. Installed drivers and apps will be removed.
c. All the changes you made to your computer’s settings will be removed.
d. Restores manufacturer-installed apps if your computer was initially installed with Windows 10 from the manufacturer.
ii. Keep my files > Change Settings > Preinstalled apps Off
If you choose the above option, the following will happen:
a. Windows 10 will be reinstalled, and your personal files will be kept.
b. Installed drivers and apps will be removed.
c. All the changes you made to your computer’s settings will be removed.
d. Removes manufacturer-installed apps if your computer was initially installed with Windows 10 from the manufacturer.
iii. Remove everything
If you choose the above option, the following will happen:
a. Windows 10 will be reinstalled, and your personal files will be removed.
b. Installed drivers and apps will be removed.
c. All the changes you made to your computer’s settings will be removed.
d. Removes manufacturer-installed apps. If your computer was initially installed with Windows 10 from the manufacturer, manufacturer-installed apps will be installed again.
Note: “Remove everything > Change Settings” has two options:
- When you select “On” for “Data erasure”, all your files will be removed and the drive will be cleaned. This option is perfect if you are giving out or selling your computer. The time to complete this process could be over 2 hours which ensures that your files are difficult to recover and access.
- When you select “Off” for “Data erasure”, it only removes your files. As a result, it doesn’t require a lot of time to process. Apart from that, the computer is not secure compared to the first option.
How to Reset Windows Computer from the Sign-in Screen
To reset your Windows computer from the sign-in screen, do the following:
Step 1: Press the Windows and the “L” keys on your keyboard at the same time. This action will take you to your computer’s sign-in screen.
Step 2: Press down your keyboard’s “Shift” key and click on the “Power icon” then click on “Restart” to restart your computer.
Step 3: Your computer will then restart but in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Step 4: Choose “Troubleshoot” on the screen for “Choose an option”.
Step 5: Click on “Reset this PC”.
Step 6: Select from the following settings and/or options below:
i. Keep my files > Change settings > Preinstalled apps On
If you choose the above option, the following will happen:
a. Windows 10 will be reinstalled, and your personal files will be kept.
b. Installed drivers and apps will be removed.
c. All the changes you made to your computer’s settings will be removed.
d. Restores manufacturer-installed apps if your computer was initially installed with Windows 10 from the manufacturer.
ii. Keep my files > Change Settings > Preinstalled apps Off
If you choose the above option, the following will happen:
a. Windows 10 will be reinstalled, and your personal files will be kept.
b. Installed drivers and apps will be removed.
c. All the changes you made to your computer’s settings will be removed.
d. Removes manufacturer-installed apps if your computer was initially installed with Windows 10 from the manufacturer.
iii. Remove everything
If you choose the above option, the following will happen:
a. Windows 10 will be reinstalled, and your personal files will be removed.
b. Installed drivers and apps will be removed.
c. All the changes you made to your computer’s settings will be removed.
d. Removes manufacturer-installed apps. If your computer was initially installed with Windows 10 from the manufacturer, manufacturer-installed apps will be installed again.
Note: “Remove everything > Change Settings” has two options:
- When you select “On” for “Data erasure”, all your files will be removed and the drive will be cleaned. This option is perfect if you are giving out or selling your computer. The time to complete this process could be over 2 hours which ensures that your files are difficult to recover and access.
- When you select “Off” for “Data erasure”, it only removes your files. As a result, it doesn’t require a lot of time to process. Apart from that, the computer is not secure compared to the first option.
3. Run the Startup Repair Function
To run the Startup Repair Function, your computer needs to go into the Windows Recovery Environment (winRE). Follow the steps below to do this:
Step 1: Hold down your computer’s power button for about 10 seconds. This will turn your device off.
Step 2: Press the computer’s power button again. This will turn your device on.
Step 3: Once you see your Windows computer shows signs of starting, press down the computer’s button for about 10 seconds. This will turn your device off.
Step 4: Press your computer’s power button again. This will turn your device on.
Step 5: When your Windows computer begins to start, press down your computer’s power button for about 10 seconds. This will turn your device off.
Step 6: Press your computer’s power button again. This will turn your device on.
Step 7: When your Windows computer begins to start again, allow it to start up completely.
Step 8: Click on “Advanced options”.
Step 9: Click “Troubleshoot” on the screen for “Choose an option”.
Step 10: Click on “Advanced options”.
Step 11: Click on “Startup Repair”.
Step 12: Click on “Restart”.
4. Reinstall Windows 10 using an Installation Media
To reinstall Windows 10 using a connected installation media, do the steps below:
Step 1: Open your computer’s “File Explorer”.
Step 2: Choose the driver that has the connected installation media.
Step 3: Open the drive’s root directory.
Step 4: Double click on “setup.exe”.
Step 5: If you are asked if you want the app to make changes to your device, select “Yes”.
Step 6: Choose “Change what to keep”.
Step 7: Choose any of the options below and then click on “Next”:
- Keep personal files and apps – If you choose this option, your personal data, settings, and apps will be preserved.
- Keep personal files only – If you choose this option, your personal data, as well as settings will be preserved, but your apps will not.
- Keep nothing – This option removes everything.
Note: Windows 10 reinstallation cannot be undone; hence, you should have a backup of your files before choosing the option “Keep nothing”.
Step 8: Choose “Install” to finish the process of reinstalling the Windows 10 operating system on your computer.
Note: Your computer will restart severally during the process.
5. Restore your Computer using an Installation Media
To restore your computer using an installation media if you don’t have a recovery drive, do the steps below:
Step 1: Visit this site on a working computer.
Step 2: Download and then run the Windows 10 media creation tool.
Step 3: Choose “Create installation media for another PC”.
Step 4: Select a language.
Step 5: Select an edition.
Step 6: Select architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Step 7: Follow the on-screen instructions to create the installation media.
Step 8: Click on “Finish”.
Step 9: Connect the newly created installation media to the computer you want to restore.
Step 10: Turn on the computer you want to restore.
Step 11: Once the first setup screen is displayed, choose your language as well as other preferences.
In case you don’t see the screen, it could be that your computer has not been set to boot via a drive. Therefore, you need to contact your manufacturer for information on how to set your computer’s boot order.
After you have changed the setting, try to access the screen again.
Step 12: Click on “Next”.
Step 13: Choose “Repair your computer”.
Step 14: On the screen for “Choose an option”, choose “Troubleshoot”.
This will allow you to restore your computer from a system restore point. All you need to do is to click on “Advanced options” and then click on “System Restore”. When you do this, apps, updates, and drivers that were recently installed that might be responsible for the issue you are dealing with will be removed. Using the restore point recovery option won’t touch your files.
6. Recover or Restore your Computer via a Recovery Drive
To recover or restore your computer via a recovery drive, do the steps below:
Step 1: Plug the recovery drive into your computer.
Step 2: Turn your computer on.
Step 3: Press the Windows and the “L” keys on your keyboard at the same time. This action will take you to your computer’s sign-in screen.
Step 4: Press down your keyboard’s “Shift” key and click on the “Power icon” then click on “Restart” to restart your computer.
Step 5: Your computer will then restart but in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Step 6: Choose “Troubleshoot” on the screen for “Choose an option”.
In case you don’t see the screen, it could be that your computer has not been set to boot via a drive. Therefore, you need to contact your manufacturer for information on how to set your computer’s boot order.
Step 7: Select any of the options below:
i. Restore from a system restore point: Click on “Advanced Options” and then click on “System Restore”. Your files won’t be affected, but apps, updates, and drivers that were recently installed that might be responsible for the computer’s issues will be removed.
ii. Reinstall Windows 10: Click on “Advanced Options” and then click on “Recover from a drive”. Your files, settings, apps, and drivers will be removed.
7. Return to your Previous Windows Version
After a limited time (usually a maximum of 10 days) of upgrading your computer to Windows 10, you have the chance to return to the previously installed Windows version.
The following are needed for the process:
i. After the initial upgrade to Windows 10, everything should be kept in the “windows.old” and “$windows.~bt” folders
ii. After the initial upgrade, every user account should have been removed.
iii. If you used a password on your Windows 8.1 or Windows 7, ensure that you remember it.
iv. If you used a USB drive to perform the upgrade, ensure that you still have the drive.
Note: Certain apps may no longer work if your downgrade to Windows 81. Hence, you will have to download such apps again from the Microsoft Store and then reinstall them.
How to Return to Previous Windows Version from Windows 10
To return to the previous Windows version from Windows 10, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Click on the Windows “Start” icon.
Step 2: Click on the “Settings” icon.
Step 3: Click on “Update & Security”.
Step 4: Click on “Recovery”.
Step 5: Under the “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10” option, click on “Get started”.
Once you do this, all your files will be kept, but your settings and installed drivers and apps will be removed.
Information for Windows Insiders
For Insiders who have a current preview build that is not working, do the following:
Step 1: Click on the Windows “Start” icon.
Step 2: Click on the “Settings” icon.
Step 3: Click on “Update & Security”.
Step 4: Click on “Recovery”.
Step 5: Under the “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10” option, click on “Get started”.
Once you do this, all your files will be kept, but your settings and installed drivers and apps will be removed.
Returning to a previous build will not affect your membership in the Insider Program. Hence, when the subsequent preview build becomes available, it will be installed on your computer.
To learn about the Windows Insider Program, click here for folks who are wondering what the program is all about.
8. Restore your Computer via System Restore Point
With this recovery option, your computer is taken to an earlier time known as a system restore point. These points are created when new drivers or apps are installed. Also, you can manually generate a resort point.
If you use this option, your files will not be affected; however, your apps, updates, and drivers that were installed after the creation of the restore point will be removed.
How to Restore your Computer via System Restore Point
To restore your computer via system restore point, do the following steps:
Step 1: Click on Cortana on your computer’s taskbar to open a search box.
Step 2: Type “Control Panel” in the box.
Step 3: Select “Control Panel” from the search results.
Step 4: Type “Recovery” in the search box in the open window.
Step 5: Click on “Recovery”.
Step 6: Click on “Open System Restore”.
Step 7: In the box for “Restore system files and setting”, click on “Next”.
Step 8: Choose a restore point from the search results.
Step 9: Click on “Scan for affected programs”.
Note the following:
i. If you can’t find a restore point you intend to use, click on the check box for “Show more restore points”. This action will display other restore points that weren’t initially displayed.
ii. If no restore point is listed, it could be as a result of your computer’s system protection not being turned on. You can confirm if it is not turned on by doing the following:
a. In your computer’s search box, enter “control panel”.
b. Select “Control Panel” from the search results.
c. Type “Recovery” in the search box in the open window.
d. Click on “Recovery”.
e. Click on “Configure System Restore”.
f. Click on “Configure”.
g. Check if the option “Turn on system protection” is selected.
- If it isn’t selected, then it means system protection hasn’t been turned on. As a result, your computer didn’t create any system restore points. Hence, you can’t use the system restore point function to recover your computer. Therefore, you should settle for any of the other recovery options we have discussed so far.
- If it is selected, move to step 10 below.
Step 10: Items to be deleted will be listed if you choose the restore point you have in mind. If you don’t mind deleting those items, click on “Close”.
Step 11: Click on “Next”.
Step 12: Click on “Finish”.
