“My HP LaserJet printer delays prints pages or has to be reset” If you’re dealing with this problem, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will help you troubleshoot and fix these issues.
Table of Contents
Identifying the Problem
The first step in resolving any printer issue is identifying the root cause. This can involve multiple layers of troubleshooting, as printer issues can stem from various areas—hardware, software, or even user-related actions.
The key is to isolate the problem. Try printing a simple text file first. If it prints without delays and without requiring a reset, the problem may be with a specific document or software.
If you experience the same issue across multiple tasks, then you can start looking at more general solutions outlined below.
Checking the Basics
Begin by eliminating the most straightforward factors that could be affecting your printer’s performance. Here’s what to check:
Power and Connection: Verify that the printer is plugged in, turned on, and connected to your computer or network. A loose cable could be the culprit.
Supplies: Check if the printer has enough paper, ink, or toner. Sometimes, low ink levels can affect print speed.
Default Printer: Ensure your HP LaserJet is set as the default printer on your computer. Otherwise, the print job might be sent to a different device.
Print a Test Page: From your computer, navigate to the printer settings and print a test page. This can often give you immediate insight into any issues.
Updating Drivers
Outdated or corrupt drivers are common culprits for hardware issues. Here’s how to update your printer drivers:
Visit HP’s Official Website: Go to the official HP website and navigate to the support section.
Search for Drivers: Enter your printer model to find the most recent drivers that are compatible with your operating system.
Download: Click on the download link to save the file on your computer.
Installation: Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the new drivers. Restart your computer after installation for the changes to take effect.
Clearing Print Queue
Stuck print jobs can cause delays and usually need resets. To clear your print queue, follow these steps:
Navigate to Printers: On your computer, open the ‘Control Panel’ and go to ‘Devices and Printers’.
Open Queue: Right-click your HP LaserJet printer icon and select ‘See what’s printing’ to open the print queue.
Cancel Jobs: Right-click on any listed print jobs and choose ‘Cancel’ to remove them from the queue.
Restart Printer: Turn off your printer for about 30 seconds and then turn it back on to clear its internal memory.
Check out these other articles…
HP Officejet Pro 6975 All-in-one Printer is Delayed in Printing Documents
HP Printer Delay Between Prints: 5 Proven Solutions
Printer Delays Before Printing HP 8500: Comprehensive Fixes
HP Printer No Internet Delays: 3 Proven Solutions
HP Printer Delay Changing Cartridge: 4 Quick Fixes
What Does Delay Shutdown When Ports Are Active Mean on HP Printer Settings?
Why Is There a Long Delay Between My Computer and My HP Printer?
Checking for Software Conflicts
Background software can sometimes interfere with printer operations. To check for software conflicts:
Close Applications: Shut down any unnecessary programs running on your computer.
Disable Startup Programs: Use your computer’s task manager to disable startup applications that might interfere with the printer.
Test Again: After doing the above steps, try printing a test page to see if the issue is resolved.
Resetting the Printer
If the issue persists, a reset might be the last resort. Here’s how to reset your HP LaserJet printer:
Find Reset Option: Look for the ‘Reset’ button on your printer or refer to the manual for the reset procedure for your specific model. Some models may require navigating through the settings menu to find the reset option.
Press and Hold: Usually, you need to press and hold the ‘Reset’ button for about 10 seconds.
Wait: After releasing the button, your printer will go through a reboot process. All settings will revert to their factory defaults, so you’ll need to reconfigure any custom settings afterward.
Note: Resetting will erase all your customized settings, including Wi-Fi credentials and preferences.
Consult Professional Help
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and the issue still persists, it’s advisable to consult professional help. Reach out to HP customer support or take your printer to an authorized repair center for further diagnosis and repair.
