If you’re dealing with the problem of “When I try to print to my HP printer it asks me to fax,” don’t worry. This article provides an in-depth, step-by-step guide to fix this issue and get your printer back on track.
Table of Contents
Understand the Problem
The issue you’re facing likely stems from a setting within your printer, your computer, or a combination of both. It is essential to comprehend why this happens.
In most instances, the problem arises because, during setup or later modifications, the computer sets the printer’s fax function as the default instead of the print function. Knowing this can help you focus your troubleshooting efforts more effectively.
‘When I Try to Print to My HP Printer It Asks Me to Fax’ Solutions
To fix this problem, do the following:
Check Printer Defaults
Your computer directs print jobs to a default printer. Sometimes, this default might be set to the fax function, and changing it can resolve your issue.
Access Settings: Navigate to ‘Settings’ on your computer. You can get there by clicking the gear icon in your Start menu or typing ‘Settings’ in the search bar.
Devices Section: Click on the ‘Devices’ icon, which resembles a combination of a keyboard and a printer.
Navigate to Printers & Scanners: On the left sidebar, you’ll see an option for ‘Printers & scanners’. Click on it.
Check Default: In this menu, you’ll see a list of all printers and scanners connected to your computer. Ensure that the HP printer, not the fax function, is set as default. If it’s not, click on the printer name and then click ‘Set as default’.
Update Printer Drivers
Drivers are the software components that facilitate communication between your computer and printer. Outdated or corrupt drivers may mislead the computer to default to fax instead of print.
Visit HP Website: Open your web browser and go to the official HP website.
Find Software & Drivers: Hover your cursor over the ‘Support’ tab at the top and select ‘Software & Drivers’ from the dropdown.
Enter Printer Model: You’ll see a search bar prompting you to enter your product or serial number. Enter your specific HP printer model and hit ‘Submit’.
Download Latest Drivers: A list of drivers compatible with your printer will appear. Download the latest one that matches your operating system.
Install Drivers: After the download is complete, locate the file and double-click it to start the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions, and then restart your computer to complete the driver update.
Check out this 2023 Apple 15-Inch MacBook Air Laptop available at Walmart.
Check out these other articles…
HP Printer Won’t Copy It Asks for Instant Ink: Quick Fixes
Printer HP Asking for Postal Code Why: 3 Common Reasons
My HP 2132 Printer Keeps Asking for an Internet Connection and It’s Not a WiFi Printer
HP Printer Asked Me If I Want to Scan But Will Not Let Me Save
HP Printer Asking Me to Scan Paper for Best Quality: Fixed
Verify Printer Software
Your HP printer comes with proprietary software that helps manage its functions. Outdated software might default to fax, so ensure it’s updated.
Open HP Software: Locate and open the HP printer software installed on your computer.
Check for Updates: Typically, there’s a ‘Help’ or ‘About’ section within the software. Navigate to it and look for an ‘Updates’ button.
Install Updates: If updates are available, an ‘Install Updates’ button should appear. Click it to initiate the update process and follow any on-screen instructions.
Reconfigure Printer Settings
If the above methods don’t resolve the issue, manually reconfiguring the printer settings might. Here, we’ll ensure that the printer’s primary function is set to print and not fax.
Return to Settings: Go back to the ‘Settings’ menu on your computer and click on ‘Devices’.
Select Your Printer: Navigate to ‘Printers & scanners’ and click on your HP printer.
If you have tried all the steps outlined and still find yourself facing issues, contacting HP customer support is recommended for more personalized assistance.
