Changing the printer default settings makes the driver unusable

[Nicebeard]

LaserJet Pro M118 : when I change the default settings (e.g. from double-sided printing to "no"), the printer driver becomes unusable for several applications (outlook, pdf viewer, etc..) . If I start the application as administrator, it - mostly - works.

By resetting the default values tot the original state, the printer driver works as it should work.

[TEJ1602 · Accepted solution]

@Nicebeard, Welcome to HP Support Community!

Update the printer firmware

Download available firmware updates from the HP website

With the printer on and connected to the computer, go to HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads, and then identify your printer. Look for and install any available firmware updates.

For more information, go to Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware.

I recommend you delete the driver and root level and retry, follow the steps below: 

1) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features 

2) Select your HP Printer 

3) Select Uninstall 

4) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers 

5) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose ‘Delete’ or ‘Remove Device’ 

6) Open up the run command with the “Windows key + R” key combo. 

7) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe”

😎 Click on the “Drivers” tab 

9) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom 

10) Select Ok 

11) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows 

12) Close Devices and Printers.

Now, download and install the full-featured software from here.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[Nicebeard]

thanks for the comprehensive list for the removing & re-installation of a printer(driver)

I first installed a ran the HP print & scan doctor. It - partially - solved the problem. There are still some - minor - problems. If they get worse I'll do the full remove en install.

[Nicebeard]

Problems wtih printing remained. I removed (like proposed in the list)  all the drivers, programs etc.... for the printer and re-installed from scratch. Everything seems to works fine. Thanks

[TEJ1602]

@Nicebeard

That's great! Happy to hear that.  

If you need further assistance feel free to reach out to us.  

Have a great day ahead!

[Nicebeard]

- Update KB4517211 for Windows 10 Version 1903, released on September 26, 2019 ,seems to cause issues with printers for some users. The printer queue fails and no printers are found. 

- Windows10 V1903: Update KB4517211 causes printer issues ..

Addendum: Microsoft has confirmed the issue.

Those 2 release updates from windows 10 (V. 1903) caused the troubles with the driver. It is still giving problems : security issues, e.g. starting my browser (vivaldi) as administrator makes the printer available again.

The problem had nothing to do with HP but with Windows !

I'm waiting (and many with me) waiting for a fix. 

[Nicebeard]

this update arrived today :

October 8, 2019—KB4517389 (OS Build 18362.418)

Applies to: Windows 10, version 1903Windows Server version 1903

All problems with printing seem to be solved.