Print Command won't activate printer

[Ann016]

Printer has always worked on desktop command. Suddenly it won't print,,,on-lite shows along with a green down arrow along with a red 'X'. what has happened? I'm 87 years old and not tech savvy. Thanks for any help!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Ann016,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I’m here to help, and I promise we can get this sorted out gently and simply. When you see:

• A green down‑arrow
• A red “X”
• And the printer says online, but won’t print. It usually means your computer is sending the print job, but the printer is stuck, paused, or the Windows print queue is jammed.

Let’s walk through this very slowly and kindly.

STEP 1: Make Sure the Printer Itself Is Ready

Before touching the computer:

1. Turn the printer OFF
2. Wait 10 seconds
3. Turn it back ON
4. Make sure the Wi‑Fi light (or ready light) is solid (not blinking)

Now go to your computer.

STEP 2: Clear the “Print Queue” (This Fixes Most Problems)

1. On your desktop, click the Start button
2. Type Printers & Scanners
3. Click your HP printer name
4. Click Open queue
5. A small window opens
6. If you see ANY jobs stuck in there, do this: 
   • Click Printer at the top
   • Click Cancel All Documents
   • Confirm Yes

The red X or green arrow usually means a job got stuck and blocks everything else.

Once the queue is empty, close the window.

STEP 3: Set the HP Printer as the Default Printer

Sometimes Windows picks the wrong device.

1. Go back to Printers & Scanners
2. Click your HP printer
3. Click Set as Default

(If you don’t see this option, it’s OK, it just means it’s already the default.)

STEP 4: Remove and Re‑Add the Printer

This gives your computer a “fresh handshake” with the printer.

1. In Printers & Scanners, click your HP printer
2. Click Remove
3. Confirm
4. Now click Add a Device
5. Wait for your HP printer to show up again
6. Click it to reinstall

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!