Firmware update on HP Offijet Pro 9018 and now printer won't work

[ualdriver]

I have a HP Officejet Pro 9018 and Windows 11.  Suddenly today my printer decided that it detected "continuous flow" ink cartridge error, despite the fact that I am using HP printer cartridges and they're not continuous flow.  I searched on this forum, and I did the various resets by holding the power button on, unplugging for 30 seconds, plugging back in, etc.  The next step was to update the printer firmware, which I did, but now I have another problem.

After I updated the firmware, I turn the printer on and I get a horizontal line on the printer screen for about 30 seconds, then the screen on the printer shows, "checking the printer, please wait" and a spinning circle shows.  Now the printer hangs on that spinning circle for several minutes, then just shuts down.  The screen goes blank and it is unresponsive to the power button.  I unplug the printer and plug it back in, but I just end up in that same loop over again.  I have no access to the screen on the printer that would allow me, perhaps, to do a factory reset and start over.  

Where do I go from here?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @ualdriver 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thanks for explaining everything so clearly—it’s genuinely frustrating when something that worked seamlessly just stops responding. 

Let’s walk through a few steps to help revive that fingerprint sensor and get you back to logging in with a touch. 🖐️💻

🔄 Step 1: Reset Fingerprint Recognition

Sometimes the stored fingerprint data gets corrupted:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Under Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello), click Remove.
3. Restart your laptop.
4. Go back and click Set up to re-register your fingerprint.

🧰 Step 2: Reinstall the Fingerprint Driver

Even if Device Manager says it’s fine, a fresh install can help:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Biometric Devices or Human Interface Devices.
3. Right-click the fingerprint sensor and choose Uninstall device.
4. Restart your laptop—Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.

If it doesn’t, you can manually install the latest driver from the HP ENVY x360 14-es0000 Drivers Page.

🧠 Step 3: Check Windows Hello Settings

Make sure Windows Hello is still enabled:

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• Confirm that Windows Hello Fingerprint is listed and active.
• If it’s missing, it may indicate a driver or compatibility issue.

🧼 Step 4: Clean the Sensor

It sounds simple, but a smudge or dust can interfere:

• Gently wipe the sensor with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Avoid using liquids or harsh cleaners.

🧪 Step 5: Run Hardware Diagnostics

To rule out hardware failure:

• Download HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows.
• Run the Component Test > Fingerprint Reader Test.

Let me know how it goes—whether the sensor springs back to life or still plays hard to get. We’ll keep at it until it’s sorted! 💪😊

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[ualdriver1]

Are you a bot?  This answer has nothing to do with the question I asked.  And unfortunately it took 4 days just to get a response at all from HP support : (

[ualdriver1]

Problem solved.  Ditching the HP and buying a Canon replacement.