Connectivity issue with HP LaserJet Pro M404dn using USB connection

[PeterMunich]

I'm using an HP LaserJet Pro M404dn connected to my desktop PC via USB cable (it's not connected to my LAN) and ran into the following issue:

The connection to the printer only works if I turn on the printer before booting my PC. If I switch on the printer with Windows 11 already running, I cannot print. Windows Device Manager then doesn't list the printer under "printers", and in "print queues", the print queue for the M404dn is missing. I am using the latest driver and installed the latest firmware on the printer, both downloaded from the HP website.

I found a workaround for the issue: stopping and starting the Windows "spooler" service in the Services after switching on the printer makes it work: both the printer and the print queue then appear in the device manager, and printing works fine.

Are there any plans to provide an updated, fully functional USB driver for this printer? To be honest, I find it annoying having to restart the spooler service every time after switching on my printer, and I actually spent a few hours to debug this issue and find this workaround. I created a little batch file that restarts the spooler sercvice to make this more convenient. But I actually expect to receive a fully functional driver when buying a new printer.

Thank you.

[PeterMunich]

Would be great is someone could confirm this issue and the workaround. And of course, I'm happy if there's another solution than restarting the spooler service.

Thanks.