• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Here is the solution to configure HP FutureSmart Printers with Kiwi Syslog Server Click here to view the instructions!
Check some of the most frequent questions about Instant Ink: HP INSTANT INK, HP+ PLANS: INK AND TONER.


Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs AND MORE.

‎07-16-2025 04:46 AM

HP Recommended
Product: HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw

My HP M281 fdw is unable to print, it connects to the printer and than the message “Waiting for job to complete” appears and no printing occurs. After a while the message “Check the printer for errors" appears but the printer is not showing any error

Reply
1 REPLY 1

‎07-19-2025 02:43 AM - edited ‎07-19-2025 02:44 AM

HP Recommended

@JohnBet, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!

 

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

The "Waiting for job to complete" and "Check the printer for errors" messages, without any error on the printer itself, can be frustrating, but we can usually resolve this with a few steps.

Run HP Smart’s Diagnose & Fix Tool

HP Smart includes a built-in tool to automatically detect and fix common printing issues.

  1. Download or open the HP Smart app from the Mac App Store.
  2. Add your printer if it’s not already listed.
  3. Click on your printer > Diagnose & Fix.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Reset the Printing System (macOS)

This clears out any stuck jobs or misconfigurations.

  1. Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
  2. Right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list and select Reset printing system.
  3. Confirm the reset.
  4. Re-add your printer by clicking the + button.

Reinstall the Printer Driver

Sometimes the driver may be outdated or corrupted.

  1. Go to the official HP driver page:
    🔗 HP M281fdw Drivers & Software
  2. Download and install the latest macOS full software solution.
  3. Restart your Mac and printer after installation.

Check Printer Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause communication issues.

  1. On the printer control panel, go to Setup > Service > LaserJet Update > Check for Updates.
  2. Alternatively, update via HP Smart or from the firmware section on HP support site.

Print a Test Page

After reinstalling and updating:

  1. Open any document.
  2. Go to File > Print, select your printer, and try printing.
  3. If it still fails, try printing a self-test page from the printer’s control panel:
    • Setup > Reports > Configuration Report

You may refer to this document - HP printers - Print jobs stuck in print queue (Windows, macOS) | HP® Support
 

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

 

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

 

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support

Reply
Was this reply helpful? Yes No
Warning
Be alert for scammers posting fake support phone numbers and/or email addresses on the community.
If you think you have received a fake HP Support message, please report it to us by clicking on "Flag Post".
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Rules of Participation.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask the community
† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.