HP laptop stop recognizing my HP printer Only know fix is to delete printer and re-install.

[scso5150]

HP laptop stop recognizing my wifi HP printer Only know fix is to delete printer and re-install.

[Max3Aj]

@scso5150, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

I understand how frustrating it can be when your HP laptop stops recognizing your HP Wi-Fi printer. This issue is often caused by network inconsistencies, outdated drivers, or printer settings that need refreshing. Let’s walk through a few steps to resolve this permanently:

Restart All Devices

• Power off your printer, laptop, and Wi-Fi router.
• Wait 30 seconds, then power them back on.
• Ensure both the laptop and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Restore Wi-Fi Setup Mode on the Printer

This ensures your printer is discoverable again.

• Touchscreen printers: Go to Setup > Network Settings > Restore Network Settings.
• Non-touchscreen printers: Follow steps here: Restore Wi-Fi setup mode on your HP printer | HP® Support

Reinstall the Printer Driver and HP Smart App

Sometimes, reinstalling the driver and app can resolve persistent issues.

• Go to 123.hp.com and enter your printer model.
• Download and install the HP Smart app or full driver package.
• During setup, choose Wi-Fi connection and follow the prompts.

Check Router Settings

• Ensure your router is not blocking the printer’s IP address.
• Preferably connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz band, which is more stable for many HP printers.

Optional: Assign a Static IP to the Printer

This prevents the printer from changing IP addresses, which can cause recognition issues.

• Access your printer’s Network Configuration Page via the control panel or HP Smart app.
• Log into your router and assign the printer a static IP. 

Troubleshoot a Wi-Fi connection to an HP printer | HP® Support

HP printer not found by the HP app or operating system | HP® Support

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[scso5150]

I know how to get it to recognize my printer. I want to know how male a perament fix so I do NOT have to goes throgh this process just to print out one sheet of paper doc !!!

[Max3Aj]

Thank you for your response @scso5150, Got it! You're looking for a permanent fix so you don’t have to keep reinstalling your printer every time you want to print. That’s totally reasonable, and there are a few reliable long-term solutions that should stop this from happening again.

Permanent Fixes for HP Laptop Not Recognizing Wi-Fi Printer

Assign a Static IP to Your Printer

Dynamic IPs change over time, which can cause the printer to "disappear" from your laptop.

Steps:

• Print a Network Configuration Page from the printer.
• Note the current IP address.
• Log into your router (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a browser).
• Find DHCP Reservation or Static IP Assignment.
• Assign the printer’s MAC address to a fixed IP (same as current IP).
• Re-add the printer using this IP:
  • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a printer > The printer I want isn’t listed > Add a printer using a TCP/IP address.

Disable SNMP Status Monitoring (Windows)

Sometimes SNMP causes Windows to think the printer is offline.

Steps:

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
• Right-click your printer > Printer Properties > Ports tab.
• Click Configure Port.
• Uncheck “SNMP Status Enabled”.
• Click OK and Apply.

Use HP Smart App for Setup and Printing

HP Smart maintains a more stable connection than Windows' built-in print system.

• Download from HP Smart. HP Smart
• Add your printer and use it for all print jobs.

Prevent Windows from Managing Your Printer

Windows may switch default printers, causing confusion.

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
• Scroll down and turn off “Let Windows manage my default printer”.

Keep Printer Firmware and Drivers Updated

Outdated firmware or drivers can cause connectivity issues.

• Use HP Support Assistant or HP Software and Driver Downloads to check for updates.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support

[scso5150]

Hello

The IP address is still the same both before and after I re-install my printer so I do not see the point to assign the IP address since it is reamining the same.

[Max3Aj]

@scso5150, Thank you for your response,  

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support