Continual Printer off line

[JSpes]

I have an HP Envy laptop and HP Smart Tank 7301. When Microsoft uodates their OS I lose connectivity with the printer. How do I stop that, or is it even possible?

[Nal_NR]

Hi @JSpes,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

Losing printer connectivity after a Microsoft OS update is a common issue that can often be resolved through a few steps. Here are some strategies to prevent or quickly resolve connectivity issues between your HP Envy laptop and HP Smart Tank 7301 printer after Windows updates:

1. Check for Updated Drivers and Software:

• Regularly update your printer drivers: Ensure you have the latest drivers and software for your HP Smart Tank 7301 printer. You can download them from the HP support website.
• Automatic driver updates: In Windows, you can set your system to automatically check for and install driver updates.
  • Go to Device Manager.
  • Find your printer under Printers or Print queues.
  • Right-click on the printer and select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.

Disable Windows Automatic Driver Updates:

• Sometimes Windows updates may install generic drivers that cause issues. You can disable automatic driver updates to prevent this.
  • Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
  • Go to the Hardware tab and click on Device Installation Settings.
  • Select No (your device might not work as expected) and save changes.

3. Network Printer Settings:

• Ensure your printer retains a static IP address to avoid losing connectivity after updates.
  • Access your printer’s settings through the HP Smart app or the printer's web interface.
  • Set a static IP address within your router’s configuration page or in the printer’s network settings.

Reinstall Printer Software:

• After a major Windows update, reinstall the HP printer software to ensure compatibility.
  • Uninstall the current printer software via Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
  • Download and install the latest version from the HP support website.

5. Run Windows Troubleshooter:

• Windows has a built-in troubleshooter for printers that can resolve common issues.
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
  • Select Printer and run the troubleshooter.

Sharing the remaining steps in the next post. Kindly check. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

 Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @JSpes,

Here are the remaining steps below. 

Check for Firmware Updates:

• Sometimes the printer firmware may need updating to stay compatible with the latest OS updates.
  • Use the HP Smart app or visit the HP support website to check for and install firmware updates for your HP Smart Tank 7301 printer.

7. Restart Printer Spooler Service:

• Restarting the print spooler service can sometimes resolve connectivity issues.
  • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  • Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.

8. Use HP Print and Scan Doctor:

• HP provides a utility tool called HP Print and Scan Doctor that can diagnose and fix many common printer issues.
  • Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor from the HP support website.

9. Create a System Restore Point:

• Before a Windows update, create a system restore point. This way, if something goes wrong, you can revert back to a previous state.
  • Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection.
  • Click on Create under the System Protection tab.

10. Manual Reconnection:

• If connectivity is lost, manually reconnect the printer.
  • Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
  • Remove the printer, restart your computer, and then add the printer again.

Keep me posted for further assistance.

 Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.