My computer won't connect to my printer

[mom2kaivi]

I'm unable to print wirelessly from my computer to my printer.  I have the same printer at home and have no issues.  I have to go into my printers and remove the device and then add the device as a wi-fi direct printer with code.  Sometimes I have to do that several times a day.  

What can I do to fix this problem.  I used to be able to print to my printer without having to do any of this.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @mom2kaivi,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If you're having persistent issues with connecting your computer to your printer wirelessly and having to frequently re-add the printer, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

1. Check Network Settings

• Ensure Printer and Computer Are on the Same Network: Verify that both your printer and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks or if your network has multiple bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), try connecting both devices to the same band.
• Restart Network Devices: Restart your router, printer, and computer to refresh network connections. Sometimes, simply rebooting these devices can resolve connectivity issues.

2. Update Printer and Computer Drivers

• Update Printer Drivers:
  • On Windows: Go to “Device Manager” (Win + X > Device Manager), find your printer under “Printers,” right-click it, and select “Update driver.”
  • From HP Website: Download the latest drivers from the printer  website and install them.
• Update Network Drivers: Ensure that your computer’s network adapter drivers are up to date. You can do this through Device Manager or by downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

3. Check Printer Firmware

• Update Printer Firmware: Go to the printer HP website and check if there’s a firmware update available for your printer. Firmware updates can fix bugs and improve connectivity.

4. Reconfigure Printer Settings

• Remove Old Printer Entries:
  • Windows: Go to “Settings” (Win + I), then “Devices,” and select “Printers & Scanners.” Remove any old or duplicate printer entries.
• Re-add Printer: Add the printer again by selecting “Add a printer or scanner” and follow the prompts to connect it to your network.
• Use Printer’s Built-in Setup: If your printer has a touchscreen or control panel, use it to reconfigure the network settings directly from the printer.

5. Check Printer’s IP Address

• Static IP Address: Assign a static IP address to your printer if it doesn’t already have one. This prevents the IP address from changing, which can disrupt the connection.
  • Find Printer IP Address: Print a network configuration page from your printer’s settings menu.
  • Assign Static IP: Access your router’s settings and reserve an IP address for your printer.

6. Check for Interference

• Wireless Interference: Ensure there are no physical obstructions or electronic devices causing interference between your router and printer.

7. Firewall and Security Software

• Check Security Software: Sometimes, firewall or security software on your computer can block the connection to your printer. Temporarily disable the firewall or security software and see if the connection issue persists.

8. Use HP Print and Scan Doctor (for HP Printers)

• Download and Run: HP offers a diagnostic tool called HP Print and Scan Doctor that can help identify and fix common printing and scanning issues. Download it here.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

Rachel571

HP Support