My printer says it is in use, but it isn't?

[jbh159]

My printer says it is in use, but it isn't?  And it won't print from my computer.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @jbh159,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your printer is showing as "in use" but isn't actually printing, here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:

1. Check Print Queue

• Open Print Queue: On your computer, go to Devices and Printers (or Printers & Scanners in System Preferences).
• Cancel Any Pending Jobs: If there are documents stuck in the queue, right-click on the printer and select "See what's printing." Cancel any stuck print jobs.

2. Restart Printer and Computer

• Power Cycle: Turn off your printer and unplug it. Wait for about a minute, plug it back in, and turn it on.
• Restart Your Computer: Sometimes a simple reboot can clear up communication issues.

3. Check Printer Status

• Ensure the printer is online and not in an error state. If there are any error messages or lights on the printer, consult the user manual for troubleshooting.

4. Set Printer as Default

• Windows: Go to Devices and Printers, right-click on your printer, and select "Set as default printer."
• Mac: Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and ensure it’s set as the default.

5. Clear the Print Spooler

• Windows:
  1. Open the Run dialog (Windows + R), type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Find "Print Spooler," right-click on it, and select "Stop."
  3. Go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete any files in that folder.
  4. Go back to the Print Spooler service, right-click it again, and select "Start."

6. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

• Check for updated drivers on the HP or printer manufacturer’s website. Sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling the printer can resolve connection issues.

7. Check for Network Issues (if applicable)

• If your printer is networked (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), ensure that it's connected to the same network as your computer. Check the network settings on the printer.

8. Reset Printer Settings

• Consult your printer's manual for instructions on performing a factory reset. This may resolve persistent issues.

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