Waiting for printer connection

[Dromederia]

I recently purchased a new HP LaserJet Pro 3201dw printer. It seemed to work just fine (I've had the printer for about a month). However, I can't print anything now. I get the message "Waiting for printer connection." I've tried several "fixes" that I've found on the HP site, but nothing seems to work. Yes, the printer is on and connected via USB.

[Deep_World]

Hi  @Dromederia 
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

I understand that your HP LaserJet Pro 3201dw was working normally and is now showing "Waiting for printer connection" even though it is connected through USB. Let's work through this together.

To better understand the situation, could you kindly confirm a few details?

• Does the printer appear as Online or Offline in your Devices and Printers list?
• Are you using the original HP USB cable, and have you tried connecting it to a different USB port on the computer?
• Does the printer display any messages or error lights on the control panel?

In the meantime, kindly try the below steps and confirm :  

Step 1: Restart the Printer and Computer

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Disconnect the USB cable from the computer.
3. Restart the computer.
4. Turn the printer back on and reconnect the USB cable directly to the computer.

Step 2: Check Printer Status

1. Open Control Panel -Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your HP LaserJet Pro 3201dw.
3. Ensure Use Printer Offline is not selected.
4. Select Set as Default Printer if it is not already set.

Step 3:  Reinstall the HP Driver

1. Remove the printer from Devices and Printers.
2. Uninstall the existing HP printer software.
3. Restart the computer.
4. Download and install the latest driver from: https://support.hp.com/ . 

Step 4: Check the Print Spooler Service

1. Press Windows + R and type services.msc.
2. Locate Print Spooler.
3. Ensure it is running.
4. If it is already running, restart the service and try printing again.

The "Waiting for printer connection" message typically appears when the computer is unable to establish consistent communication with the printer. Even when the printer is powered on and connected by USB, factors such as a stalled print spooler service, a driver issue, a USB communication problem, or an operating system change can prevent print jobs from reaching the printer successfully. 

In many cases, refreshing the printer connection, restarting the spooler service, or reinstalling the printer driver restores normal communication.

I hope this helps.