no connection or fail connection when going to print

[DinoT13]

I did the latest printer software update the other night and now cannot print anything because it states failed connection or no connection.  This happens with the Adobe PDF files but I was able to print before this software update.  It disconnected the wifi connection between the printer computer and router.  I have since reconnected all those issues but the Abode PDF print issue still remains

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @DinoT13,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your printer is showing a failed connection or no connection when printing Adobe PDF files after a recent software update. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

Restart all devices
Turn off the printer, computer, and router. Wait 60 seconds, then power on the router first, followed by the printer and the computer.
This refreshes the network connection and clears temporary communication issues.

Confirm the printer is online in Windows
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select your printer, and make sure it is not set as Offline.
If it is offline, set it as Online and try printing again.

Verify the correct printer is selected in Adobe Reader
Open the PDF, click Print, and confirm your HP printer is selected (not “Microsoft Print to PDF” or another device).
Incorrect printer selection can cause connection errors even if the printer is ready.

Test printing outside of Adobe PDF
Try printing a test page from Printers & scanners > Printer properties > Print Test Page.
If this prints successfully, the issue is likely limited to Adobe PDF settings.

Reset Adobe Reader print settings
In Adobe Reader, go to Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced) and temporarily uncheck Enable Protected Mode at startup, then restart Adobe Reader.
Protected Mode can sometimes block communication with the printer after updates.

Check printer port and connection type
In Printer Properties > Ports, ensure the printer is using a WSD or Standard TCP/IP port, not a disconnected or old port.
If multiple ports exist, select the active one and apply the change.

Run HP Print and Scan Doctor
Download and run HP Print and Scan Doctor and allow it to fix detected connection or driver issues automatically.
This tool often resolves post-update communication problems.

Reinstall the printer software cleanly
Remove the printer from Printers & scanners, uninstall HP printer software from Apps, then restart and reinstall the latest HP driver.
This clears corrupted files caused by the recent update.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[DinoT13]

Hi kuroi 

I tried to test print from windows and got an error of “operation could not be completed (error 0x000003e3). The I/O operation has been aborted because of either a thread exit or an application request”. This comes up on both whether the print is local or network

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @DinoT13,

Thank you for getting back to us with the exact error message, that really helps narrow this down.

The error 0x000003e3 usually points to a Windows print spooler or driver-level issue, especially after a recent printer software or Windows update. Since the error occurs for both local and network printing, this confirms it’s not limited to Adobe PDF and is system-related.

Let’s go through the next set of focused steps.

Restart and reset the Print Spooler service

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Locate Print Spooler.

Right-click → Stop.

Open File Explorer and go to:
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

Delete all files in this folder (do not delete the folder itself).

Go back to Services, right-click Print Spooler → Start.

After this, try printing a Windows test page again.

Remove leftover or corrupted printer drivers (important)

Sometimes updates leave behind corrupted driver components.

Press Windows + R, type printui /s /t2, and press Enter.

Under the Drivers tab, remove all entries related to your HP printer.

Restart the computer.

This step is critical to fully clear the old driver causing the I/O error.

Install the printer using a Standard TCP/IP port (not WSD)

WSD ports frequently cause connection failures after updates.

Go to Printers & scanners → Add device.

Select Add manually.

Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.

Device type: TCP/IP Device

Address: enter the printer’s IP address (from the printer display or network config page).

When prompted for drivers, install the latest full feature HP driver.

Avoid Windows “automatic” driver selection during this step.

Temporarily disable third-party security software

Some antivirus or firewall programs block the print spooler after updates.

Temporarily disable the antivirus/firewall.

Test printing a Windows test page.

Re-enable security software afterward.

If printing works while disabled, an exception will need to be added for the printer and spooler.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,