printer says its in use when it isnt

[char1989]

please help i need my printer for my job. 

wont print anything because its saying its in use. i restarted my computer. i took the printer off the account and put it back on. unplugged it for a few. idk what to do 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @char1989,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for reaching out to HP Support. I understand how stressful this can be, especially when you rely on your printer for work. We'll do our best to help you get it working again.
 

The "Printer is in use" message is usually caused by a stuck print job, the Windows Print Spooler service not responding, a communication issue between the computer and printer, or another device holding the printer busy.
 

Please try the following:

1. Cancel all print jobs from the printer queue.
2. Restart the Print Spooler service:
   • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart.
3. Restart the printer and make sure it shows Ready with no error messages on the display.
4. Remove and re-add the printer in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners if you haven't already.
    

To help us narrow this down, could you also let us know:

• The HP printer model.
• Are you connected via Wi-Fi or USB?
• What is the exact message shown on the printer or computer? Does it say "Printer is in use" or something different?

Keep us posted with the details, and we'll continue working with you until the issue is resolved.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!