HP 4301dw

[Damian333]

HP 4301dw printer which intermittently freezes up, either when i send a print job or a copy job, when i try to switch power off and on again it does not respond. any suggestions 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Damian333,

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 HP LaserJet 4301dw is freezing during print/copy jobs and sometimes won’t respond even when you try to power it off. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

Power reset the printer
• Leave the printer turned ON → unplug the power cable from the back.
• Wait 30 seconds → plug it back in.
• This clears firmware lock-ups and frees the control panel.

Check for firmware updates
• Open the HP Smart app → Printer Settings → Advanced Settings.
• Go to Tools → Firmware Update and install any available updates.
• Freezing during jobs is often caused by outdated firmware.

Try printing with a USB cable
• Connect the printer directly to a computer using USB.
• If jobs run normally, the issue may be network-related instead of hardware.

Restart your router / check network signal
• If the printer is on Wi-Fi, weak or unstable signal can cause job freezes.
• Restart the router and keep the printer within 6–8 ft during testing.

Clear the print queue on your computer
• Pending corrupted print jobs can cause the printer to lock up.
• Cancel all jobs → restart the PC → try sending a fresh print.

Try a different print driver
• On your PC, add the printer again using the “HP LaserJet” (not PCL6) driver if available.
• Sometimes switching drivers prevents job-processing freezes.

Check for hardware jams or stuck sensors
• Open all doors and trays; remove the toner and reinsert it.
• A stuck paper sensor can make the printer freeze mid-job.

Disable “Advanced Printing Features” (Windows)
• Printer Properties → Advanced tab → uncheck “Enable advanced printing features.”
• This forces simpler job processing and can stop random freezing.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,