How to Fix HP Printer Error Printing in Queue

If you're seeing the message "Error Printing" in your HP printer’s queue, it can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to complete an urgent task. This issue can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from driver conflicts to connection problems. In this blog, we'll explore the common reasons behind the "Error Printing" message and provide step-by-step solutions to help you get your HP printer back on track.

Common Reasons for "Error Printing in Queue" on HP Printers

Before diving into the fixes, it’s important to understand the potential causes behind the error:

Stuck Print Jobs: A common issue is print jobs getting stuck in the print queue, preventing new jobs from being processed.

Outdated or Corrupt Printer Driver: Your printer driver may be outdated or corrupted, resulting in communication issues between your printer and computer.

Connection Problems: Faulty or interrupted connections, either via USB or Wi-Fi, can stop print jobs from processing.

Incorrect Printer Settings: Misconfigurations in printer settings can cause errors in the queue.

Spooler Service Issues: The printer spooler service, responsible for managing print jobs, can sometimes crash or freeze, causing the queue to malfunction.

How to Fix the "Error Printing in Queue" Issue

Here are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the error.

1. Clear the Print Queue

When print jobs get stuck in the queue, it prevents new jobs from being processed. To fix this, try clearing the queue:

For Windows Users:

Open the Print Queue:

Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.

Click on your HP Printer, then select the Open queue.

Cancel All Jobs:

In the print queue window, right-click on the job with the error and select Cancel.

You can also select Cancel all jobs to clear the entire queue.

Restart the Print Spooler Service (Optional):

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

Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.

For macOS Users:

Open System Preferences:

Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

Select your HP printer and click on Open Print Queue.

Cancel the Stuck Print Jobs:

Select the job in the queue with the error and click Delete (X).

2. Check the Printer Connection

If your printer is not properly connected to your computer, print jobs may not be able to process correctly.

For USB Connection:

Check the USB Cable: Verify that the USB cable is firmly attached to your computer and printer.

Try a Different USB Port: If possible, try plugging the printer into a different USB port to rule out a faulty connection.

For Wireless Connection:

Verify Wi-Fi Connectivity: Ensure that your HP printer is connected to the correct Wi-Fi network.

Restart the Router: Sometimes, restarting the router can resolve network-related issues.

Run the HP Wireless Connectivity Test: Many HP printers have a wireless connectivity test that can help identify network issues.

3. Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

The "Error Printing" problem may arise from an out-of-date or faulty printer driver. You can update or reinstall the driver to resolve this.

Update Driver (Windows):

Go to Device Manager:

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

Locate Your Printer:

When you right-click on your HP printer in the Printers area, choose the Update driver.

Select Automatic Update:

Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Reinstall Driver (Windows & macOS):

Uninstall the Existing Driver:

On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, select your HP printer, and click Remove device.

On macOS, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click the minus (-) button.

Download the Latest Driver:

Visit the official HP Support website, search for your printer model, and download the latest driver for your operating system.

Install the Driver:

Run the installer after it has been downloaded, then adhere to the prompts on the screen.

4. Reset the Print Spooler Service

Sometimes, the print spooler service (which manages all print jobs) can get stuck. Resetting it can resolve the "Error Printing" issue.

Steps to Reset Print Spooler (Windows):

Open Run Dialog:

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

Locate the Print Spooler Service:

Scroll down to Print Spooler, right-click on it, and choose Stop.

Clear the Spooler Files:

Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files in the folder.

Note: You might need administrator privileges.

Restart the Print Spooler:

Return to the Services window, right-click on Print Spooler, and select Start.

Reset Print Spooler (macOS):

Open Terminal:

Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Reset the Print System:

Type sudo launchctl stop org.cups.cupsd and press Enter.

Then type sudo launchctl start org.cups.cupsd and press Enter.

5. Check Printer Settings

Make sure your HP printer is set as the default printer and that there are no errors in the configuration.

Set as Default Printer:

In Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, click on your printer, and select Set as default.

In macOS, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, select your HP printer, and click Default printer.

Check for Offline Status:

Ensure that your printer is not set to Use Printer Offline in the Devices and Printers menu on Windows.

6. Restart Your Devices

If all else fails, sometimes a simple restart of your computer and printer can resolve many common issues. Turn off both devices, wait for about 30 seconds, and turn them back on.

FAQs

Why does "Error Printing in Queue" appear on my HP printer?

This error can be caused by a variety of issues, including stuck print jobs, outdated or corrupted printer drivers, connection problems, incorrect printer settings, or a malfunctioning print spooler service.

How can I get my HP printer's print queue cleared?

On Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. Open the print queue for your HP printer and cancel the stuck print jobs. On macOS, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, and delete the jobs from the queue.

How do I update my HP printer driver?

On Windows, open Device Manager and locate your printer under Printers. Right-click the printer and select the Update driver. You can also download the latest driver from the HP Support website. On macOS, go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners and reinstall the printer.

How do I check my printer connection?

Make sure the USB printer cable is firmly attached. For wireless printers, confirm that the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Fixing connectivity problems may also include rebooting the router.

What is the process to make my HP printer the default printer?

In Windows, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, select your HP printer, and choose Set as default. On macOS, this option is available under System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

Conclusion

The "Error Printing in Queue" message on your HP printer can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stuck print jobs, driver issues, or connection problems. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your printer back to normal operation. If none of the solutions work, contacting HP support may be the next step for further assistance.