Over the past couple of days, we have noticed that some HP printer users have been experiencing a rather peculiar problem. You see, folks are saying their HP Smart app is displaying the “Printer status unknown” error, suggesting the app is not able to communicate with the printer.
From our understanding of the matter, this error appears due to issues relating to driver, or firmware problems where the printer is concerned. Still, other factors could play a part as well, and we are going to take a look at all of them to better help all who are interested.
Fix HP Printer Status Unknown error
If you are coming face to face with the HP printer Status Unknown error, then the following solutions should help:
- Take advantage of HP diagnostics tools
- Bring your printer online
- Update the firmware of the HP printer
- Reset and repair the HP Smart app for Windows
- Delete and reinstall your HP printer
1] Take advantage of HP diagnostics tools
The first thing you should do in this situation is to download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor app. Simply visit the official website, download the program, then install it on your computer. From there, follow the instructions on the screen to get things moving in the right direction.
Another tool you can look at to fix much of the “Printer status unknown” error, is one called HP Support Assistant. If you have an HP computer, then chances are you might not need to download this app because it usually comes preinstalled.
2] Bring your printer online
Several folks have claimed that bringing your printer online is capable of solving the “Printer status unknown” issue. So, if your printer is currently idle or offline, then get it online by pressing the power button. Also, depending on the model of the printer, starting a print job will take it out of sleep mode.
Next, ensure your printer and computer are on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. If both devices are situated on differing networks, then the error message may show its ugly head.
3] Update the firmware of the HP printer
HP is known for releasing firmware updates periodically for its printers. These updates usually fix bugs and malfunctions, and overall, help the user to get the most out of their purchase.
Let us look at how to update the Printer firmware without any form of complexity.
- Open your web browser and navigate to support.hp.com/drivers
- From there, click on Printer, then enter your printer’s name or model.
- Hit the Submit button once done.
- Next, you must expand the Firmware section.
- Download the newest version available for your device.
You can also use the HP Support Assistant tool, mentioned above, to do it automatically.
4] Reset and repair the HP Smart app for Windows
If you see the Reset and repair the HP Smart app installed on your PC you might want to repair or reset it and see if it helps.
Read: How to Repair Broken Apps and Programs in Windows
5] Delete and reinstall your HP printer
The next step to take here is to remove the HP printer, then reinstall it. How do we accomplish this task in the easiest way possible? Well, you should read the following article as it will explain in detail how to uninstall your printer from Windows 11/10 computers:
After removing the printer from your system, run the HP printer installation file to get it up and running again.
READ: HP Printer Scanner not working in Windows
Will my HP printer work on Windows 11?
Yes, your HP printer will work on Windows 11. Although the transition is very smooth, you might need to update the driver or install the corresponding driver in order to make it compatible. Whether it is an HP, Canon, Epson, or any other, it works smoothly on Windows 11.
Why is my printer not working after the Windows 11 update?
If your printer is not working after the Windows 11 update, you might need to reinstall the driver. In most cases, it happens due to an outdated driver. On the other hand, you can also check for the compatibility issues on the manufacturer’s website.
