Troubleshoot unable to print from computer, Windows, Mac, OfficeJet, LaserJet, WiFi connected but not printing, and HP Smart app unable to print issues. Step-by-step computer-focused help for unable to print from computer, unable to print from Windows, unable to print from Mac, printer connected to WiFi but not printing, and HP Smart app unable to print.
When you are unable to print from a computer, the printer may be connected but the print job never reaches the printer. The issue may involve the driver, print queue, default printer setting, WiFi connection, HP Smart app, or operating system update.
This page is written for common remote-friendly printer software, setup, driver, WiFi, router, Windows, Mac, and HP Smart app troubleshooting issues.
Before you begin: Keep your printer, computer, router, WiFi name, and WiFi password nearby. If the printer display shows a paper jam, cartridge, power, or hardware error, resolve that physical issue first.
Common Causes
- Wrong printer is selected as default.
- Print jobs are stuck in the queue.
- Printer driver is unavailable or outdated.
- Printer is offline in Windows or macOS.
- Computer and printer are on different networks.
- The printer was added using an old IP address.
- HP Smart app cannot communicate with the printer.
- Printing stopped after a Windows or macOS update.
Step-by-Step Methods to Fix the Issue
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Check printer status
Make sure the printer is powered on, connected, and not showing an error on its display. -
Select the correct printer
Open the print dialog and confirm that the correct OfficeJet, LaserJet, or network printer is selected. -
Clear the print queue
Cancel stuck print jobs and try printing a fresh test page from the computer. -
Set the printer as default
Choose the correct printer as default in Windows Printers & scanners or Mac Printers & Scanners. -
Restart the print system
Restart the printer and computer. On Windows, restart the Print Spooler if jobs remain stuck. -
Update or reinstall the driver
Install the latest printer driver or full software package from the official support site. -
Reconnect the printer to WiFi
If the printer is wireless, confirm it is on the same router network as the computer. -
Try printing from another program
Test with a simple document to determine whether the issue is app-specific or system-wide.
Other Issues Covered by This Troubleshooting Article
| Unable to print from computer | Unable to print from Windows |
| Unable to print from Mac | Unable to print on OfficeJet printer from computer |
| Unable to print on LaserJet printer from computer | Unable to print after driver installation |
| Printer connected to WiFi but not printing | Printer connected to computer but not printing |
| Printer not responding on computer | Printer not working after Windows update |
| Printer not working after macOS update | HP Smart app unable to print |
When the Printer Connects to WiFi But Still Will Not Print
If the printer connects to the router but your computer still cannot print, the wireless connection may be working while the computer setup is incomplete. Check whether the printer appears as offline, whether the wrong printer is selected as default, or whether a previous USB or network printer entry is still installed.
Clearing the print queue, reinstalling the driver, and adding the printer again by network discovery can often fix a printer connected to WiFi but not printing from Windows or Mac.
FAQ: Unable to Print from Computer & Printer
Why can’t I print from my computer?
The most common reasons are a stuck queue, offline printer status, wrong default printer, driver problem, or network connection issue.
Why is my printer connected but not printing?
The printer may be connected to WiFi but not properly added to the computer, or the print queue may be stuck.
Why can’t I print after installing a driver?
The wrong driver may have been installed, the printer may need to be re-added, or the computer may still be using an old printer entry.
Why did printing stop after a Windows or Mac update?
Operating system updates can change printer permissions, drivers, or default printer settings.
Can unable to print issues be fixed remotely?
Many software, driver, queue, network, Windows, Mac, and HP Smart printing issues can be reviewed remotely.