• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Gmail
• Tumblr

HP Printer in Error State? Quick Fix Guide

Is your HP printer showing “Printer in Error State” and refusing to print?

This is a common but frustrating issue because the printer may appear powered on and connected, yet Windows or your system blocks normal printing.

Users often experience:

• printer visible but unusable
• print jobs failing
• warning icons
• sudden communication errors
• printer stopping unexpectedly

The good news is that this error is usually fixable without replacing the printer.

This guide focuses specifically on resolving HP printer error state problems.

If your issue is broader than system error recovery, use our full HP Printer Not Printing Properly troubleshooting guide.

Why Does My HP Printer Say Error State?

Error state usually means the printer has encountered a condition that blocks normal operation.

Common causes include:

• communication failures
• outdated drivers
• stuck print jobs
• offline connection problems
• print spooler crashes
• interrupted updates
• paper jam alerts
• hardware interruptions
• USB/WiFi instability

The exact fix depends on the cause.

1. Restart the Printer and Computer

Temporary communication glitches commonly trigger error state warnings.

Restarting refreshes:

• device communication
• printer services
• network sessions
• temporary software conflicts

Steps

1. Turn off printer
2. Shut down computer
3. Wait 60 seconds
4. Restart both devices
5. Test printing

Simple restart fixes many temporary errors.

2. Check Printer Connections

Loose or unstable communication often causes error state problems.

For USB printers

Check:

• loose cables
• damaged cable
• faulty USB port
• improper connection

Reconnect firmly.

For wireless printers

Check:

• WiFi connection
• router status
• printer network connection
• signal stability

If your printer shows communication issues rather than error recovery, use our HP Printer Offline Fix guide.

3. Clear Stuck Print Jobs

Corrupted print jobs can block normal printer operation.

Symptoms:

• printer stuck processing
• pending jobs forever
• repeated failed printing

Fix

1. Open printer queue
2. Cancel all jobs
3. Restart printer
4. Retry printing

Corrupted queues frequently trigger error state warnings.

4. Restart Print Spooler Service

Windows print spooler manages printer communication.

If it crashes, printers may show error states.

Restart steps

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc
3. Press Enter
4. Find Print Spooler
5. Right-click
6. Select Restart

Test printer afterward.

5. Update Printer Driver

Outdated or damaged drivers commonly trigger error state problems.

Symptoms:

• printer visible but unusable
• communication errors
• unavailable driver warnings

Fix

1. Open Device Manager
2. Locate printer
3. Update driver
4. Restart computer

If driver corruption exists, full reinstall may be required.

See our HP Printer Driver Unavailable troubleshooting guide.

6. Remove and Re-Add the Printer

Saved printer settings sometimes become corrupted.

Removing and re-adding refreshes communication.

Steps

1. Open printer settings
2. Remove HP printer
3. Restart system
4. Add printer again

This often clears persistent software errors.

7. Check for Paper Jam or Hardware Alerts

Physical interruptions can trigger error state warnings.

Check for:

• paper jam
• cartridge access issues
• open printer covers
• blocked carriage movement
• hardware warning lights

Even small interruptions may trigger system errors.

8. Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Built-in troubleshooting can detect:

• communication conflicts
• spooler problems
• driver issues
• device configuration errors

Steps

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Troubleshoot
3. Run Printer Troubleshooter
4. Apply suggested fixes

Useful for Windows communication problems.

9. Update Printer Firmware

Printer firmware problems can trigger false system errors.

Update using:

• HP Smart
• printer settings
• software utility

Then restart the printer.

Firmware fixes hidden software bugs.

10. Perform Basic Printer Reset

Temporary internal glitches sometimes require reset.

Reset steps

1. Turn printer off
2. Unplug power
3. Wait 60 seconds
4. Reconnect
5. Restart

This clears many temporary internal faults.

11. Check for Hardware Failure

If the printer remains in error state after troubleshooting, hardware issues may exist.

Possible causes:

• failed sensor
• damaged carriage
• internal board issue
• hardware communication failure
• feed mechanism failure

Signs:

• repeated hardware warnings
• same error after resets
• physical abnormal noises

Repair may be required.

When Error State Is Part of a Bigger Problem

Sometimes error state is only a symptom.

If your printer also shows:

• offline warnings
• driver unavailable errors
• broader print failures

the root cause may be elsewhere.

Use:

HP Printer Offline Fix for connection problems.

HP Printer Driver Unavailable for software communication errors.

HP Printer Not Printing Properly for broader troubleshooting.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

✅ restart printer
✅ restart computer
✅ check cables / WiFi
✅ clear print queue
✅ restart spooler
✅ update driver
✅ re-add printer
✅ check paper jam alerts
✅ run troubleshooter
✅ update firmware
✅ reset printer

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my HP printer stuck in error state?

This usually happens because of communication failures, driver issues, stuck print jobs, or hardware interruptions.

How do I fix HP printer error state in Windows?

Restart the printer, clear jobs, restart spooler, update drivers, and reconnect the printer.

Is printer error state a hardware issue?

Usually no.

Most cases are software or communication-related.

Can outdated drivers cause printer error state?

Yes. Corrupted or outdated drivers are a major cause.

Why does my printer show error state but is connected?

The printer may be connected physically, but communication with Windows may still fail.

Final Thoughts

HP printer error state problems are usually recoverable.

Most users fix the issue by:

• restarting devices
• clearing stuck jobs
• fixing communication
• updating drivers
• resetting printer services

Start with the simplest fixes first.