HP Printer Assistant is a printing software used to set up a printer, check ink levels, scan, order supplies, and more. Although the software works efficiently, it may encounter technical issues. Many users face HP Printer Assistant not working error messages due to Windows system updates.
Read: How to Fix HP Printer Not Responding (Resolved)
When you update your Windows system, all printer details are removed from Windows and the HP Printer Assistant. Therefore, you are prompted to connect to a new printer using the HP Printer Assistant. If you are also facing the issue of the HP Printer Assistant not working, then fix it by applying the most effective solutions shared below.
How to Fix HP Printer Assistant Not Working error?
By restarting your Windows system and your HP printer, you can get your HP Printer Assistant working again. If you still get the HP Printer Assistant is not working error message, you can try reconnecting your printer and reinstalling the printer driver. If necessary, you can also use the built-in Windows print driver to send your documents to print.
Solution 1: Restart your printer and computer if HP Printer Assistant is not working
There may be a technical problem with the Windows operating system or the printer. HP Printer Assistant not working is one of the common error messages caused by such bugs. These can prevent the HP Printer Assistant software from working properly on a Windows computer. However, by restarting both devices, you can fix the problem.
- Turn off your HP printer.
- Restart the Windows computer.
- Now turn on your printer.
- Open the HP Printer Assistant software. If it opens correctly, it indicates that the problem has been resolved. However, if not, you’ll see the Printer Setup and Software screen. Here you can click Connect a new printer and continue following the on-screen instructions.
After you complete these steps, you can restart your Windows computer and your HP printer to complete the installation. You can reconnect your HP printer if you’re still having trouble accessing the HP Printer Assistant.
Fix 2: Reconnect the HP printer
If the HP Printer Assistant isn’t working and asks you to connect a new printer, don’t worry. You can fix this problem by reconnecting your HP printer. Doing so will give you access to the HP Printer Assistant tools again.
When you connect a new printer, you must select your connection type and follow the on-screen prompts to configure your printer. Afterward, you can restart your printer and Windows PC.
- Click Connect a new printer.
- When prompted, select your connection type.
- Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the printer setup.
Note: If you get a red cross (X) and your connection fails, you can click Try again and continue with the rest of the steps.
- Turn off your printer.
- Restart the Windows computer.
- Now turn on your printer.
- Launch the HP Printer Assistant software.
If the HP Printer Assistant software opens, the problem is resolved successfully. However, if it doesn’t open or the connection appears to have failed, try other troubleshooting steps.
Fix 3: Remove HP printer software if HP Printer Assistant is not working
Conflicts often occur when there are unexpected bugs in the HP printer software. This gives the error message HP Printer Assistant is not working. If this happens to you, try uninstalling the software and printer driver. Afterward, you can reinstall the latest driver to avoid errors.
- Unplug the USB cable from your printer.
- Next, find the Control Panel on the Windows computer.
- Go to the Programs and Features section.
- When you see the list of programs, click on the name of your printer.
- Click on the Uninstall button.
After that, you can follow the instructions on your screen to complete the removal process. Afterward, you can restart your computer and continue to reinstall the latest driver to access the HP Printer Assistant successfully.
Fix 4: Reinstall Latest Driver
Once you have removed the HP printer software and drivers, you can download and install the new software version. If necessary, you can use an installation CD if it contains a driver for your Windows version. Learn how to reinstall HP software with drivers.
- Turn on your HP printer.
- Unplug the USB cable from your printer. You will be prompted if cables are required during software installation.
- Now visit the official website of HP to download the full software with the latest version.
- If it asks you to identify your product, you can choose Printer.
- Then enter the printer model number and select Submit.
- Select the Change button if you want to change your operating system for installation.
- After selecting your version, click on the Edit button.
- Go to the Drivers section and select Downloads. You can also click on the Basic Drivers option for more driver options.
As soon as you complete these steps, the complete software package starts downloading on the selected operating system. After the printer software is successfully downloaded, you can access the HP Printer Assistant.
Fix 5: Use Windows built-in print driver if HP Printer Assistant is not working
Windows computer systems come with printer drivers pre-installed. Using the built-in printer drivers, you can configure the printer and perform print jobs easily. You can do this in two different ways; Using network printers and USB-connected printers in Windows.
Add a Network Printer to Windows
Whether it’s a Wi-Fi or wired network, you’ll need to add a network printer to Windows. You do not need to install additional drivers for this.
- In Windows, search for Change device installation settings.
- Once Settings opens, make sure Yes (recommended) is selected.
- Next, place your computer and printer near your WiFi router.
- Make sure to connect your printer and your computer to the same network.
- After that, look for the Add a printer or scanner option in Windows.
- Select the Add printer or scanner option and wait for your system to search for available printers.
- If your system finds the printer, click on the Add Device option to complete the driver installation process.
- If the printer is not found, you can continue with the following steps.
- Select The printer I want is not listed.
- When you reach the Find a printer through other options screen, click Add printer using TCP/IP address or hostname.
- Click on the Next button.
- Using the Device Type drop-down menu, click on the Auto-detect option.
- Find your printer’s IP address.
- Enter the IP address of your printer.
- Click on the Next button.
- Follow the instructions on your screen to complete the driver installation process.
Adding a USB Connected Printer to Windows If the HP Printer Assistant Isn’t Working
You can also set up a printer in Windows without installing additional drivers. You need to use a USB flash drive for this process.
- Find Change device installation settings in Windows.
- Once Settings opens, make sure Yes (recommended) is selected.
- Make sure that an open USB port is available on your PC. Also note that you do not need to connect your printer to a docking station or USB hub, as your printer may not have power to function properly.
- Now turn on your printer.
- After that, connect your USB cable to the computer port and printer.
- If you see New hardware found, follow the prompts to install the printer.
- If you can print successfully, it indicates that the driver has been installed. If the printer is not found, follow these steps:
- Select The printer I want is not listed.
- When you reach the Find a printer through other options screen, click Add a local printer or network printer with manual setting.
- Click on the Next button.
- On the Select Printer Port screen, select Use existing port and click USB001: (Virtual Printer Port for USB) using the drop-down option.
- Click on the Next button.
Afterward, you can follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver installation for your printer model.
Conclusion
It is common to encounter errors while using an HP printer with Windows. If your HP Printer Assistant is not working after updating the Windows operating system, you can troubleshoot your printer and computer to resolve the issue.
