After update, my printer driver disappears every day

jmwe53 · 10 Dec 2017

Hi all, I have 2 laptops I use regularly, both with Windows 10. This little one is 32 bit, the other 64. Since the last WIndows update, my HP 4630 Officejet driver won't work. In the control panel printer screen the HP printer displays in gray, and print jobs are ignored. I've uninstalled and reinstalled every time I want to use the thing. I don't want to have to buy a new printer; there isn't a thing wrong with it. And since this issue is the same on both computers since the last update, I'm assuming this is a Windows issue. I am not a computer geek and have no clue about getting into the guts of the thing to fix stuff. I'd have to take it somewhere. Is that what it's coming to?? I now need to print up a shipping label and will have to uninstall that driver and download yet again for the umpteenth time. Help!

Caledon Ken · 10 Dec 2017

Hi jmwe53. Welcome to the TenForums @jmwe53

I would first start with telling Windows to not update drivers on your behalf. Option 4, Step 3

Enable or Disable Driver Updates in Windows Update in Windows 10

I would then uninstall your printer, if it asks about driver software say yes, delete. They remove all other HP items associated with printer, printer supplies, print diagnostics, etc. You want to start from a clean slate. (Also check if you have a copy of this printer, or similar name, same delete process)

Then power down printer.

Find your most recent driver software bundle and execute it. Leave printer off until it says it can't find printer. Power on printer and complete install.

I've seen on numerous HP installations where it installs a copy or a copy appears. Not sure why. Sometimes selecting it will restore function and keep it. May have to set as default.

One other thing, in devices, printers, take back control from Windows as to who gets to set default printer. You set the default printer.

Start > Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners > scroll down right hand side > uncheck "Let Windows manage my default Printer"

Scroll up and click on your printer choice as default > click manage > click "Set as Default."

Ken

Helmut · 10 Dec 2017

Unplug the printer from the PC/Laptop concerned.
Download the driver file and store it in a Drivers folder.
Uninstall any HP Printer driver, generic or HP, all of them.
Start the install of the Driver, only connect up the printer when prompted.
The reason for doing that is to prevent the installation of a generic driver.
Probably easiest to go to the video tutorials.
http://hp.dezide.com/ts/start.jsp?gu...b9-a96a-87087b

jmwe53 · 11 Dec 2017

Thank you all. I've gone through the steps, got my print job done, and remains to be seen if the printer is still there tomorrow. I had originally posted at an HP forum, got no response, but figured it was a Windows issue anyway. In the meantime, I heard from HP, so I have loads of help. Thanks to both of you; time will tell.

MrHudson · 14 Dec 2017

I have a Canon 2520 printer, I just turn power on, plug it to USB port, windows installs driver, I have Software but don't need to install it, it is reconized by windows, all I have to do is press ctrl+p and print what ever I want printed.

jmwe53 · 19 Dec 2017

After much hassle with attempted fixes through this forum and one at HP, I finally threw in the towel. Got a new printer, though with nothing wrong with this one, I'm hanging onto it. Thanks to all who gave suggestions.

Caledon Ken · 19 Dec 2017

Sorry to hear that.

Good luck.

MrHudson · 19 Dec 2017

One of my neighbors here has an HP wireless printer. connection to it was open, I printed some raunchy photos the didn't like.

reddice · 20 Dec 2017

I have the same issue on my Brother HL-2270DW laser printer that worked for years and my mothers computer. I messed around with Windows 10 removing drivers tweaking settings and messing things up alone that the excellent Macrium Reflect program reverted back to a working state but in the end it was a temporary band ad and nothing worked.

The printer will go offline after a while the only thing fixing it was to turn off and turn on the printer which i have to do whenever I want to print something.