How to Fix HP Smart - Printer Status Unknown Error

Introduction

This tutorial provides step-by-step guidance on how to fix the "Printer Status Unknown" error for HP printers on a Windows PC. Following these instructions, you will perform a clean installation of the necessary software, which is essential for resolving this error effectively.

Step 1: Remove Existing HP Software and Drivers

To begin, you need to uninstall all HP-related software and drivers from your computer. This step ensures a clean installation later.

• Uninstall HP Printers

  • Go to your Devices and Printers settings.
  • Remove any HP printers listed, keeping only non-HP devices if you have them.

• Uninstall HP Software

  • Open the Control Panel.
  • Select Programs and Features.
  • Find all HP software, including the HP Smart app, and uninstall them.
  • If needed, use the Add or Remove Programs feature to uninstall Windows apps.

Step 2: Delete HP Printer Data

After removing the printers and software, you need to clear any leftover HP printer data.

• Open Run Command
  • Press and hold the Windows key and the R key simultaneously to open the Run dialog.
  • Type the following command and press Enter:

    %ProgramData%
    

• Delete HP Folder
  • In the Program Data folder, locate and delete the folder related to HP printers. This may help eliminate any corrupt files.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

After uninstalling the software and deleting leftover data, restart your computer. This refreshes your system and prepares it for a fresh installation.

Step 4: Reinstall HP Printer Drivers

Now that your computer is clean, you can reinstall the necessary printer drivers.

• Download Drivers

  • Visit the HP Drivers page.
  • Enter your printer model number to find the appropriate drivers.
  • Download the full driver pack, which includes software and utilities.

• Install Drivers

  • Follow the installation prompts to install the drivers on your PC. You can choose to install additional software if desired, but the drivers are the most important.

Step 5: Install HP Smart App

Once the drivers are successfully installed, proceed to install the HP Smart app.

• Download HP Smart
  • Visit the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC.
  • Search for the HP Smart app and install it.

Step 6: Connect Your Printer

If your printer is not detected after installation, try the following:

• Check Firewall Settings

  • Temporarily disable your firewall to see if it interferes with printer detection.

• Connection Options

  • Connect your printer via USB or Ethernet cable to facilitate detection.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should have successfully resolved the "Printer Status Unknown" error for your HP printer. If the issue persists, consider checking the printer’s connectivity or reviewing the installation steps for any missed details. Feel free to share your feedback or questions in the comments, and subscribe for more helpful tutorials.