The "Driver is Unavailable" error for HP printers on Windows 10 is extremely common, especially after Windows updates. The fix is a clean driver reinstallation using HP's official driver or the HP Smart app.
Fix 1: Install HP Smart App (Easiest)
- Open Microsoft Store → search "HP Smart"
- Install and open the app
- Click Add Printer — it will auto-detect your HP printer
- Follow the setup wizard — it installs the correct driver automatically
- Try printing from HP Smart to verify
Fix 2: Clean Driver Reinstall
- Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners → select HP printer → Remove Device
- Open Device Manager → expand Print queues → right-click HP printer → Uninstall Device
- Open Settings → Apps → uninstall any HP printer software/drivers
- Restart computer
- Download latest driver from support.hp.com → enter model
- Run the installer → follow prompts
Fix 3: Update via Device Manager
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start → Device Manager)
- Expand Print queues
- Right-click HP printer → Update driver
- Choose "Search automatically for drivers"
- If nothing found, choose "Browse my computer" → point to downloaded driver folder
Fix 4: Use HP Universal Print Driver
If your specific model doesn't have a Windows 10 driver, download HP Universal Print Driver from support.hp.com. It supports most HP LaserJet and many InkJet printers. Install it and select your printer during setup.
Fix 5: Reset Print Spooler and Clear Queue
- Press Win + R → type
services.msc - Find Print Spooler → right-click → Stop
- Open
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS→ delete all files in this folder - Go back to Services → Start Print Spooler
- Try reinstalling the driver again
Fix 6: Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Printer → Run. The troubleshooter can detect and fix driver issues, port conflicts, and spooler problems automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my HP printer say 'Driver is unavailable' on Windows 10?
This means Windows can't communicate with the printer using the current driver. Causes: (1) Windows Update installed a generic driver, (2) Driver got corrupted, (3) Printer model needs a specific HP driver not included in Windows, (4) Windows 10 update broke compatibility, (5) Driver was partially uninstalled.
How do I fix 'HP printer driver is unavailable' on Windows 10?
Best fix: (1) Go to support.hp.com → enter your model → download latest driver, (2) Before installing, uninstall old driver: Settings → Devices → Printers → Remove device, then Device Manager → Print queues → right-click → Uninstall, (3) Restart PC, (4) Install the downloaded HP driver, (5) Alternatively, install HP Smart app from Microsoft Store.
Can I use HP Universal Print Driver on Windows 10?
Yes — HP UPD works with most HP LaserJet and many InkJet printers. Download from support.hp.com → search 'HP Universal Print Driver'. It's ideal when your specific model's driver isn't available for Windows 10. Not recommended for photo printing — use model-specific driver for best quality.
HP printer driver keeps reinstalling the wrong driver — how to stop?
Windows Update can auto-install a generic driver. To prevent: (1) Install the correct HP driver first, (2) Open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) → Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → 'Do not include drivers with Windows Updates' → Enable. Or: Settings → Update → Advanced → Optional updates → uncheck driver updates.
Should I use HP Smart app or traditional driver?
HP Smart app (free from Microsoft Store) is HP's recommended approach for Windows 10/11. It auto-detects your printer, installs the correct driver, and provides printing, scanning, and supply management. It's simpler than downloading drivers from hp.com. Works with most HP printers from 2013 onwards.
HP Driver Still Not Working?
Our technicians can fix HP driver problems remotely.