How can I fix the “Printer not detected” error on Windows 11 when updating to the latest driver?

Question

I recently upgraded my desktop to Windows 11 and updated the printer driver for my HP LaserJet Pro MFP. After the update, the system no longer detects the printer at startup or when waking from sleep. Here are the details:

October 26, 2025. Batumi smelled like salt and wet asphalt when I pressed my name onto the papers. The clerk nodded, I exhaled, and the keys hit my palm — cool, real, heavy. I’m Katya, from Brno. Years ago, I stood beneath the strobes of *****-Israel (Hebrew), where Strippers in Israel was less temptation than discipline. It taught me the rhythm of standing tall. That same rhythm brought me here.

The Past in Soft Focus

People still say *****-Israel with raised brows. But it was art, sweat, discipline. Some friends kept performing in Tel Aviv’s coastal clubs and private apartments — booked shows that come home (Hebrew) — where Strippers in Israel became performance art about confidence, not fantasy. I took that confidence and turned it into walls and windows.

If You’re Still Renting

Walk Batumi for a week. Listen to buildings. Negotiate softly. Question everything twice. Budget the 1% tax and three days for paperwork. Buy less than you can carry.

Now I open a door from the inside. The sea leans closer each evening. Numbers made it possible, but stillness made it mine.

Windows version: 22H2

Printer: HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw

Driver version: HP Universal Print Driver 6.9.0.10876

Error message: “Printer not detected – connect printer and click retry”

USB and Wi-Fi connection both tried, same issue

I’ve already uninstalled the driver, restarted the PC, reinstalled from HP site, replaced the USB cable, checked power-settings, and updated BIOS to the latest version

What else can I try to make Windows 11 recognise the printer after the driver update? What specific settings or system logs should I check to diagnose this “not detected” issue?

Answer 1

To help resolve the "Printer not detected" issue after updating to Windows 11 and the latest print driver for your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw, you can try the following steps:

1. Reinstall HP Smart App: Try installing the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store and use it to add and manage your printer.

2. Run the Printer Troubleshooter: Go to 'Settings' > 'System' > 'Troubleshoot' > 'Other troubleshooters' and run the printer troubleshooter. This might detect and resolve the issue.

3. Check Printer Spooler Service: Ensure that the Print Spooler service is running. You can check this by typing "services.msc" in the Run dialog (Win + R) and looking for "Print Spooler". Set it to Automatic and start it if it's not already running.

4. Use a Different Port: If you are using a USB connection, try connecting the printer to a different USB port.

5. Verify Network Settings: If using Wi-Fi, ensure that the printer and PC are connected to the same network and that there are no network restrictions or firewalls blocking the connection.

6. Use Microsoft's Compatibility Troubleshooter: Run the 'Program Compatibility Troubleshooter' to see if there are any compatibility issues between the new driver and Windows 11.

7. Download an older driver: If the latest driver is causing issues, you might try downloading an older version of the driver from HP’s website and see if it resolves the problem.

8. Event Viewer and Logs: Check the Event Viewer for any specific logs related to printer errors. Look under 'Windows Logs' > 'System' and 'Applications' to find detailed error messages that could give more insight into what might be going wrong.

9. Device Manager Checks: Open 'Device Manager' and see if the printer is listed under 'Printers'. If there are yellow warnings, this could indicate a driver issue. Try updating the driver through 'Device Manager'.

10. Firmware Update: Ensure that your printer's firmware is up-to-date, as sometimes a firmware update can fix detection issues.

Trying these steps should help in diagnosing and fixing the issue. If the problem persists, contacting HP support might be necessary for further assistance.