Hi @Janice0316
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
If your printer is showing as "in use" but you're not actively printing anything, this can be caused by a few potential issues. Here are some possible reasons and solutions for when your printer says it's in use even though it's not:
1. Printer Queue Stuck or Pending Print Jobs
- Sometimes, print jobs can get stuck in the print queue, causing the printer to appear as "in use" even if no print jobs are actively being processed.
Solution:
- Clear the Print Queue:
- Open the printer queue on your computer. On Windows: go to Settings> Devices> Printers & Scanners, select your printer, then click Open queue.
- In the queue, if there are any pending or stuck jobs, cancel them by selecting and clicking Cancel or Delete.
- After clearing the queue, restart the printer.
2. Communication Issues Between Printer and Computer
- A communication error between your printer and computer might cause the system to think the printer is "in use." This could happen due to a network connection problem, especially with wireless printers, or issues with USB cables.
Solution:
- Restart the Printer and Computer:
- Turn off the printer and unplug it for about 10 seconds before plugging it back in and turning it on.
- Restart your computer as well.
- Check Network Connection: If the printer is connected wirelessly, ensure that both the printer and your computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Try Using a Different Port or Cable: If you're using a wired connection, try using a different USB cable or port on your computer.
Update Printer Drivers:
- Go to the Device Manager on your computer (on Windows: press Windows Key + X, then select Device Manager).
- Locate your printer under the Printers section, right-click on it, and select Update driver.
I hope this helps.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.