Fixed: HP Printer Printing Slow on LaserJet, OfficeJet, PhotoSmart, DeskJet, & Envy Series

An HP printer that prints at a slow speed can delay your work in many ways. The printing speed of your device can get sluggish when the HP printer drivers are out-of-date, corrupted, or missing. For getting the maximum printing speed, checking the settings of the printer driver can help you. Also, care should be taken to keep the drivers updated and error-free. It has been found that the issue of the HP printer printing slow can also occur due to other reasons. To supply you with the knowledge of these reasons, we have prepared this well-researched post. For fixing the slow print error on HP PhotoSmart, LaserJet, Envy, OfficeJet, and DeskJet Printers, the knowledge of these reasons will assist you. Also, if you are not satisfied with your printing machine’s speed on Windows 10 and other versions of this OS, then you can get help for that as well. 

Today, we will be giving you the knowledge relating to the following:

Why is My HP Printer Printing So Slow?

On wired and wireless HP printers, slow printing may be experienced in some situations. The reasons behind the same have been provided below:

• There may be unresolved issues in the printer’s ink or cartridges.
• The drivers of your HP printer may be corrupted, out-of-date, or missing.
• Your printer’s server may be overloaded.
• Paper jams may be preventing your printer from printing with all its speed.
• One of the cartridges of the device may be unable to carry the load of printing.
• The presence of no toner or ink may be resulting in the problem.
• Your device’s printing preferences may be incorrect.
• The connection with a shared network may be affecting your HP printing machine.
• If any cable is being used, then the connection may be faulty.
• One of the reasons leading to an HP printer printing slow could be its poor configuration.

How to Resolve Slow Printing on HP Printers?

Slow printing issues on HP printers can be cleared by resetting the machine. The settings of your printer should be checked. Opting for plain paper as the preferred type for printing can improve the speed of the process. Sometimes problematic HP printer drivers can also reduce the speed at which your device prints your documents or copies them. You can uninstall your printer on your system and then get the latest drivers for it.
For rectifying the issue of an HP printer printing extremely slow, you can follow these fixes and also find more measures in the sections provided below.

Fix 1: Try Resetting Your HP Printer

Unresolved problems with certain parts such as the ink or toner may be the reason why your HP printer is slow. Resetting it can serve as an excellent fix for these problems. Keeping your HP printer on, you can wait till it stops making any sounds and becomes idle. Then you can remove its cable and plug it in again after 60 seconds. When the procedure to restart your HP printer has been completely executed, you can consider printing a document.

• Start your HP printer.
• Ensure that the device is idle and not making any noise.
• Detach the printer’s power cable from its back.

Important: While doing the third step of this fix, your HP printer should not be on.

• Unplug the power cable from the switchboard as well.
• Now, wait for a minute.
• Connect the power cable to your printer as well as the switchboard.
• Your device should turn on now or you can manually start it.
• Check that your printer is idle as well as silent.
• Print a document and notice the speed with which it gets printed.

Important: Resetting your device should have aided in getting around the slow printing speed. On the off chance that the speed is still the same, you can use another power cable and then execute this fix again.

Fix 2: Check HP Printer’s Settings and Select the Plain Paper Option

In the settings of your HP printer, you can select the type of paper that you will be using for printing purposes. When the type is set to high-quality paper, you will find a reduced speed of your device for printing it. It will be essential to understand that high-quality paper takes time to get printed. As an instant resolving measure, you can open the settings of your device. You can opt for plain paper as the paper type. Thereafter, you may not witness your HP printer printing very slowly.

• Press the “Windows” key.
• Using “Search”, look for “Devices and Printers”.
• Tap twice on the icon of the printer.
• Choose “Preferences”.
• In “Preferences”, find out the type of paper being used.
• Go to the section of “Paper Type”.
• Ensure that “Plain Paper” is selected.
• In “Quality Setting”, click on either “Normal” or “Draft”.
• Select “Ok” or click on “Apply”.
• Exit “Devices and Printers” and the window of “HP Driver”.
• In the final step, print a page to observe your device’s printing speed.

After selecting Plain Paper as the Paper Type, your device’s speed would have improved. From now on, you should be able to print your documents without waiting for too long due to the unlikely speed of your HP printer.

Fix 3: Uninstall HP Printer and Install Latest Driver on Windows

Having an out-of-date driver on your Windows system can lead to an HP printer running slow. So, those of you who are using an HP printer along with a Windows system should ensure that the driver stays updated at all times. Also, the driver may be updated but it may be having certain problems in it. Then uninstalling your HP printer from your Windows system will be suggested. You can utilize the Programs and Features option for doing so. In addition, you can get the updates for your printer’s driver. To update the same, you can use your web browser.

• Begin with disconnecting your HP printer’s cable to remove the connection from your PC.
• Select “Start”.
• Tap on the “Search Box” and input “Programs and Features”.
• Open “Programs and Features” from the results.
• Find the list of “Installed Programs”.
• Click on your device’s name.
• Select “Uninstall”.
• Press “Yes”.
• For removing the software, administer the prompts that you receive.
• In the end, your computer needs to be rebooted.

Followed by rebooting your computer, you are required to download the recent drivers available for your HP printer. You can prefer downloading the same via your browser. Go ahead with the installation of the drivers before using your HP printer. 

You can also follow these directions:

• Open your internet browser.
• Visit the downloads page for the software and driver of HP.
• Download the required drivers and start installing them.
• Follow the prompts you find on the screen during the installation procedure.

Wait for the drivers to be completely installed. Then confirm whether the HP printer printing slow error has been repaired.

Fix 4: Check and Improve Signal Strength of Network

The readers will find it worth knowing that a reduced signal strength of the network in the case of a wireless connection can affect your HP printer’s printing speed. Checking the signal strength will help you in knowing whether or not this is the cause of the slow printing speed of your HP device. To check this, you can press the icon of Wireless Connection on the Taskbar. Here, you can find out the signal strength of your network. Should you find that the signal strength is poor, you can assemble your printing device, PC, and router. While assembling them, care should be taken to keep the devices close to each other.

• On the “Taskbar” of Windows, tap on the icon of “Wireless Connection”.
• Find out the signal strength of the network.
• On finding that the signal strength is low, assemble your PC, router, and HP printer.

Important: Ensure that while assembling your HP printer, router, and PC, the devices are kept close to each other for maximum signal strength.

• After assembling them, any additional internet-based apps will have to be stopped.

Important: The usage of additional apps that require the internet can affect the printing process and reduce its speed. Therefore, stopping them for some time will be ideal for shorter bandwidth.

• For those who are using an “Ethernet Cable” for making a network connection, we will suggest checking that the connection is appropriate.
• Now, unplug your router.
• Plug in the router after 10 seconds.
• After rebooting the router, ensure that your HP printer is on.
• Print any page and notice the speed of printing.

Important: Should you notice that the page is getting printed at a slow speed even now, you may try assembling your router, PC, and HP printer one more time. Ensure that they are placed near each other so that the signal strength remains strong. Now, your HP printer’s slow speed issue should be fixed.

Fix 5: Check for Single HP Ink Cartridge and Replace When Required

In the former models of HP printers, a single ink cartridge is used for printing. Sometimes, this can add load to the cartridge. The presence of only one cartridge may result in an HP printer copying very slowly or printing with a reduced speed. You can try removing the cartridge and installing it again. Moreover, you should keep checking the cartridge from time to time. As soon as it becomes empty, you can get it replaced.

Fix 6: Reinstall HP Printer Driver on Your Computer

Some of you would understand that corrupted printing drivers can often bring about unexpected problems. The same cause may be leading to the HP printer printing slow problem. By reinstalling the driver for your HP printer, the issues in it can be removed. 

The Add or Remove Programs feature on your Windows PC can be utilized for uninstalling the driver. Later, you can use your browser for installing the driver again.

• On your computer, look for “Add or Remove Programs”.
• In “Add or Remove Programs”, locate your HP printer and uninstall it.
• Launch your web browser.
• Visit “http://www.123.hp.com/” and find the driver for your printer.
• Start downloading the driver by reading the directions.
• Install the HP printer driver when you have downloaded it.

Fix 7: Try Installing HP Printer as the Local Port Device

In various instances, it has been seen that HP printers can be really slow when they are being used as network devices. On a network HP printer, the printing speed may be lower than usual. The mapping of your printer over the network may be bringing about the speed problem. You can attempt to add your HP machine as a local port device on your system. 

The option of Add a Local Printer can be found in Devices and Printers. After adding the local printer, you can input its IP Address. At the end of the procedure, you can print anything to ensure that the printing speed has been enhanced now.

• Choose “Devices and Printers” via “Start”.
• Press “Add a Printer”.
• Select “Add a Local Printer”.
• Tap on “Create a New Port”.
• Using the dropdown, the option of “Standard TCP/IP Port” has to be chosen.
• Press “Next”.
• Write your HP printer’s “IP Address”.
• Tick “Query the Printer and Automatically Select the Driver to Use”.

Important: If your HP printer isn’t auto-detected, scroll and find “Manufacturers”. Select the “Manufacturer”. Under “Printers”, choose your device’s name. If your device is mentioned twice, then pick the one that is available with the latest date.

• Push “Next”.
• Ensure that “Use the Driver that is Currently Installed (Recommended)” is selected.
• Fill in the “Printer Name” field.
• Choose “Do Not Share this Printer”.
• Tap on “Next”.
• You will be notified when your device has been added as the local port device. Select “Print a Test Page”.
• Then press “Close” and push “Finish”.
• To view the listing for your device, go to “Devices and Printers” using “Start”. The entry can be viewed now.

Fix 8: Disable Quiet Mode for HP Printer on Windows 10

The users who are printing using HP printers on Windows 10 may have experienced speed errors if the Quiet Mode has been enabled. Turning off the mode will be recommended for fixing the slow speed of your HP printer. 

For turning off this mode, you can either use the HP’s Printer Assistant or Smart application, based on your preference. The directions required for using these options can be found below.

Option 1: Disabling Quiet Mode via HP’s Printer Assistant

For getting rid of your HP printer’s unlikely speed on your Windows 10 system, you can start HP’s Printer Assistant. Locate the Quiet Mode after entering the service. Press the Off button and save the changes. The problem of your HP printer printing slow on Windows 10 should have been settled.

• Click on “Search” in the “Start Menu” on your Windows 10 PC.
• Write “HP” in “Search”.
• Select your HP printer.
• Wait for the “HP’s Printer Assistant” to get launched.
• Press the button for “Quiet Mode”.
• Opt for “Off”.
• Tap on “Save”.

Option 2: Turning Off Quiet Mode Using HP’s Smart Application

Now, we will be looking at the usage of HP’s smart app. For troubleshooting the issue of the HP printer slow printing PDF files or other documents, you can go to the Advanced Settings of the application. Open the Settings and turn off the Quiet Mode. Once the changes have been saved, the issue should stop occurring.

• On your Windows 10 system, run the “HP Smart” application.
• Find and select your HP printing device.
• Choose “Advanced Settings”.
• Click on “Settings”.
• Enter the tab stating “Quiet Mode”.
• Press “Off”.
• Push the “Save” tab.

Fix 9: Try Configuring Your System for Port 9100 Printing

A situation in which your HP printing machine fails to print your documents at its normal speed can arise when the configuration for port 9100 hasn’t been done. Your system can be configured for this port via the Control Panel. Here, you should find Printers or Devices and Printers. By right-tapping on your device, you can enter the Properties. Then you can start the configuration process.

• Enter the “Control Panel”.
• Click on “Printers”/“Devices and Printers”.
• Open the “Printer Properties” of your HP device by right-tapping on it.
• Select “Add Port” via the “Ports” tab.

• Choose the “Standard TCP/IP” port.
• Pick the option of “New Port”.
• Press “Next”.
• Fill in the field of “Printer Name or IP Address”.

Important: After entering the IP Address of your HP printer, the “Port Name” will be auto-selected.

• Choose the box for “New Port”.
• Opt for the “New Port” option that mentions the “Standard TCP/IP” port.
• Select “SNMP i.e Status Enabled”.
• Press “Ok”.
• Cancel the previous print commands. Then start printing a new document. 

In this process, port 9100 will be selected. Thus, you should no longer find your HP printer slow to print PDFs or other documents.

Fix 10: Use TCP/IP for HP Network Printer

The use of the WSD Port can result in problems that may have an unlikely impact on your HP printer. One such problem could be the sluggish printing speed of your device. By switching to TCP/IP, this problem can be dealt with.

For switching to it, locate Printers & Scanners. Run the Printer Properties of your HP printer by right-tapping on it. Select the tab of Ports and use the Add Port option. The Standard TCP/IP Port option can be preferred for going ahead. When TCP/IP has been switched to, you shouldn’t find your HP printer slow to print your documents.

• Start your system and find “Printers & Scanners”. Then open it.
• Select the “Printer Properties” of your device by right-clicking on it.
• Click on “Ports”.
• Press “Add Port”.
• Pick the “Standard TCP/IP Port” option.
• Now, choose “Next”.
• In “Hostname or IP Address”, input the HP printer’s IP address.
• Fill in the field of “Port Name”.
• Ensure that “Query the Printer and Automatically Select the Driver to Use” isn’t selected.
• Tap on “Next”.
• When the configuration is complete, press “Next”.
• Now, opt for replacing the updated HP printer driver or use the existing one. 
• Press “Next”.
• Add your printer’s name and select “Next”.
• The option of “Do Not Share this Printer” has to be selected.
• Click on “Next”.
• Check that “Set as the Default Printer” has been ticked.
• In the end, press “Finish”. The error of the HP printer printing slow should not be found now.

Fix 11: Opt for Cleaning HP Printer’s Directory

Your HP printer’s directory on your computer can comprise multiple files. Not cleaning the direction can lead to the accumulation of many files. Thus, your HP printer may be slow to respond when print commands are given. In the opinion of our tech experts, you can clean the directory for your device to enable your device to quickly respond. 

The directory for HP printing devices can be cleaned by opening Print Spooler via Run. Stop the spooler service when it has been found. Then you can follow the path for opening the directory. In the printer’s directory, several files will be available. You can delete each one of them. Lastly, the Print Spooler service will have to be started.

• Open run by pressing together the “Windows” and “R” keys.
• Enter “services.msc” in “Run”.
• Select “Ok”.
• Find “Print Spooler”. Right-tap on it and choose “Stop”.

• Now, visit the path mentioned as follows:

“C:/Windows/System32/spool/Printers”

• Delete the printer directory’s files.
• Now, switch back to the window of “Print Spooler”.
• Choose “Start” by right-clicking on the option of “Print Spooler”.

How Do I Fix Slow Printing on HP LaserJet, OfficeJet, PhotoSmart, DeskJet, & Envy Printers?

Slow printing can occur on HP LaserJet, OfficeJet, or PhotoSmart Printers in an instance wherein the toner/ink cartridge is problematic. Identifying the fault in the cartridge and repairing it will be useful. Surprisingly, certain issues with the paper tray of your HP DeskJet or Envy Printer can also bring down its speed. You can ensure that the paper tray is not left empty. To troubleshoot the HP PhotoSmart slow printing issues, you can try creating a new IP address in case the former one may be affecting the speed.

Fix 1: Check the HP Printer’s Toner/Ink Cartridges and Paper Tray

Situations wherein your HP printer is extremely slow may indicate that the toner or ink cartridge may be at fault. In addition, the paper tray of your printer can also result in a similar problem. When you frequently use your device for printing, its speed can get reduced as the cartridges may be having no ink. The manual that you may have received with your HP Envy, PhotoSmart, DeskJet, LaserJet, OfficeJet, or Laser Printer can be referred for checking the levels of the cartridges. Also, the paper tray being empty may be contributing to the problem. Thus, you can prefer adding some sheets to the tray. 

Once the cartridges have been filled with ink and sheets have been added to the tray, you should start printing a file or document. The printing speed should have increased by now.

Fix 2: Prepare Another IP Address for HP Network Printer

While any PDF, document, or image is printed via an HP Photosmart or DeskJet Printer and the speed is not as fast as it should be, the device’s IP address may be yielding the problem. Changing the IP address of your device can be of help. After changing it, you can start using your device. The issue of your HP printer being too slow should be resolved.

Printer Models Compatible with HP Slow Printing Error Fixes

For fixing the HP LaserJet slow printing error, you can depend on the measures presented in this blog. These measures can be applied to the following models of this series:

Using our fixes, the readers can solve the speed-related problems on the HP OfficeJet Printers mentioned here:

The users of HP Envy, DeskJet, and other Printers can administer the fixes shown in this reading for troubleshooting the slow speed of printing. On the given models of these series, our fixes will be really effective:

In Conclusion

Working with an HP printer that produces prints at a sluggish speed can affect your work. Your work can get considerably delayed especially when you are required to print a huge number of pages. Usually, the printing preferences of your device can have an unexpected impact on its speed. The preferences can be edited for ensuring that your machine is able to print your documents, PDF files, and images with maximum speed. In addition to this, we suggested multiple ways to eliminate the HP printer printing slow problem. We believe that by now, these ways would have efficiently assisted you. Should you like to share your experience performing these fixes, you can drop a comment below.
For additional readings, you can go through our fixes for HP printer offline and HP printer printing blank pages.