my hp desk jet 2800 series shows paused and won't let me print anything. how do I get the pause off my printer so I can print again?

Question

I can't print anything on my HP Desk Jet Printer as it is in the Pause Mode. How do I get the Pause mode off so I can print again?

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Moderator: Moved from Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For business | Windows

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out, and I’m sorry you’re still having trouble with your printer. If you’ve already tried the previous steps and it’s still not working, the issue may be related to outdated firmware. When the printer firmware is not updated, it can sometimes cause the printer to stay in a paused or stuck status.

You can check for firmware updates using the HP Smart app or by visiting the HP Support website and entering your exact printer model.

Updating the firmware can refresh the printer system and clear status issues that Windows cannot fix on its own.

I hope this helps. If you still need assistance, feel free to reply and share what happens after checking the update.

Answer 2

Use Windows to clear the Pause status on the printer and reset the print system.

1. Open the printer queue
   • In Windows 11: Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   • In Windows 10: Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Select the HP DeskJet 2800 printer, then choose Open print queue / Open queue.
2. Turn off Pause Printing
   • In the queue window, open the Printer menu.
   • Make sure Pause Printing is not checked. If it is checked, click it once to clear it.
   • Also ensure Use Printer Offline is not selected if that option appears.
3. Clear stuck print jobs
   • In the same queue window, select any listed documents.
   • Either choose Document > Cancel (Windows 10) or select ... > Cancel all (Windows 11) to remove all pending jobs.
4. Restart the Print Spooler service
   • In the taskbar search box, type services and open Services.
   • Scroll to Print Spooler, right‑click it, and select Restart.
5. If still paused, remove and reinstall the printer
   • Go back to Settings > Bluetooth & devices (or Devices) > Printers & scanners.
   • Select the HP DeskJet 2800 and choose Remove / Remove device, then confirm.
   • Make sure the printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi‑Fi or cable.
   • Select Add device / Add a printer or scanner and follow the prompts to reinstall.
6. Restart the PC
   • After these changes, restart the computer and try printing a test page.

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References:

• Troubleshooting offline printer problems in Windows
• Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows