printer driver update is still installing after 13 hours

Robert Lewis 0 Reputation points
2026-08-14T14:45:31.9566667+00:00

I was assisted by an HP Smart Friend agent on the phone who took remote control of my computer and installed print driver updates. This one update is still installing after 12 to 13 hours later. Is it supposed to take this long. I'm on an HP Omni Book 3 with a HP Officejet Pro 9015e

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Clary-N 16,660 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-15T01:19:26.1066667+00:00

    Hi Robert Lewis,

    Thank you for providing the details.

    I agree that a printer driver update should not normally remain in an "Installing" state for 12-13 hours.

    Before proceeding with the more advanced recovery steps, I recommend reviewing the AI-generated guidance above to see whether those suggestions help resolve the issue.

    You may also try the following:

    • Check whether the printer can already print a test page from Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
    • If Windows is still responsive, restart the PC normally and see whether the installation status clears.
    • Temporarily disconnect the printer, restart the PC and then reconnect it after Windows has fully loaded.
    • Run HP Print and Scan Doctor to check for driver, connectivity or print queue issues.
    • If HP Smart still shows the installation as incomplete, remove the printer from HP Smart and Windows, restart the PC and then add the printer again.

    Please let me know how it goes after trying these steps. If the issue persists, I'll be happy to help with further troubleshooting.

    If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".  

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-14T14:45:49.45+00:00

    No. A driver update should not still be installing after 12–13 hours.

    A similar Windows case states that a driver update should install within a couple of minutes, and 6 hours is already not normal.

    Recommended next steps:

    1. Force the PC to shut down.
      • Press and hold the power button for 5–10 seconds.
    2. Try to enter Windows Recovery.
      • Turn the PC back on.
      • As soon as Windows starts loading, press and hold the power button again for 5–10 seconds to force another shutdown.
      • Repeat this twice.
      • On the third startup, Windows should open the Recovery Environment.
    3. In Recovery, try these options one at a time:
      • Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair
      • If that does not help: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore
    4. After Windows starts normally, check the printer setup again.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer and remove it if needed.
      • Restart the PC.
      • Go back to Printers & scanners and select Add device to let Windows detect and install it again.
    5. If printing problems continue after Windows is back up:
      • Open services.msc.
      • Find Print Spooler.
      • Right-click Print Spooler and select Restart.
    6. If the issue started after a recent printer driver update, try rolling the driver back.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Printers or Print queues.
      • Right-click the printer and select Properties.
      • On the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver if available.
      • Restart the PC.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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