How to Fix If Printer Is Slow?

I am using HP printer. However, it has become very slow from last 15 days. Is there any way to fix the issue? How can I boost up the printing speed?

There are some technical issues due to which printing speed decreases after some times. Before proceeding to methods to fix the issue printer is very slow, follow the given workarounds:

First of all, ensure that the “Spool print documents so program finishes printing faster” option is enabled.

Next, you’ll want to check the “Start printing after last page is spooled” sub-option—not the “Start printing immediately” option. Also make sure to review the “Print Spooled Documents First” sub-option.

Workarounds to fix printer is slow issue:

1. Adjust print server configurations

There is an option in Windows Server 2012 “print spooled documents first”. Set it to “yes” if the print server serves multiple clients.

3. Increase print server hard disk space

Another cause of slow printing is less space in disk drive. This problem occurs due to multiple print jobs simultaneously. Therefore, make sure that the hard disk has sufficient space.

4. Use dedicated print servers

Using dedicated print servers make easier to maintain the print servers. So if they clog up, they will not interfere with other important applications. Also, printer’s performance won’t suffer when other applications also using the resources.

5. Close open connections

Sometimes when clients connect to print servers, their connections remain active for a very long time. This process eats up resources.

Use the windows server management functionality to see the open connections and close them. You can discuss this issue with the manufacturer of the product also.

6. Less printer drivers:

There are two disadvantages of using many printer drivers in Windows. One is that many drivers eat up the resource. Secondly, many printer drivers leave some residual files when we uninstall them and it also drains resources.

7. Increase the processor speed

Finally, the processor itself may be a cause of slow printing.

Ensure that the conversion from EMF to PostScript/PCL is made on the client, rather than on the server (this is default on Vista and newer client operating systems). If problems still persist, it could simply be a matter of using more powerful hardware.

Now if the printing speed did not boost up, then follow the steps given below:

Method to fix printer is slow

Step 1: Reset the printer

Resetting the printer can resolve some types of slow printing issues.

Turn the printer on, if it is not already on.
Wait until the printer is idle and silent before you continue.
With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
Wait at least 60 seconds.
Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.

NOTE: HP recommends connecting the printer power cord directly to the wall outlet.
Reconnect the power cord to the rear of the printer.
Turn on the printer, if it does not automatically turn on.

The printer might go through a warm-up period. The printer lights might flash, and the carriage might move.
Wait until the warm-up period finishes and your printer is idle and silent before you proceed.

Try to print. If the printing speed is as it was earlier, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Check the print driver settings

Check the print driver settings. Selecting certain paper types or printing in Best quality can slow print speeds. Print with plain paper in Normal or Draft quality for faster print speeds.

Search Windows for printers, and then click Devices and printers in the list of results.
Double-click the icon for your printer.
Double-click Set Preferences.
Find the paper type information.
In the Paper type area, make sure Plain Paper is selected.
In the Quality Settings area, make sure Draft or Normal are selected.
Click OK or Apply to confirm the changes, close the printer driver window, and then close the Devices and Printers window.

Try to print. If your printer is still slow, continue to the next step.

Step 3: Uninstall the print driver

Remove the print driver and software using the Uninstall a program tool in Windows Programs and Features. Uninstalling the print driver allows you to install the latest driver version.

If your printer connects to the computer with a USB cable, disconnect the cable from the printer.
Search Windows for programs and features, then click Programs and Features in the list of results.
In the list of installed programs, click your HP printer name, then click Uninstall or Yes.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software removal.
Restart the computer.

Step 4: Reinstall the print driver

After uninstalling the print driver, go to 123.hp.com, and then follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest driver.

Try to print. If the issue persists, continue to the next step.

Step 5: Update the printer firmware

Download available firmware updates from the HP website

CAUTION: Do not use or power off the printer or computer while the firmware update is in process.

Turn the printer on and connect to the computer, either through your network or a USB cable.
Go to HP Customer Support – Software and Driver Downloads, and then enter your printer model number.
Select your operating system if required.
Click Firmware, then click Download.

If a firmware section is not in the list, it means a firmware update is not available. Then you can skip this step.
Click Use HP Download and Install Assistant (Recommended), click Next, and then click Install now.
Look in the HP Printer Update window to see if your printer serial number displays.
- If the serial number is listed, select the printer serial number, and then click Update.
- If the serial number is listed but status is not applicable (grayed out), the firmware does not need to be updated. Click Cancel.
- If the serial number is not listed and your printer is using a network connection, connect a USB cable, wait 20 seconds, and then click Refresh.
Figure : Updating the printer firmware (Windlows version shown)
When the update is finished, click OK.
For a networked printer, remove the USB driver that was added by Windows.
1. Search Windows for Devices and Printers, and then open Device and Printers from the search results.
2. Right-click the USB printer device that matches your printer model, and then select Remove Device.
3. Disconnect the USB cable, and restart the computer.