HP Printer Won't Print After an "HP Update" (Firmware/Dynamic Security): What It Means and What You Can Try

Question

I bought an HP printer new in late 2020, and I mostly use it to print locally from my work computer (not online). Recently it stopped printing locally and the issue seems related to an "HP update." I've tried fixing it several times but haven't been successful. I'm frustrated that an update can block customers from printing. How can we proceed, and can you help me get it printing again?

Answer

What "HP Update" usually means when a printer suddenly won't print locally

When customers say an "HP update" caused local printing to stop, it's most often one of these situations:

1. Firmware update + cartridge authentication ("Dynamic Security") conflict
   Many HP models use firmware-based cartridge authentication (HP often refers to this as Dynamic Security). After a firmware update, the printer may suddenly reject certain cartridges-especially refilled/remanufactured/third-party chips-or display cartridge-related prompts. This can prevent printing even from a local PC.

2. HP+ / "Smart" features changing how the printer behaves
   Some newer HP units can be enrolled in HP+ (or connected workflows through HP Smart). Certain configurations push cloud connectivity and may introduce restrictions or prompts that feel like the printer is "held hostage," especially if the printer previously worked offline.

3. Driver/print system mismatch after an update
   Sometimes the printer firmware changes, Windows updates, or driver updates occur around the same time. The result can be: print jobs stuck in queue, printing "locally" but never leaving the PC, or the driver showing the printer as offline.

About error codes: You mentioned you attached the printer ID and the message you receive when attempting to print. In the text you sent, the exact error code/message isn't visible. I'll still outline the most common HP "post-update" error messages and the practical steps that usually resolve them.

Step 1: Identify which "family" of error you're getting

HP post-update failures usually fall into a few recognizable message types:

• Cartridge-related messages (most common after firmware updates)
  Examples include: "Cartridge Problem," "Incompatible Cartridge," "Cartridge cannot be used," "Cartridge blocked," "HP protected cartridge installed," or "Use SETUP cartridges."
  These point strongly to firmware/authentication issues.

• Printer offline / not communicating
  Examples: "Printer is offline," "Driver unavailable," "Cannot communicate with printer," or jobs stuck in the Windows print queue.

• Update required / cannot print until update completes
  Sometimes the printer says it needs an update or is "updating," then becomes stuck.

If your message is cartridge-related, skip ahead to Step 3 because that's usually the real cause after an "HP update."

Step 2: Fix basic local-printing communication first (quick wins)

Even if the root cause is firmware/cartridges, it's worth clearing the basics so you're not fighting two issues at once.

1. Power reset (the right way)

   • Turn the printer on.

   • Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer (not just the wall).

   • Wait 60 seconds.

   • Plug it back in and power on.

2. Clear Windows print spooler queue

   • Cancel all print jobs in the print queue.

   • Restart the PC if jobs won't clear.

3. Remove and re-add the printer

   • In Windows: remove the printer from Printers & Scanners.

   • Reboot PC.

   • Add the printer again (prefer the full HP driver package if available for your model).

4. Try a direct USB test (if you're normally USB)

   • Use a different USB cable if possible.

   • Plug into a different USB port (avoid hubs).

If the printer still refuses to print and the screen/app mentions cartridges, proceed below.

Step 3: If the update triggered cartridge blocking (Dynamic Security), here's what you can realistically do

This is the scenario that often feels like a "trojan horse," because the printer was fine, then an update makes it refuse to print. From a technical standpoint, the printer firmware is enforcing new rules (or a new cartridge chip handshake). The fix depends on what cartridges you're using and whether the model supports rollback.

A) Confirm whether you're using genuine HP cartridges or refilled/third-party

• If you're using genuine HP cartridges and still getting "incompatible/blocked," reseat them and clean contacts:

  1. Power on printer.

  2. Remove cartridges.

  3. Inspect copper contacts; wipe gently with a lint-free cloth (lightly dampened with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol), then dry.

  4. Reinstall and reboot.

• If you're using refilled/remanufactured/third-party cartridges, a firmware update can absolutely cause the printer to reject them (even if they worked for months or years). In that case:

  • The fastest confirmation test is to temporarily install a known-good genuine HP cartridge (if available). If it prints with genuine cartridges, the update likely blocked the non-HP chip.

B) Disable automatic updates (to prevent the problem from recurring)

If you plan to keep printing locally/offline, it's reasonable to reduce update exposure.

• On the printer: look for settings like "Printer Update," "Automatic Updates," or "Web Services," and disable updates if the option exists.

• On the PC (HP Smart / HP utilities): check for a setting related to automatic firmware updates and turn it off.

Note: Some HP models will re-enable update prompts if they regain internet access later, so if you truly want "local-only," keeping the printer off Wi-Fi and using USB is often the most stable.

C) Firmware downgrade (only works on some models, and not always available)

A rollback to an older firmware version is sometimes possible, but HP has tightened this over time, and many models block downgrades.

• If your model supports downgrade, you would typically use an HP firmware package specifically for that printer and run it from a computer via USB.

• If it does not support downgrade, your practical options become:

  • Use supported genuine cartridges, or

  • Use a compatible cartridge/chip solution designed specifically for the current firmware version.

I want to be transparent here: once the printer is on newer firmware that rejects a cartridge chip type, it may not be possible to "convince" it otherwise without either rollback support or different cartridges/chips.

Step 4: If it's stuck in an update loop or demanding an update

If the printer says it can't print until an update completes, or it appears "stuck":

1. Hard reboot/power cycle (as described above).

2. Restore network defaults (only if you're comfortable reconnecting later)

   • Many HP printers have a "Restore Network Defaults" option.

3. Factory reset (last resort)

   • This varies by model and can clear certain stuck states.

   • It may also remove settings and, on some models, re-trigger onboarding screens.

If you share the exact wording of the message/error from the printer screen, it becomes much easier to point to the correct branch (cartridge lock vs. driver/connection vs. update loop). But even without it, the cartridge-authentication path is the most common cause when the printer "suddenly won't print locally" after an HP update.

A realistic "how we proceed" plan

Here's the most efficient sequence that avoids wasted effort:

1. Check the printer display message: does it mention cartridges, incompatible, blocked, or protected?

2. Try a genuine HP cartridge test (if possible) to confirm whether the update is enforcing cartridge restrictions.

3. Lock the printer down for local use: USB connection + disable auto-updates/web services (when available).

4. Reinstall the driver and remove/re-add the printer on the PC to eliminate driver/queue issues.

Addressing printer issues can be tricky because so many fixes are hands-on and depend on the exact error condition and what you see on the printer screen. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We do offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility: printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, we operate first-come, first-served, and it may take a few weeks before we're able to receive your printer for drop-off. Our service can be structured around repairing a whole printer or targeting specific parts, with clear instructions for how to proceed. That said, we understand our rates aren't the most economical, so we strongly encourage self-help through online research. A great place to start is YouTube-especially our channel homepage at BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right side of the menu bar to find videos by topic. I receive dozens of questions daily asking for specific videos, and after nine years of creating content, it's hard to recall every single one-so YouTube search is the fastest route. YouTube may also recommend helpful videos from other creators that match your exact HP model and error message.

Thank you again for contacting us and for supporting BCH Technologies. I truly appreciate your patience, and I hope the steps above help you get back to reliable local printing as quickly as possible.