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4 Ways to Fix HP Laser Printer if it’s Printing Gibberish

Expert recommended solutions to quickly fix things

5 min. read

Updated onAugust 20, 2024

updated onAugust 20, 2024

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Key notes

If the data sent to theprinteris corrupted or interrupted, you may notice the HP and other printers printing gibberish instead of the source document.

This printing of random symbols is a common issue and can happen with any printer, as reported by several printer users in theMicrosoft Community Answers.

Actually, I’m going to install HP laserjet 5L in my laptop. and of course I used the Windows update which is in theAdd a Printertab, and install the laserjet 5L driver. the problem is when I’m trying to print a document it appears like symbols and random letters.

Why is my printer printing garbled text?

This is usually when the data reaching the printer isn’t adequately interpreted or is corrupt. This is typically when you run incorrect, outdated, or corrupt printer drivers.

Besides, misconfigured print settings, issues with the connection, or even damaged ports and cables (for wired connection) can be behind HP printer printing gibberish.

How can I fix my printer if it’s printing random symbols?

1. Run the Printer troubleshooter

This is an easy solution that can be applied to fix this problem by most when the network printer is printing random symbols. However, it doesn’t work for all the users, and if you’re among them, go for the next solution.

2. Update the printer driver

This looks like a straightforward solution to update the drivers, but it doesn’t work every time. For example, Windows 10 will load a generic driver that might not be the best working driver for your printer.

You can also go to the manufacturer’s website and get the correct driver for your printer, but that takes time, and if you’re not installing the exact one, you will be back to square 1.

3. Clear the Printer Queue

Clearing the printer queue can help remove any unwanted printing tasks that may create issues with the printer data. Once done, try printing another page and verify if the printer is still printing symbols.

4. Uninstall and reinstall your printer

Once it is removed, you need to againadd the printer, and from now on, it will work fine without printing gibberish.

Here are some of the printers you are bound to come across the issue with:

How do I fix the HP printer if it’s printing gibberish on Windows 11?

Whenever you find an HP printer printing gibberish in Windows 11, your primary approach should be tocancel printingthen proceed toupdate the printer drivers. Also, check for connections and make sure the cable is not damaged.

Besides, a user reported that using a surge protector caused the issue, and directly plugging the printer into the power source fixed things. And if nothing else works, resetting the printer would be your last hope.

How do I reset my HP printer?

Your HP printer will now be reset to the factory defaults. Also, this is not the only way to perform the reset; there are several others you might be more comfortable with. So, check the manufacturer’s website and the printer manual for more.

That’s it! The HP printer printing gibberish problem should be fixed by applying these simple solutions. Some of these solutions may also apply when yourprinter is printing ASCII characters. If not, you should contact your manufacturer for technical support.

In case of encountering a different problem, rest assured thatfixing missing or failed printhead errors on your HP 6830 printeris also simple.

If the problem lies with the printer itself, and you intend to upgrade, check thebest printers compatible with Windows 11or anall-in-one cheaper option like the HP Deskjet 4155e.

Did you manage to fix the problem with our solutions? Do you have any other solutions for this issue? Please leave them in the comments section below.

4 Ways to Fix HP Laser Printer if it’s Printing Gibberish#

How can I fix my printer if it’s printing random symbols?#

1. Run the Printer troubleshooter#

2. Update the printer driver#

3. Clear the Printer Queue#

4. Uninstall and reinstall your printer#

How do I fix the HP printer if it’s printing gibberish on Windows 11?#

How do I reset my HP printer?#