reconnecting HP6970 printer - no driver?

Rev. Dan King 0 Reputation points
2026-10-08T00:41:13.2033333+00:00

HP 6970 printer shows error in print job; disconnected from Lenovo to try reset; when reconnecting, Lenovo screen shows no driver available.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. EmilyS726 271.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-08T01:13:52.5333333+00:00

    Is this your printer? https://support.hp.com/rs-en/drivers/swdetails/hp-officejet-pro-6970-all-in-one-printer-series/8289585/swItemId/mp-366488-2

    If so you can use the link above to download and install the driver from HP, then try to add the printer again. See if it adds this time.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-10-08T00:41:27.6766667+00:00

    For Windows 11, this usually means Windows could not find a compatible printer driver after the printer was disconnected. Use this order:

    1. Check the connection first.
      • If the HP 6970 is connected by USB, reconnect the cable firmly to both the printer and the Lenovo PC.
      • Try a different USB port on the PC.
      • If it is a Wi-Fi printer, make sure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the PC.
    2. Restart the printer and PC.
      • Turn off the printer and wait 10 seconds.
      • Restart the Lenovo PC.
      • Turn the printer back on and try adding it again.
    3. Update or reinstall the driver from Windows.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer if it appears, then select Manage > Update driver.
      • If Windows cannot find a driver, continue to the next step.
    4. Download a compatible driver from HP.
      • Go to the printer manufacturer’s support website.
      • Search for HP 6970.
      • Download the driver that matches Windows 11 and the correct system type for the PC.
      • Install the driver and restart the PC.
      • Avoid drivers marked for older or unsupported Windows versions unless no newer driver is available.
    5. Remove and reinstall the printer.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer and choose Remove.
      • Restart the PC.
      • Return to Printers & scanners and select Add a printer or scanner or Add device.
      • Let Windows install the recommended driver.
    6. If the printer still is not recognized, restart the Print Spooler service.
      • Press Windows key + R.
      • Type services.msc and press Enter.
      • Find Print Spooler.
      • Right-click it and select Restart.
    7. If Windows still does not install it automatically, reinstall it manually.
      • In the printer add flow, choose Add manually.
      • Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
      • Choose the correct port.
      • If prompted for a driver, use Have Disk if HP provided one, or select Windows Update to refresh the printer list.

    A good check at the end is to print a test page to confirm the printer is working.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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