In this guide, we will help you fix the problem when the HP LaserJet 1020 driver is not working on Windows. This issue can also happen with HP LaserJet 1018 and P1005 printers.
Table of Contents Common Causes of HP LaserJet 1020 Driver Not Working
These printers are very reliable, but they were designed a long time ago. Because of that, modern versions of Windows sometimes have trouble working with them.
Here are the most common reasons the driver stops working:
Windows update replaced the driver
The printer driver was never installed correctly
The USB connection was detected as a different device
Windows 10 or 11 installed a generic driver instead of the correct one
The driver is missing after reinstalling Windows
This happens a lot with the LaserJet 1020 and P1005 , especially after a Windows update.
If the HP LaserJet 1020 driver not working, the problem is usually related to incorrect driver installation, Windows updates, or USB connection issues. The same problem can also affect HP LaserJet 1018 and P1005 printers.
Fix 1 - Reinstall the HP LaserJet Driver Manually
First, we try the classic fix. Remove the old driver and install the correct one again.
Step 1. Remove the old printer
Click Start
Open Settings
Click Bluetooth & devices
Click Printers & scanners
Select your HP LaserJet printer
Click Remove device
Restart the computer after removing it.
Step 2. Download the correct driver
Go to the official HP support website and search for:
Download the driver for your version of Windows.
Step 3. Install the driver before connecting the printer
This is important for old HP printers.
Install the driver first.
Safety Note:
Fix 2 - Check Device Manager for Driver Errors
Sometimes the printer is detected, but the driver failed.
Right-click Start
Click Device Manager
Look for Unknown device or USB Printing Support
Right-click it
Click Update driver
Choose Browse my computer
Select the folder where you downloaded the HP driver
This forces Windows to use the correct driver.
Fix 3 - Use Windows Update to Install the Legacy Driver
Some HP LaserJet models use built-in Windows drivers.
Open Settings
Go to Printers & scanners
Click Add device
Click Add manually
Choose Add a local printer
Select USB port
Click Windows Update in the driver list
Wait for the list to refresh
Find HP → LaserJet 1020 / 1018 / P1005
Install the driver from the list.
Pro Tip:
Fix 4 - Try a Different USB Port
This sounds simple, but it helps surprisingly often.
Old HP printers sometimes get linked to a specific USB port.
Disconnect the printer
Plug it into a different USB port
Wait for Windows to detect it again
Reinstall the driver if needed
Windows may treat it as a new device and install the correct driver.
Final Words
Printer driver problems happen all the time, especially with older HP LaserJet models, but in most cases the fix is simple once the correct driver is installed.
If your printer still does not work after reinstalling the driver, you can also read our guide on why your printer is not working and how to fix common printer problems in Windows.
