HP Printer Error Code 44 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

HP printer error 44 means the printer received a print job in a language or format it does not understand. The data sent from the computer is incompatible with the printer's current language settings. This typically happens when the wrong printer driver is installed or the printer language setting is misconfigured.

Affected Models

HP LaserJet 4000
HP LaserJet 4050
HP LaserJet 4100
HP LaserJet 4200
Select HP LaserJet and Color LaserJet models

Common Causes

The wrong printer driver is installed — the driver doesn't match the printer model
The printer's page description language (PCL or PostScript) is set incorrectly
A PostScript job was sent to a printer set to PCL-only mode
The print job was corrupted and contains unrecognized language commands
A firmware mismatch is causing the printer to misinterpret incoming data

How to Fix It

Cancel all pending print jobs and restart the printer.

Hold the power button until the printer shuts off, wait 30 seconds, then power it back on.
Confirm you have the correct printer driver installed for your exact model.

Go to hp.com/support, enter your printer model number, and download the correct driver. Installing a driver for the wrong model is a common cause of error 44.
Uninstall the current printer driver completely, then reinstall the correct one.

On Windows, go to Settings > Apps and remove any HP printer software. Then install the fresh download from HP's website.
Check the printer's language settings from the control panel menu.

Navigate to: Menu > Configure Device > Printing > PCL. Make sure the language matches what your driver sends. Most home use requires PCL; PostScript is mainly for design/publishing work.
Try setting the printer language to 'Auto' if the option is available.

Auto language detection allows the printer to identify and process both PCL and PostScript jobs automatically.

When to Call a Professional

If reinstalling the correct driver doesn't resolve error 44, the printer's language configuration may need to be reset. For business-grade HP printers, an HP-authorized technician or IT support can reconfigure the printer's language settings via the service menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PCL and PostScript in HP printers?

PCL (Printer Command Language) is HP's standard print language used for most everyday documents. PostScript is a more advanced language commonly used in graphic design and publishing. Most home and office users use PCL. If a PostScript job is sent to a printer expecting PCL, error 44 can occur.

How do I check what driver is installed for my HP printer?

On Windows, go to Settings > Printers & Scanners. Click your HP printer and select 'Printer Properties'. The driver version and name are shown on the 'Advanced' tab. Compare this to the correct driver for your model on HP's support website.

Can using a generic Windows driver cause error 44?

Yes — Windows sometimes installs a generic 'HP LaserJet' driver that may not fully support your specific model. A generic driver may send jobs in an unsupported format. Always download and install the full HP driver package from hp.com/support for the best compatibility.