HP Printer Error Code 41 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

The error 41 means the paper loaded in the printer tray does not match what the print job expects. The printer detected a different paper size or type than what the software is requesting. You need to either load the correct paper or change the print settings to match what is in the tray.

Affected Models

HP LaserJet Pro M400 Series
HP LaserJet Enterprise M600 Series
HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428
HP Color LaserJet Pro M200 Series
HP LaserJet Pro M100 Series

Common Causes

The print job is set to a paper size like Legal but the tray contains Letter-size paper
The paper tray guides are not adjusted to match the actual paper size loaded
The printer's tray settings were not updated after you loaded a different paper size
The document was created in a different region that uses A4 paper instead of Letter or vice versa
The paper size sensor in the tray is dirty or misreading the paper position

How to Fix It

Check what paper size is loaded in the tray. Make sure the paper guides are snug against the edges of the paper stack.

Loose paper guides can cause the printer to misdetect the paper size.
On the printer's control panel, check the tray settings. Go to Paper Setup or Tray Settings and make sure the size matches what you actually loaded.

If the tray says Letter but you loaded Legal paper, update the setting to match.
On your computer, check the print settings before printing. Open the print dialog, go to Properties or Preferences, and verify the paper size matches what is in the tray.

The paper size in the print dialog must match both the document and the paper in the printer.
If the document was created in a different country, it may default to A4 size. Change it to Letter (or vice versa) to match your paper.

A4 and Letter are very close in size but not identical. The printer treats them as different sizes.
Press OK or Continue on the printer to override the mismatch and print anyway if the size difference is minor.

The printer will print on whatever paper is loaded, but margins may be slightly off.

When to Call a Professional

Error 41 does not require professional repair. It is a settings mismatch that you can fix yourself in a few minutes. If the error persists after matching the paper and settings, the tray paper sensor may need cleaning. A technician can clean or replace the tray sensor for about $40 to $70.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Letter and A4 paper?

Letter paper is 8.5 by 11 inches and is the standard size in the United States and Canada. A4 paper is 8.27 by 11.69 inches and is the standard in Europe and most other countries. They look similar but the printer can tell the difference.

Can I just press OK to skip the error?

Yes. On most HP printers, pressing OK or Continue will print on whatever paper is loaded. The output may have slightly different margins than expected. This is a quick fix when the size difference is minor, like A4 versus Letter.

How do I change the default paper size so this stops happening?

On your computer, go to Devices and Printers, right-click your HP printer, and select Printing Preferences. Set the default paper size to match what you normally load in the tray. Also update the paper size on the printer's control panel under Tray Settings.