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HP Recommended
Color Laser Jet Pro MFP M281fdw
Microsoft Windows 10 (32-bit)

How is it that my color ink cartridges are being used and almost empty when I print in black ink only?  I purchased all the colors less than 6 months ago and it is showing that all my color ink cartridges are low.  I only print in black.  Occasionally I will use color. What is going on?  Thanks.  

3 REPLIES 3
HP Recommended

Depending on how you have your drivers set it is possible that when you think you are printing black it is actually using composite mode where it mixes all the color to give shades of grey. One sure way to lock the printer in monochrome only mode is to modify your printer driver so that it believes the printer is a monochrome printer. On your PC go to control panel>devices and printers and then right click on the icon for  your printer and select "printer properties" from the dropdown menu. The click the device settings tab and scroll through the options until you see printer type. Change it from Auto to monochrome. 

 

Device type color setting.jpg

When you need to print color you can change it back or install the printer a second time and use the color driver for your color jobs.

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HP Recommended

Unfortunately I don't have that option. See what my screen looks like when I do that:

IMG_6859.JPG

HP Recommended

I have a new printer and am only printing in BLACK - but the blue cartridge is now indicating LOW.

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