Color Printing Problems

[Capouch]

Someone please help me. No matter what I do I cannot print my photos or anything for that matter in color. I've done and tried everything. It defaults to monochrome everytime I close the f&*$%#g window for settings! I've uninstalled, reinstalled, deleted drivers and reinstalled, everything. My General printing settings and that are locked! I change it to color when I'm trying to print and it lets me change it but when I go back in or check the more settings again it's back on monochrome! I'm ready to throw HP s%$t in the garbage! I'd really appreciate the help everyone! There's no reason I shouldn't be able to get full use of my printer. It's and hp envy 4512 and I've also tried doing it wirelessly and connect to the actual computer and nothing! I'm at a loss! Thanks in advance everyone!

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Capouch,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP Envy 4512 is stuck defaulting to monochrome and won’t let you save color printing as the default. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

Check Default Printer Settings

On Windows, go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.

Right‑click your HP Envy 4512, choose Printing Preferences, and make sure “Color” is selected.

This sets the default for all apps, not just one print job.

Verify Driver Type

Ensure you installed the Full Feature HP driver/software, not just the basic driver.

The basic driver often locks advanced options like color printing.

Check Application Print Settings

In apps like Word, Photos, or Adobe, open the print dialog and confirm “Color” is selected.

Some apps override system defaults and force monochrome.

Disable “Print in Grayscale” Option

In Printing Preferences, look under Advanced or Features.

Make sure “Print in Grayscale” is unchecked.

Update Firmware and HP Smart App

Use HP Smart to check for firmware updates.

Updates can fix driver conflicts that cause locked settings.

Reset Printing System (macOS)

If you’re on macOS, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners.

Right‑click in the printer list, choose Reset Printing System, then re‑add the printer.

Test with Another User Profile

Log into your computer with a different user account.

If color works there, the issue is with your profile’s saved preferences.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,