Magenta Color Misalignment Shifting Position Issue

[OCCom]

Hello there,

my printer was functioning perfectly until suddenly printing with severe color shifts

— specifically affecting magenta. This misalignment causes noticeable distortions when printing colors that rely on magenta for proper blending.

I have attempted multiple troubleshooting steps, including cold resets, full calibrations, upgrading the firmware, and repeating the calibration reset, but none have resolved the issue.

I would greatly appreciate any assistance in diagnosing and fixing this problem.

Thank you for your time and support.
O.C.

[OCCom]

This issue is independent of the operating system — whether using Windows, Linux, or macOS, the magenta alignment remains incorrect. Even when printing diagnostic pages directly from the printer, the misalignment is present. The diagnostic page clearly shows a noticeable shift in the magenta color.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @OCCom 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

That’s frustrating, especially since you’ve already tried multiple troubleshooting steps! A severe magenta color shift can be caused by a misaligned printhead, clogged nozzles, or a firmware issue. 

Let’s go through some additional solutions to try and resolve this.

 

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Magenta Misalignment

Perform a Deep Printhead Cleaning

• On your printer’s control panel, navigate to Settings > Maintenance > Deep Cleaning.
• Run the cleaning cycle and print a test page.

Manually Align the Printhead

• Go to Printer Preferences > Print Quality > Align Printhead.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the alignment process.

Check the Encoder Strip

• The encoder strip inside the printer helps control printhead movement.
• Open the printer and inspect the thin transparent strip near the printhead.
• If it looks dirty, gently clean it with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

Update Printer Firmware

• Visit HP’s firmware update page and install the latest updates.
• Restart the printer after updating.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[OCCom]

Thank you, Hawks_eye.
While I appreciate your effort, all of the above mentioned steps (firmware upgrade, cold restart, cleaning, repeatedly calibrating) didn't bring success.
I think your generic text might help some others though, while in the case of the  HP Color LaserJet Pro M479 printer the mentioned settings are not found under Settings, there is no Maintainance but under Utilities > Print Quality Toolbox > Calibrate Color or Clean Fuser, if you want to clean the fuser. 
Anyways, thanks, any effort is appreciated! So I marked it as helpful, not for my case, but for anyone else maybe.
O.C.

[Hawks_Eye]

@OCCom 

It’s frustrating when standard troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue. 

Since your HP Color LaserJet Pro M479 doesn’t have the Maintenance section but instead lists Utilities > Calibrate Color / Clean Fuser, those would be the best options to try for alignment correction.

Additionally, you might want to check the encoder strip inside the printer. 

This thin transparent strip helps control printhead movement, and if it’s dirty or misaligned, it can cause color shifts.

Cleaning it gently with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol could help.

Thanks,

Hawks_Eye