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- HP Community
- Printers
- Printer Ink Cartridges & Print Quality
- Re: Printer quality setting stuck on normal

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02-21-2026 06:04 PM
The print quality is stuck on normal but I had it set on Draft as the default. Something changed and I can’t get it back to Draft setting even with the HP support. Any help is appreciated
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Accepted Solutions
02-28-2026 05:59 PM
I have an imac so the windows solution you suggested would not work. I actually watched a YouTube video that showed me a “ secret” menu where I could find how to factory reset the printer. This solved the problem with the printer. I do not know how the setting ever got changed but suspect it had something to do with an Apple update on the OS.
02-24-2026 10:27 AM
Hi @Nanny66,
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query.
I am sorry to hear that your printer's quality setting is stuck on "Normal" and cannot be changed back to "Draft," I would request you to please follow the steps:
Printer Preferences in Windows
- Go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
- Select your HP printer → Manage → Printing Preferences.
- Under the Quality or Paper/Quality tab, set Draft as the default.
- Click Apply and OK.
Application Print Settings
- Many apps (Word, Outlook, browsers) override system defaults.
- When printing, open the Print dialog and manually select Draft.
- Save those settings if the app allows.
Update Printer Drivers:
- Ensure your printer drivers are up-to-date. You can download the latest drivers from HP's official support website.
HP Smart App
- If you’re printing through HP Smart, open the app → Print Settings.
- Confirm that Draft is available and selected.
- HP Smart sometimes defaults back to “Normal” after updates.
Firmware Update
- On the printer’s touchscreen: Settings → Printer Maintenance → Update Printer.
- Firmware updates can fix bugs where quality settings don’t save.
Take care and have an amazing day!
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Regards
Pallipurath.
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.
02-28-2026 05:59 PM
I have an imac so the windows solution you suggested would not work. I actually watched a YouTube video that showed me a “ secret” menu where I could find how to factory reset the printer. This solved the problem with the printer. I do not know how the setting ever got changed but suspect it had something to do with an Apple update on the OS.
03-03-2026 03:45 PM
Hi @Nanny66,
Thank you for responding,
“I’m glad to hear that the issue has been resolved. However, I regret that the previous steps did not work as expected. Please feel free to contact us again should you encounter any issues in the future.”
Take care and have an amazing day!
Regards
Pallipurath.
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.