Still will not print correctly like it did in the past

[PatrickDP]

In the past, printed great.  Over last year or so, no matter how many times I manually clean, run the cleaner utility or unplug for 6 minutes it no longer prints as well.   I only use HP brand cartridges and this has happened even through several ones.  It does seem to be worse with black ink than the color.   There are no more updates for this model.  What else can I do?

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@PatrickDP, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

I understand how frustrating it can be when your printer no longer delivers the same print quality it once did, especially when you're using genuine HP cartridges and have tried multiple cleaning methods.

Since you've already tried manual cleaning, the built-in cleaning utility, and power resets, here are a few additional steps that may help restore print quality, especially for black ink:

Check the Print Quality Diagnostic Report

• Print a Print Quality Diagnostic Page from your printer’s control panel or HP Smart app.
• Look for missing lines, streaks, or faded areas, especially in the black sections.
• This helps identify whether the issue is with the printhead or ink delivery.

Perform a Deep Printhead Cleaning

• Some HP printers offer a “Second-level” or “Advanced” cleaning option in the printer settings or HP software.
• Run this deeper cleaning cycle to unclog stubborn ink residue.

Check Ink Cartridge Venting

• Remove the black cartridge and inspect the vent area (small hole on top).
• If clogged with ink or adhesive, gently clean it with a lint-free cloth.
• Ensure the cartridge clicks firmly into place when reinstalled.

Align the Printhead

• Misalignment can cause blurry or faded prints.
• Use the printer’s control panel or HP Smart app to run the “Align Printhead” utility.

Update or Reinstall Printer Firmware

Even if no updates are shown, try reinstalling the latest firmware manually:

• Go to HP Software & Driver Downloads
• Enter your printer model and download the latest firmware.
• Install it via USB or Wi-Fi.

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support

[PatrickDP]

Solved!  reloaded all drivers and updates, problem fixed!  

Thank you for the excellent support