barely any print

[Mimijr]

Haven't used printer in several months.  OS is Windows 10 but I don't know rest of specifics.  Cartridge status: color is full.  Black has approx. 1/3 left.  Both are HP cartridges.  Attempted x2 to print in black, there's no print.  Followed cleaning instructions and did both basic & advanced cleaning.  What prints has barely any print.  Have removed and reinserted both color & black cartridges.  Any idea what problem is and how do  I fix it?  Thank  you

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Mimijr,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

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

Try these steps:

Ink Cartridge Issues:

• Cartridge Alignment: Ensure that the ink cartridges are properly aligned in their holders. Misalignment can cause printing issues.
• Verify Cartridge Authenticity: While you mentioned both cartridges are from HP, double-check that they are compatible with your model.

Cleaning & Maintenance:

• Check Cartridge Contacts: Use a lint-free cloth to gently clean the electrical contacts on the cartridge and the printer. These contacts enable communication between the printer and the cartridge, and dirt can disrupt this process.
• Printhead Cleaning: Even after basic and advanced cleaning, the printhead may be clogged. Consider running another cleaning cycle, or manually clean the printhead if your model allows for it.

Driver & Software:

• Update Printer Drivers: Make sure that your printer drivers are up-to-date. You can do this through the HP website or by using the HP Support Assistant.
• Printer Settings: Double-check that your printer settings on Windows 10 have "Black & White" or "Gray Scale" enabled, as this can affect output quality in black.

Print Quality Settings:

• Adjust Print Quality: In your printer properties, set the print quality to a higher setting (e.g., best quality) to see if this resolves the problem.

Perform a Hard Reset:

• Hard Reset: Turn off the printer, disconnect the power cord from the back of the printer, wait for 60 seconds, and then reconnect the power cord and turn the printer back on.

If you've tried the above steps and still encounter issues, it might be time to replace the black ink cartridge entirely, even if it appears to have some ink left. Sometimes, older cartridges or those nearly empty can cause printing problems.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,