option to print in color is not showing up

[269laura]

I chose the default print setting to be black and white. Now when I go to print, there is no option to choose color. How do I fix this?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @269laura,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

If you've set your HP printer's default to black and white and now can't find the option to print in color, here's how to fix it:

1. Change Printing Preferences

1. Press Windows + R, type Control Printers, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your HP printer > Printing Preferences.
3. Look for a Color or Advanced tab.
4. Uncheck “Print in Grayscale” or “Black & White Only”.
5. Select Color or Automatic.
6. Click Apply and OK.

2. Check Printer Properties in the Print Dialog

When printing a document:

1. Click File > Print.
2. Select your HP printer.
3. Click Printer Properties or Preferences.
4. Look for the Color Options section.
5. Choose Color instead of Black & White or Grayscale.

3. Use HP Smart App (Optional)

• Open the HP Smart app.
• Select your printer > Print Documents.
• Choose the file and ensure Color is selected before printing.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[269laura]

Hello Vikram, your answer did not solve the issue. Let me give details. First, when I go to choose my printer from the Printers and Scanners window, there are 2 options: 1.) HP Envy 5530 series (Network), and 2.) HP 6E3DEE (HP Envy 5530 series). Why are there these 2 choices? I opened both and all the options and tabs look the same.  

So, when I go to Printing Preferences I get 3 tabs: Layout, Paper Quality, Printing Shortcut. There is NO Color or Advanced tab!!! In the Paper Quality tab there is an Advanced button which I clicked on. Within that, there are Document Options. Under that is Print in Grayscale and right next to that on the same line is Black Ink Only. I clicked on Black Ink Only and there was an option to turn that off, so I did. Then I went to print a Word doc, but still did not get options to print in color.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @269laura.

From what you've described, you’ve already found the “Print in Grayscale” setting and turned it off, which is correct. However, not seeing a “Color” or “Advanced” tab could mean:

• The driver installed is not the full-feature HP driver — it might be a generic Windows driver that limits options.
• Or the printer is defaulting to a black ink-only profile due to low color ink levels or previous settings.

1. Uninstall Extra Printer Entries

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
• Remove both entries for the ENVY 5530.
• Restart your computer.

2. Download and Install Full Feature Software

• Visit: HP ENVY 5530 Drivers & Software
• Download the “HP ENVY 5530 e-All-in-One Printer series Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support.
• Install and reconnect your printer during setup.

This will ensure you get the full suite of options, including proper color printing controls.

3. Set the Correct Preferences

After reinstalling:

• Go to Printers & Scanners > [Your Printer] > Printing Preferences.
• You should now see full tabs including Color, Advanced, etc.
• Make sure "Print in Grayscale" is unchecked, and Color is selected.
   

I hope this helps.
 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[269laura]

Mr. Vikram, Unfortunately, the issue is not fixed. I followed your instructions, and nothing was changed. I did the restart as was recommended. So I tried it all over again. There are steps in the process that you did not mention. I was asked if I want to "enable Web Services and update the Print Apps on my printer." You did not mention that so I chose "no".  The next window said 

I chose "disable".

Then as installation was in progress, I was asked for the IP address on the unit. I was not asked this the first time. 

I input the address and completed the installation, restarted, and checked Preferences. Still no color tab.

This is really frustrating. I don't get why the color tab went away in the first place. What to do next?