Can only print in grayscale

[steff1219]

I bought a new Dell computer.  Anything printed from this computer only prints in grayscale.  If I print the same document from another computer to the same printer it will print in color.  Have downloaded the drivers from HP, but problem continues.

[ReverseTalk]

HP Printers - Print Driver Settings Guide (Windows)

Opening the print settings window

Launch the HP print driver window from common Windows applications and learn how to navigate the different tabs and menus.

1. Open the document or photo on your computer, click File or the menu icon , then click Print.
   A Print or Print Pictures window or pane opens with general print job settings, including the menu to select the printer you want to print to.
2. Open Document Properties or Printing Preferences from the main print window or pane to access the HP print driver settings. The button or link name varies depending on the app you are printing from.
   • Microsoft Word: Click Printer Properties
   • Paint and WordPad: Click Preferences
   • Windows Photo Viewer: Click Options... in the lower right corner of the screen, then click Printer Properties... in the Print Settings window
   • Adobe PDF Reader: Click Properties
3. To view the different settings, click the tabs along the top of the window. To access more settings, click the Advanced button that is often located on the Layout tab.
   Figure : Example of a printer Document Properties window

   
4. If a Printing Shortcut tab is available, click it to use shortcuts that already have essential settings already selected for common print job types. You may also create your own custom shortcut for future print jobs.

Color and black & white settings

The HP driver may be used to control how the printer interprets colors and uses ink to print. For best results, edit the photo or document in the application you created it in before printing to improve colors, brightness, contrast and any other appearance settings.

Settings and options	Locations
Selecting color or black and white: Color: Uses ink from all cartridges for full color prints Black & White, Black Ink Only, or Monochrome: Uses the black ink cartridge only for normal or lower quality black and white prints Grayscale: Uses ink from both the color and black cartridges to produce a wider range of black and grey tones for high quality black and white prints Print all text as black: All contents of the document, regardless of color, print in black	Select Color or Black & White on the Paper/Quality tab On the Color or Features tab, or in Advanced Options, click the menu next to Print in Grayscale and select Off for color prints, High Quality Grayscale, or Black Ink Only Under Printer Features on the Advanced tab
Color management options: Define the range of colors printed based on industry color standards and the application you are printing from. The print driver translates colors from current color settings to the selected option. ColorSmart/sRGB: Common standard appropriate for most print jobs AdobeRGB: Translates colors to the AdobeRGB color standard; select AdobeRGB in the color management settings in the app you are printing from for best results Managed by application or ICM Handled by Host System: Allows the app you are printing from to manage colors ICM Handled by Printer: Allows the printer to manage colors ICM Disabled: Turns the feature off	Color Management or Color Space menu on the Color tab Image Color Management menu on the Advanced tab
Advanced color settings: Adjust saturation, brightness, and tone, or change individual color levels.	Color Attributes sliders or the Advanced Color Settings or More color options button on the Color tab

[JanKrank]

Hell Steff,

Check the print job settings from the document or photo you are printing. Click File > Print and look for any color settings menus there. You might need to click 'Printer Properties', 'Preferences, or 'Properties' in the window. This opens another window with other settings options you can select. 

I work on behalf of HP.

[steff1219]

Have tried this...get no options for selecting color/black & white/grayscale...

[steff1219]

Have tried this...get no options for selecting color/black & white/grayscale...

[JanKrank]

Ok, how about we try going in and changing your default print job settings:

1. Search Windows for 'control panel', open it, then click Devices and Printers under Hardware and Sound.
2. Right-click the icon for your printer, then click Printer properties.
   Figure : Right click your printer and select Printer properties

   
3. Click the Advanced tab, then click Printing Defaults.
   Figure : Click Printing Defaults on the Advanced tab in Printer Properties

   
4. Change any settings you want as defaults in the Printing Defaults window, then click OK.

Let me know if you were able to access these settings, and if you were able to get color printing set up.

I work on behalf of HP

[steff1219]

I was able to follow your instructions, however there is still no option for print in color.   On my work computer,  once i click on Printing Defaults I can access a tab called Paper/Quality on that screen is a section called color with radio buttons for color or black & white.   That section does not appear on the Paper/Quality tab on my Dell computer.

Thanks again for your help.

[JanKrank · Accepted solution]

Perhaps its a driver issue. If these tabs and features are missing from these places, let's start by completely uninstalling the printer - follow the steps in Uninstalling the Printer Software (Windows)

Then go to 123.hp.com and enter your printer model to start the install. 

See if that gets you these color options.

I work on behalf of HP.

[steff1219]

I tried this and the paper/Quality tab shows the options for grayscale and color.  However, the printer now shows with (NETWORK) after the printer name and has a comment that reads "This is a web services printer" .  Nothing will print.   I disabled th ePint option on the printer and tried uninstalling and installing again to no avail

[JanKrank]

Hi Steff,

Sorry you are having trouble after the reinstall. If you go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers, do you see a couple different icons for your printer? If there is one without (Network) in the name (it should just be called HP ENVY 5549), right click it and select Set as Default Printer. Then try to print something and make sure to select the printer name from the list of available printers that matches the one you set as the default. Let me know if you could print after making that change.

I work on behalf of HP.