Cannot print in colour - HP 5540

[Reading1800]

Seems to be a recurring issue looking on the internet.  The colour management options disappear after a Windows update, so can only print in black and white.  Any ideas how to fix ?

[DavidSMP · Accepted solution]

@Reading1800,

Good day. Thank you for engaging in the HP community. I have read the post and will be delighted to assist you correctly.

• Do you know what update caused this to happen?
• DId you run HP print and scan doctor and check if it gets resolved?
• Did you try making photocopies in color directly from the printer and check if it copies correctly?

Let's try these steps:

• Perform a hard reset on the printer from this link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/product/hp-ink-tank-wireless-410-series/16180953/model/16180954/documen...  perform steps from the section “Step 1: Reset the printer
• Then update the printer’s firmware by following instructions from this link: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_1776648-1643972-16
• Use a USB cable to update the printer’s firmware connecting it to a computer.
• Then run  HP print and scan doctor from here http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02073861  and check if the issue gets fixed.

If it continues, then make 2 photocopies in color directly from the printer to eliminate hardware issues with it. If it copies in color then uninstall and reinstall the printer drivers at the root level by following these steps:

• In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.
• Select your HP printer.
• Select Uninstall.
• In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.
• In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”
• Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.
• Type printui.exe /s and click OK.
• Click on Drivers tab.
• Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click Remove at the bottom.
• Select OK.
• Remove all instances of the same.
• Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.
• Close Devices and Printers.
• Restart the PC again.

Then download the latest full feature driver from https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-envy-5540-all-in-one-printer-series/54... selecting the correct operating system.

Connect the printer to your computer only when the setup prompts for the printer.

This should fix it for you.

If it continues, then download the Windows Built-in drivers by following instructions from this link: http://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c01796879

• This should take care of it for you.
• Also, from this link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/product/hp-envy-5540-all-in-one-printer-series/5447939/document/c022274... (HP Printers - Print Driver Settings Guide (Windows) and follow directions from this section "Color and black & white settings"

Good luck and keep me posted about the developments. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue and give the post a Kudos for my efforts to help. Thank you and have a great week ahead. 🙂

[Reading1800]

Thank you. On the Desktop this worked. On a network laptop it didn't. However I found a simple fix for the laptop: 

Uninstall all printer software and the printer as above. Do not reinstall the software, simply go to device manager and "add printer", it identified the HP printer on the network and added it complete with a driver that now allows colour .

[DavidSMP]

@Reading1800,

I read your response and it is terrific to hear from you again. I thank you for accepting this as a solution. I hope things pan out great for you.

 To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.

Take care and have a blessed week ahead.