Duplex Printing

[Angelchick0324]

Just installed the Laserjet Pro 4201dw. I need to be able to print 2 sided- but only when I want to. I have found where to turn on duplex printing however, if I turn it on it prints all documents 2-sided no matter if it is checked or not. I need the printer to be able to only print 2 sided when I ask it to. I don't want every document to print 2 sided, but also don't want to have to manually load paper if I do want to print 2 sided.

[MysteriousMe]

Welcome to HP Support Community, @Angelchick0324 

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

1. Confirm the Current Behavior

Print a simple test page (Notepad / TextEdit).

Check if it prints double-sided even though you didn’t select duplex.

2. Windows – Set Single-Sided as Default
A. Change Printing Preferences

Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Select HP LaserJet Pro 4201dw

Click Printing preferences

Go to Layout / Finishing / Features tab

Set Two-sided printing = Off

Click Apply → OK

B. Also Change “Printing Defaults”

Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers

Right-click your printer → Printer properties

Go to Advanced tab → Printing Defaults

Set Two-sided = Off again

Apply & Save

C. Duplex Only When You Want

Open File → Print

Click Printer Properties

Turn Two-sided = On only for that job.

3. macOS – Set Single-Sided as Default

Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners

Select the printer → Options & Supplies → Options

Make sure Duplex Unit is enabled (this just enables the feature).

Open any document → File → Print

From the drop-down menu choose Layout

Set Two-Sided = Off

OPTIONAL:

Save as Preset → “Single-Sided (Default)”

Create another Preset → “Duplex (When Needed)”

4. Printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) – Check Device Defaults

Get the printer’s IP from the control panel.

Enter the IP in your browser (example: http://192.168.1.25).

Open Settings → Printing → Defaults / Paper Handling

Ensure Duplex = Off as default.

Save.

5. If It STILL Prints Duplex – Additional Fixes
A. Reinstall Correct Driver

Remove the printer

Install the official HP driver or HP Universal Print Driver (PCL6)

Re-add the printer

B. Update Firmware

In EWS → Firmware Update

Install latest firmware (fixes default-setting bugs)

C. Restart Print Spooler (Windows)

services.msc → Print Spooler → Restart

D. Test From Another Device

Helps confirm if the issue is computer driver vs. printer settings.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.