Envy 4520 won't print in color from apps but prints color test page - doesn't offer color choice

[draperbarb]

I am using a desktop computer.  My printer won't print in color from Microsoft 365 or from Family Tree Maker.   On my printer settings, there isn't even a choice to print in greyscale or color.  When I run a test page, it prints in color.  There seems to be plenty of color ink - I receive ink automatically. 

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

Hi @draperbarb 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

Thank you for the clarification. Since your HP Envy 4520 is printing a color test page but not printing color from apps like Microsoft 365 or Family Tree Maker, and there’s no option to choose color or grayscale, this strongly suggests that the issue may lie with how the apps or the print settings are interacting with your printer. Here are some specific steps to troubleshoot this issue:

1. Check the Print Dialog Settings in Apps

Even if the option to print in color or grayscale isn't showing up in the printer settings directly, it’s possible that the apps (like Microsoft 365 or Family Tree Maker) are overriding the printer’s default settings.

In Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, etc.):

• When you go to Print, click on Printer Properties or Preferences in the print dialog.
• Look for an option related to Color or Quality. Sometimes this is found under a tab like Advanced, Color, or Quality.
• Make sure Color is selected and not Black and White or Grayscale.

In Family Tree Maker:

• When you go to print, ensure that Color Printing is selected.
• If there's no direct option in Family Tree Maker, try checking the general print settings through the Print Properties in the Windows Print Dialog.

2. Use Windows Printer Settings

• Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers (or go to Settings > Printers & Scanners on Windows 10/11).
• Right-click on the HP Envy 4520 and select Printer Properties.
• Check for a tab or setting related to Color or Quality.
• If available, change it to Color and not Black & White or Grayscale.
• Make sure you’re not accidentally set to Draft or Economy Mode, as this can sometimes impact color printing.

3. Reinstall the Printer Driver

Sometimes a driver issue can cause the printer not to recognize color printing even though it works for test pages. The default printer driver might be set to black and white or might be malfunctioning.

• Uninstall the current printer driver:
  • Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, and choose Remove Device.
• Reinstall the latest printer driver from the HP website for the HP Envy 4520. Download the full feature driver (not just the basic driver) to ensure all print settings are included.

Once reinstalled, check the printer settings again in the print dialog to ensure Color is selected.

4. Check for Software Conflicts or Updates

• Microsoft 365 or Family Tree Maker: If these applications are out of date, they may be experiencing compatibility issues with your printer or print drivers. Make sure both are updated to the latest versions.
• HP Smart App: If you're using the HP Smart App, ensure it's also updated. Sometimes, app settings can override system settings, so double-check that the app hasn’t inadvertently set your printer to print in black and white.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[draperbarb]

I had to re-install the driver.  Now it is printing in color in both of the apps I have been using.  I still don't see an option to print in color but it's working and I am happy.  Thank you very much for your help!

Barb