HP ENVY 4520 suddenly will not print in color and menu option for color is no longer there.

[Evelyn464]

HP ENVY 4520 suddenly will not print in color and menu option for color is no longer there. No new driver helps.

[Elohi_NR]

Hi @Evelyn464,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd like to help!

Perform the following tasks in the order given. Use the printer after each task to see if the issue is resolved.

Run the automated printhead or ink cartridge cleaning tool

Clean the printhead and cartridges to resolve print quality issues including incorrect colors, streaks, and faded prints.

Load plain white paper in the tray.

Open the HP Smart app, and then click the picture of your printer to open the settings and management tools.

In Print Quality Tools or in Advanced Settings > Tools > Utilities > Print Quality Toolbox, select Clean Printhead to start the cleaning tool.

Review the Print Quality Diagnostic page that prints for defects and any instructions to resolve the issue. Run up to two more cleaning cycles, if necessary.

Check for ink smears on the back of printouts

Use an automated cleaning tool if there are smears of ink on the back of documents or photos.

Load plain white paper in the tray.

Open the HP Smart app, and then click the picture of your printer to open the settings and management tools.

In Print Quality Tools or in Advanced Settings > Tools > Utilities > Print Quality Toolbox, select Clean next to Clean Smear to start the cleaning tool.

Check for issues with the ink cartridges

Very low ink levels, using non-HP cartridges, and rough handling can cause print quality issues.

Replace any non-HP or refilled cartridges with genuine HP cartridges. HP supplies are available from the HP Store and local retailers.

HP cannot guarantee the quality or reliability of non-HP or refilled cartridges. Go to HP Anti Counterfeiting and Fraud Program for more information.

Check the ink levels and replace any low or empty cartridges.

NOTE:

The printer features a 'backup mode' that enables printing with one cartridge. Remove the low or empty cartridge to continue printing if a replacement is not available. Depending on the cartridge removed, blacks will not be as dark and color prints will be in grayscale.

Rough handling of cartridges during transport or installation can cause print quality problems. Wait a few hours for the automatic servicing routine to complete, and then try to print again.

If you have a defective HP cartridge, it might be under warranty. Go to About Original HP Cartridges for page yield and HP limited warranty information.

Click here for the remaining steps 

Also, update the firmware by selecting the current OS and also update drivers if needed. Click here

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

[Evelyn464]

Thank you for your detailed instructions. But the problem is already solved, although I don't know how. I did everything possible, checked settings, reinstalled drivers, nothing helped. Once I gave up and printed again days later, the color option reappeared just as suddenly as it had gone before. It was a software problem not hardware.

[Elohi_NR]

Hi @Evelyn464 

I'm glad to hear that and you're most welcome. Do get back to us in the future for further assistance.

[Evelyn464]

Thank you for your detailed instructions. But the problem is already solved, although I don't know how. I did everything possible, checked settings, reinstalled drivers, nothing helped. Once I gave up and printed again days later, the color option reappeared just as suddenly as it had gone before.