HP Envy 120 does not recognize duplex option

[dEllena]

My HP Envy 120 All in One Printer works fine but suddenly started ignoring the two-sided print option.  I go to preferences, select two-sided print, save and then print.  The pages print one-sided.  This problem just cropped up within the past week or so.  Please advise.  Thanks.

[Raj_05]

Hi @dEllena,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like the two-sided (duplex) printing option on your HP Envy 120 isn't working as it used to. Here are a few steps to troubleshoot this issue.

Check Printer Settings in Print Dialog

• When printing, ensure you are selecting the correct duplex option from the print dialog box. Sometimes, the printer preferences and the actual print dialog may have conflicting settings.
• Go to File > Print and, under the print options, look for the two-sided printing or duplex printing checkbox and ensure it’s selected.

Verify Printer Driver Settings

• Sometimes a driver update or setting reset can cause the duplex option to be overlooked.
• Windows:
  1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  2. Right-click your HP Envy 120 printer and select Printing preferences.
  3. Check under the Finishing tab (or similar) for a two-sided printing option and ensure it’s selected.
  4. Save the settings.
• Mac:
  1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  2. Select your printer, then click on Options & Supplies.
  3. Under the Driver tab, make sure Duplex Printing Unit is enabled if applicable.

Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

If the problem persists, there could be an issue with the printer driver:

• Go to the HP Support website and download the latest drivers for your HP Envy 120 printer.
• Uninstall the existing driver, then reinstall the updated version.

Reset Printing System (Mac Only)

If you're on a Mac, resetting the printing system might resolve any underlying conflicts:

1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
2. Right-click (or hold Control and click) on the printer list and select Reset printing system.
3. After resetting, re-add your printer and try printing again with the two-sided option.

Try Printing from Another Application

Sometimes, the issue could be with the specific application you are printing from (e.g., Word, PDF reader, etc.). Try printing from another app to see if duplex printing works there.

[Raj_05]

Firmware Update

Check if there's a firmware update for your printer. Go to the HP website, download any available firmware updates, and install them to ensure your printer is running the latest version.

After going through these steps, your printer should recognize the duplex printing option again.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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!

Alden4

HP Support 

[dEllena]

Thanks very much for the well-considered replies.  (sorry I've been slow to respond; busy cleaning up hurricane damage.)  The problem was not app-specific but was constant across Outlook, Word, and my PDF application.  So, I went in to both  HP Envy 120 Series and HP Envy 120 Series (Network) and set the default to duplex.  That solved the problem.  For the past 50 years of my adult life, I've always had to override the simplex default when I wanted duplex; now I must override the duplex default when I want a single sided printout.  I can live with that; after all, I only have to break a 50 year old habit! 🙂  
I downloaded the driver and firmware exes but was reluctant to go through that process because I love my HP Envy 120 and didn't want to risk ending up with a bigger problem and the printer has long been a no-longer-supported device - I know, silly, but I'm an old man.  If breaking my old habit turns out to be problematic, I will take the plunge but for now I am content.  Thanks again for your thoughts.
Best regards,
David

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @dEllena,

Thank you for your response, 

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

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!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Alden4

HP Support