HP Laserjet M1212nf will not scan in color on new pc

[CassandraAnn1]

I've never had a problem with my Laserjet M1212nf MFP. It works completely fine on my old Windows 10 PC. However, on my new Windows 11 PC, it will only scan in black and white, not in color. The settings are for color and I’ve installed any available drivers on my Windows 11 PC. I don't know how to resolve this issue.

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @CassandraAnn1,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

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

I understand the issue might be related to driver compatibility or the settings within the scanning software on your new Windows 11 PC. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the color scanning issue with your HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf Multifunction Printer:
 

1. Check Scanner Settings:

• Ensure that the scanner settings in the HP scanning software or any other scanning application you use are set to color and not grayscale or black and white.
• Sometimes, the settings can default to black and white, even if you previously set them to color.

2. Update or Reinstall Drivers:

• Visit the HP support website and check for any updated drivers or firmware for the HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf MFP specifically for Windows 11.
• Uninstall the current driver by going to Device Manager > Printers > Right-click on your printer > Uninstall device.
• Reinstall the latest drivers you downloaded from HP.

3. Use HP Scan and Capture:

• Download the HP Scan and Capture app from the Microsoft Store. This app is designed to work well with HP printers and might have better compatibility with Windows 11.
• Try scanning using this app and check if it allows color scanning.

4. Check Windows Scan Settings:

• Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
• Select your HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf from the list, then click Manage > Scanner > Open scanner.
• In the scanner interface, check that the color option is selected.

5. Test with Another Scanning Application:

• Try using another scanning application like Windows Fax and Scan or a third-party app to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if it's a software-specific issue.

6. Check for Windows Updates:

• Ensure your Windows 11 system is fully updated. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.
• Sometimes, Windows updates can resolve compatibility issues with devices.

7. Firmware Update: Update the firmware on an HP printer

• Check if there is a firmware update available for your printer on the HP support site. Firmware updates can sometimes fix bugs or add additional functionality that may resolve your issue.

Refer to this document:  HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf Multifunction Printer  User manual 

 

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. 

[CassandraAnn1]

Thank you so much for your thorough troubleshooting list. I think these steps may have resolved my issue.

I redownloaded the printer driver. I can get color scans if I use the old fashioned HP Laserjet Scan Software "Scan To," but if I use the newer Microsoft "Scan" app or HP Smart software, it only scans in black and white (even with mode set to color). I wonder if the printer is not compatible with the Microsoft Scan app or the HP Smart software?

Also, I am not able to download firmware for my printer. When I attempt to, it says, "Make sure the RFU setting on the control panel is set to ON. The firmware update will fail it if is set to OFF or OFF AND LOCKED. For details, refer to the information provided on hp.com." When I try to proceed with the firmware update, it says "HP Printer Update cannot communicate with the product. The product might have changed network settings as a result of the firmware update or it might be restarting."

I went to Main Menu > Service > Code Security > RFU Setup and it already shows RFU is "On" so I am not sure what the problem is. I have the printer connected to my computer via USB but I also have it wired to my home wifi network as well.