HP Officejet 4650 Won't print in color

[Confused49]

I tried various suggestions, none of which worked.  I was beginning to think that I would have to buy a new printer. This worked the first time and I got my color printing, and duplex printing back.  Thank you, thank you.

[HYPRTCKR]

~ Your method worked for me, but when I first checked windows update for the HP ENVY 7640 driver it did not want to show up and kept giving me an error. So I downloaded it & installed it manually from the HP website, however it won't go any further than trying & failing to connect to the wireless, despite entering the host name, since it is not the same as the HP OfficeJet 4650 driver, (I have HP instant Ink so I need to use wireless).

~ Afterwards you can go back to update the new driver and keep following the procedures. The only new driver needed is the one that says "HP ENVY 7640 series", to bring back the color option in the Print-->Preferences-->Paper/Quality tab. You may have to restart your computer after following all the procedures for the driver to finally go through.

[HYPRTCKR]

~ You are not following the directions correctly. You need to start in the control panel.

~  Read the instructions carefully.

[KnoJoJoJo]

Thanks Senan6806 very much for this solution. I have a new Win10 Dell Inspiron with latest updates, patches, etc and did the same as others (un-/re-install, latest drivers, and firmware, plug/unplug) in trying to figure this out. Not sure why this worked but much appreciated for someone giving a sane solution.

On that note, it should NOT be that difficult for HP to emulate and test an updated driver for the 4650 based off the Envy 4670 driver, and load it to the support page, rather than users have to troubleshoot for hours.

This has been a dependable printer but like others who had problems, I almost gave up and started looking for a new printer on sale!

[Astaroth]

I had the exact same problem after building a new computer and I think I have found the issue.  There is a problem with the latest drivers for the 4650.  Possibly a conflict with Windows 10.  I found my old drivers from 2016 and installed them and everything is back to normal and printing in colour.  You might need to contact HP to get these old drivers because I can't find them on the web-site.

[Astaroth]

@Senan6806

Now, I'm just putting this out there, but if HP knows that the drivers for the 4650 are broken and you need to install the drivers for the Envy 7640 and rename the printer 4650, would it not be better to either repair the broken drivers or make the legacy drivers available.  I've found that my drivers from 2016 work a charm.

[lbcamp]

Your solution worked like a champ. I've been working on this for hours.  Thanks!!!

[Livwelnow]

Thank you!! Your instructions were great and easy to follow and it worked!!

[Sid_7]

Thank you. I've tried numerous things to try and resolve this problem without success. Finally a solution.

Great help & thanks again.

[RogLu]

Thanks much.  Finally got my color back and Auto duplexing.