HP Spectre Windows 11 won't print color to an HP 4650 printer

[SwiLa]

I have 2 HP Spectres. The old one - a windows 10 - works great - it prints color.

The new HP Spectre - a windows 11 - will print a document, but with no color, just B/W. I've gone to the Print / Advanced Options, etc and I can't find anywhere to set the color on/off. On the Print pop-up the Color is selected (vs B/W or Gray Scale). This happens on all apps (word, powerpoint). 

How do get color to print on the HP Printer? (yes, the printer works fine with other computers, phone, etc).

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @SwiLa,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thanks for sharing the details, and I can understand how frustrating it must be when your new laptop refuses to print in color, especially when everything else (including other devices) works just fine. Let’s walk through some clear and focused steps to get your HP Spectre x360 (Windows 11) printing in full color from your OfficeJet 4650.

1. Remove and Reinstall the Printer Driver

Windows 11 sometimes installs a generic driver that limits print options.

Do this:

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
• Click your printer > Remove
• Then go to HP’s website and download the Full Feature Software and Driver: HP OfficeJet 4650 All-in-One Printer series Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support.
• Install the driver and restart your PC.

2. Change Printer Preferences in Devices & Printers

Even if "Color" is selected during printing, the default driver settings might still enforce grayscale.

Do this:

• Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers
• Right-click your printer > Printing Preferences
• Go to the Paper/Quality tab
• Make sure Color is selected (not grayscale or black ink only)
• Click Advanced, and under Document Options > Printer Features, confirm:
  • Print in Grayscale = Off
  • Output Color = Color

Click Apply > OK.

3. Test from Different Applications

Now that the driver settings are clean:

• Open Word or PowerPoint
• Try printing a test page with color
• Also, try the HP Smart app or the Photos app to confirm it's not app-specific

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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

VikramTheGreat

HP Support