HP8600 not printing in colour

[Pippa7]

Have a new MBP (OS Monterey version 12.2.1), alas my HP 8600 won’t print in colour. (I haven’t changed anything on the printer!) I have tried:

1. Removing HP in system prefs, shutting down, then re-adding.
2. Have successfully done “demo page print” – it’s colour, it’s perfect!
3. It photocopies in colour
4. Couple of the inks are low-ish, but not so much so I have been warned let alone told to replace.
5. Have pulled out plug from wall socket – waited, then pressed power button for 15 secs, plugged it back in, and yes, it did start-up, automatically.

I don’t know what else to try. Do hope someone has a solution!

Thank you, Pippa

[Jay_G24]

Hi @Pippa7,

Welcome to the HP Support Community

 I'd like to help!

I understand you are unable to print in color 

To assist better -what's the application you are trying to print from? Have you tried printing from a different application or device? 

Meanwhile, try the below suggestions -

You may also refer to this document with steps to fix the " Print Quality Issues" issue applicable for your printer -  Print Quality Issues

Try updating mac and printer firmware

To update the printer's firmware, refer - HP Printers - Updating or Upgrading Printer Firmware 

 To update Mac, try these steps - How to update the software on your Mac

Add the AirPrint printer to the Mac printer queue

1. Add the Air Print printer to the Mac printer queue

   Confirm you are using Air Print by adding the printer in System Preferences.

2. Click the Apple menu, click System Preferences, and then click Print & Scan or Printers & Scanners.
3. Check if your printer name displays in the Printers list, and then do one of the following steps.
   • If your printer is listed, remove and re-add the printer to confirm it is set up for Air Print. Click the printer name, click the minus sign "-" to delete the printer, click the plus sign "+"click Add Printer or Scanner, click the printer name and then continue to the next step.
   • If your printer is not listed, click the plus sign, click Add Printer or Scanner, click the name of your printer, and then continue to the next step.
4. Confirm Air Print or Secure Air Print displays in the Use or Print Using menu, and then click Add.

You may refer to - Printing with Apple AirPrint (Mac)

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Yes" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping

[Pippa7]

Thank you v. much. The problem was really because it was set for 'any printer'/it thought it was a 'laser printer'. It works now, but have a new problem. I can print from PDFs, but not directly from Word nor Excel. I get that silly wee triangle with exclamation mark, beside name of printer. Clearly I have done something else "stupid", but I can't think what it is this time.

I would be very grateful if anyone can help.

Best wishes

Pippa

[Jay_G24]

What is the error you receive when you initiate a print job from word or excel?

Let me know!

[Pippa7]

Hi Jay

Have now solved it, by yet again re-installing - Microsoft progs now printing! But have succeeded with this solution before, only for it to change its mind a few days later. (All has been fine since Saturday afternoon - crossing my fingers!) The message had been something like 'waiting for printer to be come available'.

Best wishes,

Pippa

[Jay_G24 · Accepted solution]

I am glad the issue is resolved.

I can follow up in a week to check on the printer status.

Have a great day!

Stay safe!