How can I retrieve automatic double-sided printing? It will only give me manual.

[Meri25]

No error messages. It was part way through printing a document double-sided, developed an error (unidentified) and then lost the function. I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling.

[Max3Aj]

@Meri25, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you restore automatic double-sided (duplex) printing on your HP Envy 6120e All-in-One Printer, based on your description:

Step 1: Confirm Duplex Printing is Supported and Enabled

The HP Envy 6120e does support automatic duplex printing, so let’s ensure it’s enabled in your print settings.

Step 2: Reinstall or Update the Printer Driver

Sometimes, a corrupted or outdated driver can disable features like duplex printing.

1. Uninstall the current printer driver from your system.
2. Download and install the latest full-feature driver or HP Smart App from the official HP support page: Official HP® Support

Step 3: Enable Duplex Printing in Printer Preferences (Windows)

1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your HP Envy 6120e printer > Printer Properties.
3. Under the Device Settings tab, ensure Duplex Unit (for 2-Sided Printing) is set to Installed.
4. Click OK to save.

Step 4: Set Duplex Printing in Print Dialog

When printing a document:

1. Press Ctrl + P or go to File > Print.
2. Click Printer Properties or Preferences.
3. Look for Print on Both Sides, Two-sided, or Duplex Printing.
4. Select Automatic (not manual).
5. Apply and print.

Step 5: Use HP Smart App for Diagnostics

If the issue persists:

1. Download and open the HP Smart App.
2. Use the “Diagnose & Fix” tool to automatically detect and resolve printer issues.

Optional: Reset Printer Settings

If the issue started after an error mid-print, resetting the printer to factory defaults may help:

1. On the printer control panel, go to Settings > Printer Maintenance > Restore.
2. Choose Restore Factory Defaults.

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. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support