Lost duplex printing on a LaserJet MFP M428 fdw with Mac OS 26.1 - Uses AirPrint driver

[Stevesol]

I had to reinstall all the software on my Mac Studio, running Tahoe 26.1 The only printer driver supplied by Apple is the AirPrint driver, version 4.0. This does not support duplex printing. The HP support pages do not list ANY Mac drivers. Any ideas on how/where to get a printer driver that works? Thanks for any help!

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Stevesol,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand how inconvenient it is to lose duplex printing after reinstalling your software on macOS 26.1 (Tahoe). Let me clarify what’s happening and how you can restore two-sided printing.

Why Duplex Printing Is Missing

On macOS 26.1, Apple uses the AirPrint driver (version 4.0) for HP LaserJet printers. AirPrint provides basic printing functionality, but does not include all advanced features, such as duplex printing in some cases. HP does not supply separate macOS drivers for this version because AirPrint is the recommended solution.

How to Enable Duplex Printing

Even with AirPrint, you can usually enable two-sided printing from the macOS print dialog:

1. Open your document and click File → Print.
2. Click Show Details (if hidden).
3. Under Layout or Finishing, look for Two-Sided.
4. Select Long-Edge binding or Short-Edge binding as needed.
5. Print your document.

Alternative Options

• HP App for Mac
  Download the HP App from the Mac App Store:
  👉 HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site 
  The HP app often restores advanced features like duplex printing.
   
• Add Printer via IP (IPP Protocol)
  Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add Printer → IP, enter your printer’s IP address, and select Secure AirPrint or IPP Everywhere. This can unlock additional print options.

Update Printer Firmware
Ensure your printer firmware is up to date:
👉 HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Stevesol]

Thanks for your help @VikramTheGreat .

AirPrint 4.0 does not show the option for duplex printing anywhere. I've been through every menu choice/option multiple times. My wife's laptop, using AirPrint 3.0, does allow the option for duplex printing. AirPrint 4.0  is clearly a downgrade and I don't understand why HP considers that the "recommended solution" unless they like unhappy customers who will think twice before purchasing any HP printer for use on a Mac ever again.

The HP App for Mac does not restore duplex printing. "Often restores advance feature like duplex printing" does not apply here.

After scouring the web I was able to find an old program called HP Easy Start which was able to install an ancient HP driver, Version 10.4, but only ONE of several times I tried to install it so I don't feel confident that I can reinstall it. I don't yet know if it's fully compatible with Tahoe 26.1 but it does allow the option of duplex printing. Do you have any thoughts about this version before I risk losing it?

I have not yet tried to Add Printer via IP because I don't want to lose my current tenuous connection to duplex printing with HP Driver 10.4. However, I did look at the options provided if I choose to try adding a printer via IP. I am not offered the "Secure Air Print or IPP Everywhere" options that you suggested. I am offered AirPrint, Internet Printing Protocol - IPP, Line Printer Daemon - LPD, and HP Jetdirect - Socket. Do you have a suggestion regarding what would be best to try? Again, the statement that these "can unlock additional print options" is not fully reassuring...

Lastly, my firmware has been updated in the past and remains the most recent correct version.

Thanks for any additional thoughts you have about this!

Regards,

Steve

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Stevesol,

Thank you for getting back, and sorry to hear that not all functions are working as you have a new version of mac OS.

To get you the best assistance, we need to take this conversation to a private chat. We're inviting you to a private message to protect your privacy and ensure that any sensitive information remains confidential. 

To access your private message, just click the little blue envelope icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile, next to your profile name.  

We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[Balvo]

I have the same problem after upgrading by clean install my Mac Mini (M1) to OS 26.2. 

I couldn't find a solution. The only workaround I've found is to select duplex printing as the default in the menu of the printer itself. But that's not very user friendly.

Has your problem been solved and would like to share the info? Would be helpful, thanks!

UPDATE: 2 days after I posted the above message my Mac shows the option to print in duplex. I did not change anything. The option just magically showed up in the print dialogue box now. It's still the Airprint 4.0 driver. My problem got solved somehow, but I can't tell how. Hopefully it'll not disappear again. 

[Stevesol]

I had the same magical fix... My HP printers uninstalled themselves for no apparent reason. After I re-added them duplex printing suddenly reappeared. Same AirPrint 4.0... No explanation. No confidence that this will stick and will remain leery of ever purchasing an HP printer since they take no responsibility for their drivers.