My printer driver doesn't include the option to switch between B/W & Color. Can only print B/W.

[JimJimJimJimJim]

Hello all, help please! 

From reviewing the forums, I know there is supposed to be an option under printer properties to select between B/W printing to Color Printing.  That option is not available to me.  I've downloaded the driver from HP twice and completed setup twice, but the option does not present itself.  I'm just trying to print in color.  During setup, the test page prints all colors, so I know the cartriges are installed correctly.  Thanks for any help.

Jim.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@JimJimJimJimJim

Thank you for joining HP Forums. 

I'll be glad to help you 🙂 

As I understand the printer only prints black & white instead of color,

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details: 

Does the copier work fine, does it print in color as a stand alone printer?

If it doesn't work either, please upgrade the firmware of your printer & Contact HP if it doesn't work.

If it works but the printing from your computer doesn't work, follow the below steps:

Step one: Check the ink level in the color or photo cartridge

If the quality of your color printouts has been diminishing over time, the color or photo cartridge is probably empty, and you should replace the cartridge.

Step two: Check the color cartridge

Visit HP SureSupply to check ink or toner cartridge compatibility or purchase replacement cartridges and other supplies.

1. Go to HP SureSupply.

2. If necessary, select your country/region.

   Figure : Country/region selector

   

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to order new supplies or check cartridge compatibility with your printer.

You can also purchase genuine HP cartridges and supplies from other retailers.

1. Open the top cover of the printer and remove the color or photo cartridge.

2. Make sure that you are using the correct cartridge for your printer. If the correct cartridge is installed, make sure that you have removed the tape from the cartridge nozzle.

3. Insert the cartridge firmly back in the carriage and close the latch.

4. Close the printer door.

5. Try printing again.

Step three: Check the print settings

1. In the software application that you are using to print, click the menu.

2. Click . The Print dialog box opens.

3. Make sure that the name of the HP printer you are using displays in the printer box. If necessary, use the drop-down list to select your printer.

4. Click the Properties button. The Properties dialog box opens.

5. Check the options on the property tabs to make sure that the appropriate color options are selected.

   If there is a checkmark in the box by , click in the box to remove the checkmark, and then click .

6. Try printing again.

Step four: Print in a different software program

1. Open a different software program.

2. Create a new simple file that contains color.

3. Try printing the file. If the colors print, the file in the original software program might be corrupted.

Step five: Install the most current printer driver

You might need to install a current printer driver on your computer. Some older printer drivers are not capable of printing color.

1. Bookmark this page or make note of the steps in this procedure, and then go to http://www.hp.com/cposupport/software.html. The Get Software and Drivers window opens.

2. Type your product number, and then click Next to continue. The Select your operating system window opens.

3. Click your computer operating system. The Select software and drivers window opens.

4. In the Driver section, review the list of available driver downloads, and then click the driver that meets your needs.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the software.

Do get back to me as I have a few more tricks up my sleeve, 

That said, If I have helped you resolve the issue, 

feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon 

followed by clicking on 'Accepted as Solution' 

And Have a great day Ahead!

[JimJimJimJimJim]

Hello Mr. Decipher,

As I mentioned in my original post, my printer properties does not include an option to switch to Color.  It does B/W only because it seems I can't tell it to print in color.  The printer is brand new, just picked it up last Friday.  I'm about to take it back.

Step 3: 5. below doesn't help me, because there are no "color" options to check.  Certainly, this must be the problem, right?

The cartriges are brand new, HP.

I have downloaded the printer software from HP twice.

I can copy in color.

I thought I'd receive a notice via email of your reply, but I didn't.

Thanks,

Jim.

[Riddle_Decipher · Accepted solution]

@JimJimJimJimJim

Thank you for replying with this detailed response 😉 

I appreciate your time and efforts,

To confirm, did you uncheck Grayscale or is it that the grayscale option doesn't show up as well?

That said, if it doesn't show up either, please try the below steps:

I recommend you delete the driver at the root level and retry, follow the steps below: 

1.) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features 

2.) Select your HP Printer 

3.) Select Uninstall 

4.) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers 

5.) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose `Delete' or `Remove Device' 

6.) Open up the run command with the "Windows key + R" key combo. 

7.) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between "printui.exe" and "/s") 

8.) Click on the "Drivers" tab 

9.) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom 

10.) Select Ok 

11.) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows 

12.) Close Devices and Printers 

Then, Click here to install the windows built-in driver, this should help get your printer working in both colors, go through the FAQs for more details.

That said, this isn't a printer issue considering the copy works fine, it's a setting that needs to be tweaked on your computer and replacing the printer wouldn't make much difference in such a scenario, although that's your call.

And about receiving a notification, normally you should get one unless you turn off notification from the account settings on the forums community: Click here to learn more.

If I have answered your queries, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, 

Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" button for my efforts to help you.

Have a great day!

[JimJimJimJimJim]

Thanks very much.  I followed your instructions, but rather than go online to download my driver in the previous two attempts, I used the driver on the disk supplied with my printer.  Now I have the option to select color (which is selected by default).

Will HP automatically prompt me if there is a more current driver so I will know when to update?

Thanks very much,

Jim

[Riddle_Decipher]

@JimJimJimJimJim

Thank you for the update,

I appreciate your time and efforts, 

I'm glad I could contribute towards identifying and leading you towards the solution for this concern.

Thanks for taking the time to let the community know that you accept my suggestions,

That said, HP will automatically prompt you if there are any updates required for your device.

You've been great to work with and it has been a genuine pleasure interacting with you.

I hope both you and your product works great and remain healthy for a long time 😉 

To simply say thanks for my efforts to assist you, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos.

And select Accepted as solution to help others find the same solution as you have.

Take care now and do have a fabulous week ahead. 🙂