No option to print in colour, Windows prints only in black and white

[kit182]

When printing from Windows, I am unable to print in colour. The option to switch between greyscale/colour is nowhere to be found. When selecting photos to print in File Explorer, the preview image shows a black and white preview, with no option for switching to colour. Also happens in all other software on the PC; Adobe PDF, Photoshop, Word etc.  I know it is 100% a software/driver issue as when printing documents from my phone, full colour is available as normal and the printer functions perfectly. Any advice greatly appreciated. Below is a selection of screenshots to show how the printer control panel no longer has the option for colour.

Above is the preview showing black and white preview as the only option.

[sandytechy20]

@kit182

Welcome to the HP support community.

I understand that you are unable to print in color, I am glad to assist you.

This seems to be a drive issue, follow these steps to fix the issue.

Perform root level uninstallation to remove all the printer-related software.

• In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.
• Select your HP printer.
• Select Uninstall.
• In Windows, search for and open Devices and Printers.
• In the Devices and Printers window look for your HP Printer. If you see it listed, right-click on it and choose "Delete" or "Remove Device.”
• Open up the run command with the "Windows Key + R" key combo.
• Type printui.exe /s and click OK.
• Click on Drivers tab.
• Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it click on it and click Remove at the bottom.
• Select OK.
• Remove all instances of the same.
• Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.
• Close Devices and Printers.
• Restart the PC again.

Download and install the printer using HP Smart app.

Click here to download the HP Smart app.

Update the printer firmware

Follow the steps mentioned in this HP document to update firmware:- Click here

Once you install the printer, change the bellow settings to print in color.

1. Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button, and then, on the Start menu, click Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click the printer that you want to use, and then click Printing Preferences.
3. Make your choices, and then click OK.
4. Under option Print color select color, then the OK button.

Let me know how it goes.

If this helps, please mark the public post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[Repairatrooper]

Before you go through the entire uninstall, you can simply try this:

On your computer, go to control panel>devices and printers and then right click on the icon for your printer and select printer properties from the drop down menu. Click on the device settings tab and scroll down till you see an option titled "device type" and change it to color.