Printing too dark

[BrianHay]

For some reason the printer is printing too dark on images. I logged into the ip of the printer and tried changing from 1-9 in the darkness setting. This did nothing.

Any solution to try is appreciated.

[Max3Aj]

Hello @BrianHay,  and welcome to the HP Support Community!
 

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.
If your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw is printing images too dark, even after adjusting the darkness setting via the Embedded Web Server (EWS), here are a few steps you can try to resolve the issue:

Check Print Driver Settings

Sometimes, the print driver settings override the printer's internal settings.

• On your Windows 11 PC:
  1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Select your printer > Printing preferences.
  3. Under the Image Options or Advanced tab, look for Toner Density or Print Quality.
  4. Try setting it to a lighter or standard mode.
  5. Click Apply and OK.

Update Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause unexpected print behavior.

• Visit the official support page: Official HP® Support

Make sure to download and install the latest firmware update for your printer.

Try a Different Application

If you're printing images from a specific app (like a browser or PDF viewer), try printing the same image from another app (e.g., Microsoft Word or Paint) to rule out software-specific rendering issues.

Use HP Universal Print Driver (UPD)

If you're using a basic driver, switching to the HP Universal Print Driver (PCL6 or PostScript) may help.

• Download from: HP Universal Print Driver for Windows - PCL 6 Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support
   

Additional Tips

• Paper Type: Ensure the correct paper type is selected in the print settings. Using "Plain Paper" when printing on glossy or photo paper can cause over-dark prints.
• Toner Cartridge: If the toner is nearing end-of-life or is a non-HP cartridge, it may affect print quality. Try replacing it with a genuine HP toner if possible.

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!
 

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support

[BrianHay]

Thank you for the information. You had mentioned " On your Windows 11 PC: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select your printer > Printing preferences. Under the Image Options or Advanced tab, look for Toner Density or Print Quality." I am not finding this setting.

[Max3Aj]

@BrianHay, Thank you for your response. 

If you're not seeing the Toner Density or Print Quality options in the Printing Preferences, it could be due to the type of driver installed. Windows sometimes installs a basic driver that lacks advanced settings.

Let’s walk through a few steps to help you access the full set of print options:

Check the Installed Driver Type

1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click your printer (HP LaserJet Pro MFP M428fdw) > Printer Properties.
3. Under the General tab, check the driver name.
   • If it says HP Class Driver or Microsoft IPP Class Driver, it's a basic driver.
   • You’ll want to install the HP Universal Print Driver (UPD) or the Full Feature Software.

Install the Full Feature Driver

1. Go to the official HP support page: Official HP® Support
2. Download and install the Full Software Solution or HP Universal Print Driver (PCL6).
3. After installation, go back to Printers & Scanners, select the printer, and click Printing Preferences.
4. You should now see tabs like Paper/Quality, Effects, or Advanced, where Toner Density, Print Quality, or Image Options are available.

Optional: Use HP Smart App

You can also try adjusting print settings via the HP Smart app:

• Download: HP Smart for Windows
• Open the app > Select your printer > Go to Print Settings before printing an image.

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support