Updated BIOS and Printer lost functionality

[LRRazorback]

My HP ENVY 4500 used to support both side printing and after updating the BIOS on my HP Desktop 501-PF2xxx it no longer offers me the option to print on Both sides.  The BIOS is F.33, it's either that or another update that I installed last weekend. I have an HP Laptop that is networks to the same printer and when I checked printing from it, the Both sides option is there.  Both machines are W11 26100.6584

[Kuroi_Kenshi · Accepted solution]

Hi @LRRazorback,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP ENVY 4500 printer no longer shows the double-sided (duplex) printing option on your HP Desktop 501-PF2xxx after a recent BIOS update, while it still works from your laptop. Let’s go through steps to restore this functionality.

1. Verify Printer Settings on Desktop

Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers → HP ENVY 4500 → Printing Preferences.

Check if the Two-sided (Duplex) Printing option is listed.

If it’s missing, proceed with reinstalling the driver.

2. Reinstall HP Printer Driver

Go to HP Support and download the latest full feature driver for HP ENVY 4500 for Windows 11.

Uninstall the current printer from your desktop:

Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Remove Printer.

Reinstall using the full feature driver, not the basic driver.

During installation, ensure duplex printing support is selected.

3. Check Printer Preferences Again

After reinstalling, open Printing Preferences and verify the “Print on Both Sides” checkbox is available.

Try printing a test page to confirm functionality.

4. Compare with Laptop Settings

Check the driver version on your laptop (where duplex works):

Devices and Printers → HP ENVY 4500 → Properties → Driver.

Ensure your desktop is using the same driver version.

5. Windows Update Check

Make sure Windows Update has not installed a basic or generic printer driver that lacks duplex support.

If so, manually reinstall the HP full-feature driver.

6. BIOS Impact

Normally, a BIOS update should not affect printer features, but it may have reset some USB or print spooler settings.

Ensure the printer is connected properly (USB or network) and recognized as a full-feature printer, not a basic driver.

I hope this helps.

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Best regards,