The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301sdw might not print from the Tray 1 single-sheet feeder. Media can be inserted into Tray 1, but the printer may use paper from the main input tray instead.
This issue can affect printing on single sheets, envelopes, checks, or other supported media that needs to be fed through Tray 1.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Load Paper Correctly in Tray 1
Make sure the media is properly loaded into the single-sheet priority feed slot.
Use paper or media that meets the specifications supported by the printer.
Adjust the paper guides so that they lightly touch the media.
Do not force the media into the printer.
Make sure the media is straight and correctly positioned.
When using envelopes or other special media, follow the loading orientation specified in the printer's HP User Guide.
2. Check the Paper Size and Type
Verify that the paper settings correspond to the media being used.
Open the print settings for the document.
Select the appropriate Paper Size.
Select the correct Paper Type for the loaded media.
Make sure these settings correspond to the paper, envelope, or other media loaded into Tray 1.
Send the print job again.
Incorrect paper size or type settings can cause the printer to use another available paper source.
3. Select Tray 1 as the Paper Source
If the application or HP printer software provides a paper-source setting:
Open the document to be printed.
Select Print.
Open Printer Properties, Preferences, or the application's equivalent print settings.
Locate the available Paper Source setting.
Select Tray 1 or the corresponding manual/single-sheet feed option.
Verify the paper size and type.
Send the print job.
4. Check the Printer's Tray Configuration
Verify that Tray 1 is configured for the paper being loaded.
From the printer's available paper or tray settings:
Locate the settings for Tray 1.
Check the configured paper size.
Check the configured paper type.
Make sure they correspond to the media being loaded.
Save any changes and test printing again.
5. Check for Jammed or Partially Fed Media
If the single sheet enters the printer but does not exit normally:
Stop the print job.
Turn off the printer.
Check accessible areas of the paper path.
Look for paper, envelopes, labels, or pieces of torn media.
Carefully remove any accessible jammed paper.
Make sure no torn pieces remain inside.
Close all printer access doors.
Turn the printer on and test again.
Avoid pulling jammed media forcefully, as this could tear the media and leave pieces inside the printer.
6. Test With Plain Paper
Before testing envelopes, checks, labels, or other special media, test Tray 1 with a supported sheet of plain paper.
Load one sheet correctly into Tray 1.
Select the corresponding paper size.
Select Tray 1 as the source when the option is available.
Print a simple document.
If plain paper works but special media does not, verify the supported media specifications, size, type, and loading orientation in the HP User Guide.
7. Check the HP Printer Software and Drivers
Go to the HP support page for the exact printer model and check the available Software and Drivers.
If HP provides printer-specific software or drivers for the operating system:
Download the appropriate software from HP.
Install it according to HP's instructions.
Restart the computer if required.
Open the printer properties again.
Check whether the required paper-source and Tray 1 options are available.
Test printing from Tray 1.
8. Update the Printer Firmware
Check the HP support page for available firmware updates for the printer.
If an update is available:
Follow HP's instructions to update the printer firmware.
Keep the printer powered on during the firmware update.
Allow the update process to complete.
Restart the printer if instructed.
Test Tray 1 again.
9. Restore Printer Settings if the Issue Continues
If Tray 1 previously worked correctly and the problem continues after checking the paper, tray configuration, software, and firmware, use only the reset or restore options documented in the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3301 series User Guide.
After restoring the appropriate settings, configure the printer again and test the single-sheet feeder.
