My paper size settings will not retain in Adobe or Microsoft Apps in my new Win11 computer

[Faery]

Since getting my new HP Envy 360 laptop with Windows 11 Home, my print settings will not work properly with my HP LaserJet MFP M281fdw. I set everything for A4 in every place I can find a setting, save it, and it keeps reverting to Letter size when it sends documents to the printer.

I have checked the settings in the printer as well and set them for A4.

In Adobe I can make the setting stay for the duration of the session (but have to reset if I close Adobe). In Word, most of the time I have to print to PDF to be able to print, as the printer only gives me the option of using Letter size or canceling.

This used to work perfectly in my old laptop with Win10. It is beyond frustrating.

Can anyone help?

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Faery,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your paper size settings are not retaining properly in Adobe or Microsoft apps on your new Windows 11 computer with your HP LaserJet MFP M281fdw, here are some troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue:

1. Check Printer Defaults

• Set Printer Defaults:
  • Open Devices & Printers: Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.Select Printer: Click on your HP LaserJet MFP M281fdw, then select Manage.Printer Properties: Click on Printer Properties (not Properties).Paper/Quality Tab: Go to the Paper/Quality tab and set the default paper size to A4.Apply and OK: Click Apply and then OK to save the settings.

2. Check Application-Specific Settings

• Open Print Dialog: When printing from Adobe, open the print dialog.
• Page Setup: Click on Properties or Preferences next to the printer selection and set the paper size to A4.
• Save as Default: Look for an option to save these settings as default or create a custom preset.

Microsoft Word:

• Open Document: Open a document in Word.Page Layout: Go to Layout > Size and select A4.
• Set as Default: Go to File > Print and ensure the paper size is set to A4 in the print settings. You may also want to click on Printer Properties and set A4 as the default paper size there.

3. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

• HP Support Website: Go to HP’s support website and download the latest drivers for your HP LaserJet MFP M281fdw that are compatible with Windows 11.Install Drivers: Install the drivers and restart your computer.
• Remove Printer: Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners, select your printer, and click Remove device.
• Add Printer Again: Click Add a printer or scanner and follow the prompts to reinstall the printer with the latest drivers.

4. Check Printer Settings on the Printer

• Printer Display: On the printer’s control panel, ensure that the paper size is set to A4. This setting should be consistent with what you’ve selected in your computer’s print settings.

5. Verify Printer Settings in Windows

• Open Printers & Scanners:
  • Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.Click on Printer: Select your HP LaserJet MFP M281fdw, then click Manage.
  • Print Preferences: Click on Printing Preferences and ensure that A4 is set as the default paper size. Save the settings if changes are made.

6. Check for Software Conflicts

• Background Apps: Ensure no other applications or printer management tools are conflicting with your print settings.
• Try Safe Mode: Booting your computer in Safe Mode might help identify if a third-party application is causing the issue.

7. Reset Printer Settings

• Factory Reset: As a last resort, consider performing a factory reset on your HP LaserJet MFP M281fdw to clear any settings that might be causing conflicts.Refer to the printer’s manual for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[Faery]

Whilst I accepted the solution, there was an additional step to #1 in that I had to fix the paper on each slot on my printer to be A4 rather than letter. But it worked!!

NB: I had already done everything in the other programs, so the issue was in the printer settings my new computer applied.