My printer has two paper trays but it only uses one. Can I set it up to use both trays?

[AuroraNoodle]

The printer has two paper trays.  It only uses one.  When the paper is out, I get an error message saying there is no more paper.  Can my printer be set up to use a tray as a primary paper source and the 2nd tray as the secondary source when the other one is out of paper?  That would seem to be the intention of making a printer with 2 trays, I should think.

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @AuroraNoodle, Welcome to HP forums.

I understand you have issues printing from tray 2 on your printer.

Don't worry I'd like to help you out.

Did you make any changes to your printer?

Please share the complete printer model name to assist you better.

Try the steps recommended below.

The HP Officejet Pro 8600 driver do include an optional paper tray setting, be sure to check Tray 2 as Installed under Printer Properties > Device Settings as shown below:

Also, try the steps recommended below.

Open the printer software, and then enable printing from Tray 2.
Search Windows for devices and printers, and then select it in the list of results.
Right-click your printer, and then select Printing Preferences.
The Printing Preferences window opens.
Click the Paper/Quality tab.
From the Paper Source drop-down menu, select Tray 2.
From the Paper Size drop-down menu, select the appropriate paper size for the print job.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
Try to print from Tray 2.

If the issue still persists uninstall the printer software from root level on your PC and install the full feature printer 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.

Select Apply and OK on the Print Server Properties windows.

Close Devices and Printers.

Link to update the full feature printer software.

Lastly, I found a thread from one of our expert X-23 which tells how to print from tray 1 or tray 2 from the printer. 

Refer this forums link for more information.

If the solution provided worked for you, please mark an accepted solution for this post.

Hope this answers your query!

Have a great weekend ahead! 🙂

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