No option to print in color/grayscale/b&w on HP OfficeJet 3830

[jambini29]

My printer will not print in color consistently; it's sporadic and unpredictable.  I cannot figure out what makes it stop printing in color sometimes.  There is no option to choose color/grayscale/b&w on any of the print menus, or in the printing preferences for the printer.  This has been an issue for the past few months, and now that I'm working from home due to school closures, it's become a huge problem. 

I've attempted all fixes found here on the HP forum, and I've worked with an online tech through Asurion (the company through which I purchased extra protection for this printer).  I have even exchanged the printer out for a replacement when the Asurion tech could not find the problem, but the second printer has the same issue.  I've uninstalled and reinstalled the printer about 5 times now.  I've looked through print preference menus.  I've literally done all the things I can find.  None of the fixes have brought back a menu where I can choose color/grayscale/b&w, and now the printer won't print in color at all.

I have spent hours of my time, and wasted tons of ink and paper trying to troubleshoot this problem.  Is there anyone who can help me?

[TEJ1602]

@jambini29, Welcome to HP Support Community!

Going through your post, I see that you're unable to print in color from the computer. This could be an issue with the printer settings or the installed drivers. Follow the steps below to isolate and resolve the issue-

Use HP Print and Scan Doctor

Download HP Print and Scan Doctor and run the program. It will automatically diagnose and fix any printing/scanning issues. 

For more information, go to https://support.hp.com/us-en/topic/printscandoctor

Check the printer driver settings. Refer to the document for help- HP Printers - Print Driver Settings Guide (Windows)

If the issue persists, I recommend you delete the driver and root level and retry, follow the steps below: 

1) In Windows, search for and open Programs and features 

2) Select your HP Printer 

3) Select Uninstall 

4) In Windows, search for and open Devices and printers 

5) In the Devices and Printers windows look for your HP printer. If you see it listed right-click on it and choose ‘Delete’ or ‘Remove Device’ 

6) Open up the run command with the “Windows key + R” key combo. 

7) Type printui.exe /s and click Ok. (Note: there is a space in between “printui.exe”

8). Click on the “Drivers” tab 

9) Look for HP Printer driver. If you see it Click on it and click Remove at the bottom 

10) Select Ok 

11) Select Apply and Ok on the Print Server Properties windows 

12) Close Devices and Printers.

Use this link to download and install the new driver. Configure the printer and try printing.

If you still have issues, try the Windows built-in drivers. Follow the steps below:

•   Uninstall the printer drivers. Go to Control Panel - Devices and Printers - Click on "Add printer" and follow the on-screen instructions.

•    When the page prompts for the drivers, select "Windows update". The driver list will be updated.

•    Click HP, Hewlett Packard, or Hewlett-Packard in the Manufacturer pane, and then click the name of your printer in the Printers pane.

Refer to this document HP Printers - Installing and Using the Windows Built-in Print Driver for help.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!