OfficeJet Pro 6978 won't print two-sided

[genkiassassin]

I have an HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 that is less than a year old.  It used to print two-sided, and still does from Excel, but I cannot get it to print two sided from any other program (Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Google Chrome).

• I have tried selecting long-edge binding (in Word), two-sided printing (Chrome), but don't even have two-sided printing option in Acrobat. 
• I have tried reloading the driver. 
• I have double and triple-checked that the page settings are correct.
• I have tried going to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > Options & Supplies, but do not see the Option tab to select two-sided printing.

This problem started about two months ago with just Word, but has started to expand to other programs. 

From what I can tell, the printer and/or OS don't know that it is duplex printing capable anymore when it was and should still be.

[MKazi · Accepted solution]

@genkiassassin

Welcome to HP Support Forums. 🙂

I came across your post and would like to assist. 

I understand that you do not get the two sided printing option while printing from your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer. The option is only there while printing from Excel. Fabulous diagnostics, spectacular analysis of the issue by you. Kudos to you for that. You have done a remarkable job in troubleshooting this issue. 

Did any software changes or updates happen on the Mac computer?

Meanwhile, toy may perform the following steps to isolate and fix this issue:

1. Go to the Apple and choose System Preferences.
2. Click Print & Fax.
3. On the left, select the printer you wish to use.
4. Click Options & Supplies
5. A new window will appear, it may look different depending on your operating system version:
   • 10.5+ Across the top it will say General | Driver | Supply Levels. Select Driver.
   • 10.4 At the top there will be a drop down menu, select from it Installable Options.
6. Make sure there is a check box for "Duplex Unit".
7. Close this window and the Print & Fax window.

If the issue persists then perform Apple updates on your Mac computer and retry the steps.

Also, remove the printer queue from the list of printers, and then add it again. Doing so creates a new printing session.

1. Make sure your Mac is connected to the Internet.

2. In the Printers list, click your HP printer, and then click the Minus button  to delete it.

3. Click the Add button .

4. Find and select the name of your printer from the Printer list, and then click Add to add your printer. Do not select an HP Fax driver.

      NOTE: If your printer does not display in the list, make sure the printer is connected, turned on, has power, and is ready to print.

   Figure : Example of the printer selection list

   

5. Click Print Using or Use.

6. Select the name of your printer (if available) or AirPrint.

   Figure : Menu showing AirPrint selected

   

   Your new printer queue displays in the Printers list in an Idle status .

   Figure : Example of a newly added printer in the Printers & Scanners list

   

7. Try printing again.

I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved without hassles and the unit works great. Let me know how it goes. 

Cheers! 🙂

[genkiassassin]

Thank you so much.  The first option (looking for Duplex printing in options and supplies) didn't work, since there wasn't an option for duplex printing available.  However, the second option (re-adding the printer as AirPrint) did!  Thank you for your assistance.  I'm glad it's finally been resolved.

[MKazi]

@genkiassassin

Great news! 🙂

I'm glad that the issue is fixed. You have been fabulous to work with considering your superb technical skills and valuable patience. Kudos to you for that. 

I hope your printer remains healthy for a long time and serves you well.

Happy printing! 🙂