Printer will not print in color for documents sent from computer

[stevemt]

HP Envy 5540 printer, no error messages. When preparing to print a document, there is no color/black and white setting option under printing preferences.  I have another identical printer that does not have this printing problem, but it does have a color or black and white setting option. 

[Nal_NR · Accepted solution]

Hi @stevemt,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

If you're unable to find the color/black and white setting option under printing preferences for your HP Envy 5540 printer, you can try the following steps to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Update Printer Driver

Ensure you have the latest printer driver installed.

1. Download the Latest Driver:
   • Go to the HP Support website.
   • Enter your printer model (HP Envy 5540) and select the correct operating system.
   • Download and install the latest full-feature driver.

Step 2: Check Printer Preferences in the Printer Properties

Open Printer Properties:

• Open the Control Panel on your computer.
• Go to Devices and Printers.
• Right-click on your HP Envy 5540 printer and select Printing Preferences.

Check for Color Options:

• In the Printing Preferences window, look for a tab or section related to Color or Paper/Quality.
• Ensure the option to print in color or black and white (monochrome) is available and selected as needed.

Step 3: Use HP Smart App

The HP Smart app provides additional settings and can help manage your printer.

Install HP Smart App:

• Download and install the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store (for Windows) or App Store (for macOS).

Open the HP Smart App:

• Launch the app and add your HP Envy 5540 printer if it’s not already added.

Access Print Settings:

• Use the HP Smart app to print a document and look for color options within the app.

Step 4: Use the Print Dialog in Applications

Sometimes the print dialog within specific applications provides color options.

Open a Document to Print:

• Open a document in an application like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or any other application you use to print.

Access Print Settings:

• Go to File > Print.
• Click on Printer Properties or Preferences.

Check for Color Options:

• Look for color options in the print settings dialog that appears. Ensure you select the correct settings for color or black and white printing.

Step 5: Reset Print System (for macOS)

If you're using macOS and the options are still missing, you can try resetting the print system.

Open System Preferences:

• Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.

Reset Print System:

• Right-click (or Control-click) in the list of printers on the left and select Reset printing system.
• This will remove all printers. You will need to re-add your HP Envy 5540 printer.

Re-add the Printer:

• Click the + button to re-add your printer and check if the color options appear.

Step 6: Reinstall the Printer

If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling the printer.

Remove the Printer:

• Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers (Windows) or System Preferences > Printers & Scanners (macOS).
• Remove the HP Envy 5540 printer.

Reinstall the Printer:

• Reinstall the printer using the latest drivers from the HP website.

By following these steps, you should be able to access and set the color/black and white printing options for your HP Envy 5540 printer. If the problem persists, contact HP phone support for further assistance

You may also refer to this document for other print quality issues. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

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