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×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
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×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Printers
- Printing Errors or Lights & Stuck Print Jobs
- black line streaks

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
02-06-2025 08:07 AM
@genorad99, Welcome to HP Support Community,
Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue
Check the Ink Cartridges
- Ensure proper installation: Make sure the ink cartridges are correctly installed and seated.
- Check for low or empty cartridges: If any cartridge is low or empty, replace it with a new one.
- Inspect for leaks or damage: Check the ink cartridges for any visible signs of damage or leaks.
Clean the Printhead
- The printhead can get clogged, leading to streaks or poor print quality.
- Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on your printer and select Printer Properties.
- Select Services tab.
- Click on Clean Printhead.
- Alternatively, you can clean the printhead through the printer’s control panel:
- From the printer's home screen: Go to Setup > Tools > Clean Printhead.
- After cleaning, print a test page to check if the issue persists.
Align the Printhead
- Misalignment can also cause streaking or lines on prints.
- Open the printer settings on your computer.
- Go to Printer Properties > Services.
- Choose Align Printhead.
- You can also do this through the printer’s control panel:
- From the Home screen: Go to Setup > Tools > Align Printhead.
Check for Paper Issues
- Ensure you're using the correct type of paper for the job.
- Avoid using damaged or old paper as it can affect print quality.
- If the paper is wrinkled, bent, or improperly loaded, replace it and reload it into the printer.
Perform a Printer Reset
- Sometimes, a full reset can help clear any minor software glitches.
- Turn off the printer.
- Unplug the power cord from the back of the printer and from the wall outlet.
- Wait for about 30 seconds, plug everything back in, and turn the printer on.
- Test printing to check if the streaks have been removed.
Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee
02-06-2025 08:08 AM
Update Printer Drivers
- Ensure your printer's drivers are up to date.
- Go to the HP Support website and enter your printer model.
- Download the latest drivers and install them.
Check the Printer for Firmware Updates
- Outdated firmware can also cause issues. To update:
- From the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Update the Printer.
Check the Print Quality Settings
- Ensure the print quality settings are appropriate:
- In the Print Settings on your computer, set the print quality to Best for photo printing or Normal for regular printing.
- Sometimes, printing in draft mode can cause streaking.
Print a Diagnostic Page
- Print a diagnostic page to identify if the problem is related to the printhead or something else.
- Go to Control Panel > Printer Properties > Services > Print Quality Diagnostic Page.
- Review the diagnostic page for patterns or issues.
Replace the Ink Cartridges
- If the streaks persist after trying the steps above, and the print quality test shows gaps or streaks, you may need to replace one or both of the ink cartridges.
For additional help with troubleshooting print quality issues, you can consult this guide.
I hope these steps help resolve the issue
Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps.
Take care and have a good day.
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Regards,
Garp_Senchau
I am an HP Employee