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- HP Community
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- HP Envy 4520 defaults to monochrome

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07-01-2024 04:09 PM
My Envy 4520 reverts to monochrome when printing from my HP laptop or app regardless of my selecting "Color" as the print option. I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling the device, and I've tried resetting it to the factory default settings. Nothing has worked, and I'm extremely frustrated. Help!
07-03-2024 09:01 AM
Hi @LoriM1023,
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
I'd be happy to help you!
I appreciate your efforts in trying to resolve this issue by performing the necessary troubleshooting steps.
However, If your HP Envy 4520 is printing in monochrome despite selecting the "Color" option, here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to try and resolve the issue:
1. Check Printer Settings
- Printer Properties: Go to "Devices and Printers" on your HP laptop, right-click on the HP Envy 4520, and select "Printing Preferences." Ensure that the print mode is set to color.
- HP Smart App: Open the HP Smart app and navigate to the print settings. Confirm that the "Color" option is selected.
2. Check Application Print Settings
- Ensure that the application you're printing from (e.g., Microsoft Word, Adobe Reader) has the color option selected in the print dialog box.
3. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
- Update Driver: Go to the HP website and download the latest driver for your HP Envy 4520. Install the updated driver and restart your computer.
- Reinstall Driver: Uninstall the printer driver from your laptop, restart your computer, and reinstall the driver from the HP website.
4. Use the HP Print and Scan Doctor
- Download and run the HP Print and Scan Doctor tool. This tool can diagnose and fix many common printing issues.
5. Check Ink Levels
- Ensure that the color ink cartridges are not empty. Low or empty color ink cartridges can cause the printer to default to monochrome.
- Replace any low or empty cartridges with genuine HP cartridges.
Kindly check the next set of steps in the next post.
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”.
Nal_NR-Moderator
I am an HP Employee
07-03-2024 09:03 AM
Hi @LoriM1023,
Please find the next set of steps below.
6. Print a Test Page
- Print a test page directly from the printer to see if it prints in color. This helps determine if the issue is with the printer or the laptop/software settings.
- On the printer's control panel, go to "Setup" > "Printer Maintenance" > "Print Quality Report."
7. Change Print Settings in Printer Properties
- Advanced Settings: Go to "Devices and Printers," right-click on your HP Envy 4520, select "Printer Properties," go to the "Advanced" tab, and check the default settings. Make sure that "Print in grayscale" is not selected.
8. Reset the Printing System (Windows)
- Open Devices and Printers:
- Type "Devices and Printers" in the Windows search bar and select it from the list.
- Remove All Printers:
- Right-click on each printer and select "Remove device" to remove all printers.
- Reboot Your Computer:
- Restart your computer.
- Reinstall Your Printer:
- Reinstall your HP Envy 4520 printer using the latest drivers from the HP website.
9. Firmware Update
- Ensure that your printer’s firmware is up to date. Check the HP website or use the HP Smart app to update the firmware if necessary.
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”.
Nal_NR-Moderator
I am an HP Employee