No color print. Brand new Hp cartridges

[Rascal99]

I have an Hp office jet pro 6978.  I installed new cartridges.  However no color print.  No error messages.  I have a new HP desktop computer on Windows 11.  

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Rascal99,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 printer is not printing in color despite having new cartridges and no error messages, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the issue:

1. Check Printer Settings

Ensure that the printer settings are configured correctly for color printing:

Open the print dialog:

• Go to the application from which you are trying to print (e.g., Word, browser).
• Click on File > Print.

Select the printer:

• Choose the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 from the list of available printers.

Check printer properties:

• Click on Printer Properties or Preferences.
• Make sure the Print in Grayscale option is not selected.
• Ensure that Color is selected under Print Quality or Paper/Quality tab.

2. Perform a Printhead Cleaning

Sometimes, the printhead can become clogged, preventing color ink from being used. You can run a printhead cleaning from the printer's control panel:

1. On the printer’s control panel, swipe down to open the Dashboard.
2. Select the Setup icon (looks like a gear).
3. Go to Printer Maintenance.
4. Select Clean Printhead.

3. Align the Printhead

Proper alignment ensures that the cartridges are working correctly:

1. On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup.
2. Select Printer Maintenance.
3. Select Align Printhead.

4. Check Cartridge Installation

Ensure that the cartridges are installed correctly:

1. Open the ink cartridge access door.
2. Make sure the cartridges are correctly seated in their slots.
3. Close the door and try printing again.

5. Update Printer Firmware and Drivers Update the firmware on an HP printer

Ensure that your printer firmware and drivers are up to date:

1. Go to HP’s official website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
2. Install the drivers on your Windows 11 PC.
3. Check if there is a firmware update available for your printer.

6. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP provides a diagnostic tool that can automatically fix common printing and scanning issues:

1. Download and install the HP Print and Scan Doctor.
2. Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot the issue.

7. Print a Diagnostic Page

Print a diagnostic page to check the ink levels and print quality:

1. On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup.
2. Select Printer Maintenance.
3. Select Print Quality Report.

8. Reset the Printer

Perform a power reset:

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
2. Wait for 60 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the printer.

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer  User manual 

HP OfficeJet 6900, 8010, 8020, 8030 printers - No black ink, wrong colors, other print quality issue...

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. 

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @Rascal99,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand your HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 printer is not printing in color despite having new cartridges and no error messages, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the issue:

1. Check Printer Settings

Ensure that the printer settings are configured correctly for color printing:

Open the print dialog:

• Go to the application from which you are trying to print (e.g., Word, browser).
• Click on File > Print.

Select the printer:

• Choose the HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 from the list of available printers.

Check printer properties:

• Click on Printer Properties or Preferences.
• Make sure the Print in Grayscale option is not selected.
• Ensure that Color is selected under Print Quality or Paper/Quality tab.

2. Perform a Printhead Cleaning

Sometimes, the printhead can become clogged, preventing color ink from being used. You can run a printhead cleaning from the printer's control panel:

1. On the printer’s control panel, swipe down to open the Dashboard.
2. Select the Setup icon (looks like a gear).
3. Go to Printer Maintenance.
4. Select Clean Printhead.

3. Align the Printhead

Proper alignment ensures that the cartridges are working correctly:

1. On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup.
2. Select Printer Maintenance.
3. Select Align Printhead.

4. Check Cartridge Installation

Ensure that the cartridges are installed correctly:

1. Open the ink cartridge access door.
2. Make sure the cartridges are correctly seated in their slots.
3. Close the door and try printing again.

5. Update Printer Firmware and Drivers Update the firmware on an HP printer

Ensure that your printer firmware and drivers are up to date:

1. Go to HP’s official website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
2. Install the drivers on your Windows 11 PC.
3. Check if there is a firmware update available for your printer.

6. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP provides a diagnostic tool that can automatically fix common printing and scanning issues:

1. Download and install the HP Print and Scan Doctor.
2. Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot the issue.

7. Print a Diagnostic Page

Print a diagnostic page to check the ink levels and print quality:

1. On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup.
2. Select Printer Maintenance.
3. Select Print Quality Report.

8. Reset the Printer

Perform a power reset:

1. With the printer turned on, disconnect the power cord from the rear of the printer.
2. Wait for 60 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cord and turn on the printer.

Refer to this document: HP OfficeJet Pro 6978 All-in-One Printer  User manual 

HP OfficeJet 6900, 8010, 8020, 8030 printers - No black ink, wrong colors, other print quality issue...

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.