Scanner is producing black and white images instead of colour. Advise, please.

[46Jayman]

All-In-One Printer installed a couple of months ago. It worked okay up until now.

The PC being used is a Lenovo Ideapad - new, summer '25.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @46Jayman,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I can imagine how disappointing it feels when you expect to see your scans in vibrant colour, the way they looked on the page, but instead your printer quietly sends over a dull black‑and‑white image. Let’s bring that colour back. 

Step 1: Scan From the HP Software on Your PC (Not the Printer Panel)

The HP Community’s accepted solution confirms that scanning from the PC gives you full colour options:

• Open your HP printer software / HP Smart
• Select Scan a Document or Photo
• Choose Colour under Output type
• Then click Scan

Tip:

You can set Colour as the default under Advanced Settings → Output Type → Colour.

Step 2: Make Sure You Didn’t Accidentally Enable B&W Mode

Some scan presets automatically use black‑and‑white (for text clarity).

Check:

• In HP Smart → Scan Settings
• Ensure Colour is selected, and
• Grayscale or Black & White is OFF

Also, check in any app you're scanning through (Windows Fax & Scan, etc.), they can override printer settings.

Step 3: Clean the Scanner Glass (Important for Colour Accuracy)

Dust, film, or fingerprints can confuse the scanner sensor, making colours appear washed out or converting them to grey.

HP recommends:

• Wipe the main scanner glass
• Wipe the white backing under the lid
• Clean ADF glass strips if using a feeder

Use a soft, lint‑free cloth and spray cleaner on the cloth, not the scanner.

Step 4: Check If Colour Copies Work

This is a quick hardware test:

• Place a colour page
• Use Copy → Colour on the printer

If the hard‑copy colour comes out correctly, the scanner hardware is fine, and it’s a settings/software issue on the PC.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat