I installed a new HP LaserJet 3201 printer on my Windows 2022 Server and it wont print in Color

Question

When I try to select the Color option I keep getting this error message.

I am not sure why I cant print color. It will only print in Black and White.

Answer 1

Dear Team,

You’re seeing that error because the printer itself is monochrome only (black and white)—even though the driver gives you an option for "Color," the hardware cannot print in color. That’s what the message means:

Color Mode: Color PC_DEVICE_RENDER_TYPE: Monochrome

No matter what you select in the driver, the printer will always print in black and white because it physically cannot print color. This is a driver/Windows UI bug showing a "Color" option for a mono printer, which confuses users, but it doesn’t change the fact that your HP LaserJet 3201 is black & white only.

Bottom line:

HP LaserJet 3201 cannot print in color.

The "Color" option in the driver does nothing because the printer doesn’t support it.

If you want to print in color, you need a different (color) printer.

There’s no fix—this is a hardware limitation.

Best Regards,