HP printer driver won't print in color

Question

HP printer driver won't print in color while using Microsoft PowerPoint even though color was selected in the print menu. Removed and then reinstalled the print driver and put a new ink cartridge into the HP printer, and it still prints only in black and white even though color is chosen in the print menu. Why?

Answer 1

Hi,

Which HP printer model is it?

What type of connection are you using for the printer?

Thanks.

Answer 2

This is usually caused by the printer driver or a known Windows/Universal Print compatibility issue rather than the ink cartridge or the PowerPoint file itself.

Supported causes from the available guidance:

1. Driver problems or incompatibility Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can cause printing features such as color to behave incorrectly. Microsoft guidance recommends updating the printer driver, reinstalling the printer, or installing a compatible driver from the printer manufacturer.
2. A known Universal Print color issue on Windows 10 If the printer is using Universal Print connector with some color printer drivers, Windows can default to Color or mishandle color defaults depending on the driver behavior. Microsoft documents color-related known issues for Universal Print on Windows 10 version 2004 and newer, fixed in Windows 11.
3. Printer/driver settings not being exposed correctly to Office apps Microsoft notes that when there is a problem with the printer or printer driver, some printer settings can be hidden or the connection to the printer can be affected.

Actionable steps supported by the guidance:

1. Update or reinstall the printer driver
   • Open Start > Device Manager.
   • Expand Printers.
   • Right-click the HP printer and select Update driver.
   • If no update is available, select Uninstall device.
   • Restart the PC so Windows attempts to reinstall the printer driver.
2. Remove and reinstall the printer from Windows settings
   • Go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
   • Select the printer and choose Remove device.
   • Restart the PC.
   • Go back to Printers & scanners and select Add a printer or scanner.
   • Let Windows install the recommended driver.
3. Install a compatible driver from HP If Windows does not install a suitable driver, download a driver from the printer manufacturer that matches the Windows version and system type, then install it and restart the PC.
4. Restart the printer and PC
   • Turn off the printer for 10 seconds.
   • Restart the PC.
   • Turn the printer back on and test again.
5. If printing problems continue in Office apps, run the Windows printer troubleshooter
   • Open Devices and Printers.
   • Right-click the printer.
   • Select Troubleshoot and follow the wizard.

If the printer prints color correctly from other devices but not from Windows, that points more strongly to the Windows driver than to the cartridge.

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