Printer not printing in Color

Donald MacPherson 0 Reputation points
2026-10-01T14:21:52.0366667+00:00

My printer will not print in color although it does when I printed an alignment check page. Cartridge new and properly installed.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-01T14:22:08.74+00:00

    Since the printer can print its own alignment page in color, the hardware and cartridge are likely working. In Windows, the most useful next steps are to refresh the printer setup and driver.

    1. Remove and reinstall the printer.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer.
      • Select Remove and confirm.
      • Then go back to Printers & scanners, make sure the printer is on and connected, and select Add device.
      • If Windows does not find it, select Add manually.
    2. Reinstall it manually if needed.
      • In Add manually, choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
      • Select Use an existing port and choose the port the printer uses.
      • If the printer came with a driver disc, select Have Disk. Otherwise, select Windows Update.
      • Choose the printer manufacturer and model, then finish setup.
      • Print a test page.
    3. Update or reinstall the printer driver.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Printers.
      • Right-click the printer and select Update driver.
      • If no update is available, select Uninstall device, restart the PC, and let Windows reinstall the driver.
      • It is also recommended to get the latest driver from the printer manufacturer.
    4. Run the Windows printer troubleshooter.
      • Open Settings.
      • Select Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
      • Select the printer, then More devices and printer settings.
      • Right-click the printer and select Troubleshoot.
    5. If printing still fails, reset the print spooler.
      • Warning: this clears pending print jobs.
      • Search for services and open Services.
      • Double-click Print Spooler.
      • Select Stop.
      • Open %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS and delete the files in that folder.
      • Return to Services, open Print Spooler again, select Start, set Startup Type to Automatic, and select OK.

    If the issue started only in Windows apps such as Word or Excel, also make sure Office is fully updated from File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.

    References:

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  2. DaveM121 937.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-01T14:57:57.6733333+00:00

    1

    If you have replaced the color cartridges in your printer, clean the print heads on your printer a couple of times to test of it then prints in color.

    2

    If that does not resolve the problem, open the Settings App.

    Go to Bluetooth and Devices - Printers and Scanners.

    Select your printer.

    Check the Printer Properties and Printer Preferences section to ensure that it is not set to print in Grayscale or Draft Mode.

    3

    If that does not resolve the problem, uninstall your printer, restart (not shut down) your PC, then go to the support page for your printer on the manufacturers website to download and reinstall the version of printer drivers, firmware and associated software they provide.

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