The main reasons for this issue are-
Insufficient ink in the cartridgePrinthead not cleanUnsupportive CartridgeOutdated or corrupted Printer driver
Fix Printer not printing Black on Windows computer
If you see that the Printer is not printing Black color on your Windows 11/10 computer, try the following ways to fix the issue: Let’s get into the defaults of each method.
1] Check the Printhead and Cartridges
The Printhead of the printer houses cartridges. It needs to be clean and not blocked with dust or anything. You need to make sure it is clean. Then, check the ink level in the cartridge and replace it with another one if you find any issue.
2] Use only manufacturer’s Cartridges
The manufacturers of printers like HP, Epson, etc. recommend using their cartridges in printers manufactured by them. We brush it off thinking it as a marketing gimmick, but a third-party cartridge might cause issues such as these.
3] Run Printer Troubleshooter
If the printer is not printing black due to an error, it can be fixed by running the Printer troubleshooter. When you run it, it automatically scans for the issues and resolves them automatically. To run the Printer troubleshooter,
Open the Settings appScroll down and click on Troubleshoot tabThen, click on Other troubleshootersFind Printer in the list and click on Run beside it
Check if it has fixed the issue.
4] Update the Printer driver
Your printer might not be printing black due to an issue that has been occurred due to a corrupt or outdated Printer driver. You need to update it to the latest version to resolve the issue. You can update the Printer driver using the following ways.
Using Optional UpdatesUsing the manufacturer’s websiteUsing a third-party driver updating softwareUsing Device Manager
If you have the INF driver file already on your computer then:
Open Device Manager.Click the driver category to expand the menu.Then choose the relevant driver and right-click on it.Select Update Driver.Follow the on-screen wizard to finish updating your Printer driver.
5] Change Printing Defaults
The final way is to change Printing Defaults using Settings. Change Printing Defaults to Black and white as the default printing color can make your printer print in black. If you want to use the same printer for color printing, you have to change the defaults again. To change Printing Defaults,
Open the Settings appSelect Bluetooth & devices on the left side panelClick on the Printers & Scanners tabClick on the printer you are having a problem with, in the listNow, click on the Printing preferences tabSelect AdvancedClick on Printing DefaultsSelect Black and white and save changes
These are the different ways using which you can fix when the printer is not printing black on Windows.
Why is my computer not printing black?
There might be many reasons like not clean Printhead, low ink in cartridges, non-responsive cartridges, outdated or corrupted printer driver, or any issue with the printers. You can fix them using the above methods. Read: Printer not printing in color on Windows PC.
Why is my printer not printing black when ink is full HP?
Your HP printer might not have ink in its cartridge, or the printer does not support the cartridge you have used, the printer drivers are corrupted, or any other issues with the printer. Read: Printer icon not showing in Devices and Printers.
