Whenever you upgrade the OS, there’s a good chance of encountering compatibility issues. Maybe the installed printer driver or the relevant applications are not compatible with Windows 11. Also, there are a few critical services that must be running for the printer to work effectively. Other than that, it could be a conflicting background process or problems with the cartridge behind the issue. Now that you have a basic understanding of the causes, it’s time to find out what to do if Windows 11 is not printing in color.
What can I do if Windows 11 is not printing in color?
1. Restart the computer and the printer
Before we delve into the complex troubleshooting methods, first, restart both the computer and the printer. Also, make sure to disconnect the power supply to turn off the printer rather than pressing the dedicated button. This method has worked for a lot of users, particularly in situations where the problem lies with a background process or some minor malfunction with the printer. Once done, check if the printer is now printing color copies in Windows 11.
2. Run the Printer troubleshooter
Another quick way to fix the Windows 11 not printing in color issue is to run the dedicated Printer troubleshooter. It will automatically identify what’s causing the problem and remove it.
3. Update the printer driver
Windows will now scan for the best available driver on the system and install it for the printer. Though the method is simple and quick, a major drawback here is that it only scans the drivers available on the computer, and not the online sources. In case a better driver couldn’t be found, try the other ways to update the driver in Windows 11. Or you could check our dedicated guide that explains how to install printer drivers in Windows 11. If these methods sound like too much trouble, you can always use a reliable third-party app. We recommend DriverFix, a dedicated tool that will automatically install the latest version for all the drivers installed on your computer, thus keeping them up-to-date. SPONSORED ⇒ Get DriverFix
4. Run the Print Spooler service
The Print Spooler service is critical for the effective functioning of the connected printer. It stores the tasks in the system’s memory until the printer is ready to execute them. Also, if the service is not running, you may not be able to access or see your printer.
5. Uninstall a recent Windows update
If you started encountering the Windows 11 not printing in color problem after installing a particular update, there could be a bug in that particular version causing the problem. To fix it, uninstall that update, and wait for the next version to release. In all likelihood, Microsoft would release a patch for the bug in the subsequent updates, and you shouldn’t face any more trouble.
6. Reinstall the printer
After you have removed the printer, and uninstalled all related programs and drivers, reinstall it just like you did last time. And once it’s set up, you would be able to print color copies in Windows 11. For most users, the first couple of methods should help fix the problem. And for the others, the last method is bound to get things up and running, provided there is no hardware issue. The fixes should also work if Windows 11 is not printing double-sided copies. Also, find out what to do if your printer stops working in Windows 11. In case you are looking to purchase a new one, here’s our curated list of the best printers for Windows. Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
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