If your color printer only prints in black and white on Windows 10, a grayscale setting is usually switched on somewhere. It can be in the printer’s own preferences, in the app’s print dialog, or in the document. Changing the default in printing preferences fixes it for every print. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027.
Quick Answer
Open Control Panel, Devices and Printers, right-click your printer, choose Printing preferences, open the Color (or Paper/Quality) tab, select Color, and click OK. Also check the Color option in the app’s Print dialog.
How to Change Printer Settings to Color in Windows 10
- Open Control Panel and select Devices and Printers (or Settings, Devices, Printers and scanners).
- Right-click your printer and choose Printing preferences.
- Open the Color or Paper/Quality tab; the name depends on the driver.
- Select Color instead of Grayscale or Black and white, then click OK.
- When printing, check the Color option in the app’s Print dialog, since apps can override the default.
Why Prints Come Out Black and White
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Grayscale set in preferences | Choose Color in Printing preferences |
| App print setting | Select Color in the Print dialog |
| Low or empty color ink | Replace cartridges |
| Generic driver | Install the manufacturer’s full driver |
| Document is grayscale | Check the file’s colors |
Troubleshooting
- No color option appears: Windows may be using a basic driver. Install the full driver from the printer maker’s site.
- Colors are faint or streaky: run the printer’s cleaning and alignment tools from its maintenance tab.
- For other print defaults, see how to change printer settings in Windows 10.
- If the wrong printer is used, read how to set the default printer in Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does color printing use black ink too?
Yes. Most printers use black for text even in color mode.
Can I print in color only for one document?
Yes. Choose Color in the app’s Print dialog and leave the default as grayscale.
Does this work on Windows 11?
Yes. Open Settings, Bluetooth and devices, Printers and scanners, then Printing preferences.
Summary
- Open Printing preferences for the printer.
- Find the Color tab.
- Select Color and click OK.
- Check the app’s Print dialog too.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.