Quick answer
On the HP Color LaserJet CP2020 series, check the driver’s Print in Grayscale setting. Then compare a printer-generated colour page with a document printed from your application.
Understand the problem before changing anything
A grayscale job is different from a colour engine fault. If the printer’s own colour output works, the application or driver is a stronger starting point. Confirm that you selected the correct physical printer rather than a similarly named queue.
Step-by-step checks
Try a known colour document
Use a small page with clearly different coloured elements. Check that the document itself has not been converted to grayscale.
Inspect printing preferences
Open the CP2020 driver’s colour options and review Print in Grayscale. Select an appropriate colour or automatic setting for the test.
Check per-job overrides
An application can apply its own black-and-white setting. Review its print dialog as well as the printer’s saved preferences.
Compare a device-generated page
Use the model’s built-in report or colour test page. If it also lacks colour, inspect supply status and device messages.
Retest after one change
Print the same small document again. Save the intended preset only after confirming colour appears correctly.
What to avoid
Do not replace all colour cartridges solely because one application prints grayscale. First separate driver choices from a printer-generated test failure.
How to verify the result
Check for all expected colours, readable text and any supply warnings. If colour is present but shifted or uneven, that is a print-quality problem rather than simply grayscale mode.
Use the printer’s own output to narrow the fault
Write down the exact printer model, connection method and displayed error. A device-generated report and a job sent from a computer test different parts of the workflow. If the printer’s own page works, investigate the queue, application, driver or connection before assuming an internal part has failed.
Use one small sample and change one setting at a time. Compare the loaded paper with the job’s requested size and type, and inspect both application and driver options. Saved presets can override a setting that looks correct in another window. For a network printer, note whether the router or Wi-Fi details changed and whether another device can send a job.
Keep a record of the successful combination of paper, source and print settings. Test the original document or a non-sensitive equivalent after the correction. Do not force jammed paper, reach into hot components or dismantle the power section. If a mechanical fault is suspected, provide the model and a small sample of the defect so an assessment can target the correct part rather than relying on a vague description such as not printing.
Before you finish
- Printer model and connection recorded
- Internal test compared with computer-sent job
- Paper, driver and app settings aligned
- Small sample verified before a large batch
Common question
Why does one application print colour while another does not?
The two applications may use different job settings, presets or printer queues. Compare their selected device and colour options.
Need help with the next step?
Tell RJ Computers the device model, exact symptom, checks already tried and whether important files are backed up. Confirm availability, assessment charges and the scope of work before arranging a visit.
Reference and version notes
Check the official instructions for your exact product version; menu names and available features can differ.
HP: CP2020 colour settings