How to Stop HP Printer Printing on Both Sides: Quick Fixes You Need to Know!

Are you constantly battling with your HP printer, trying to get it to print single-sided documents? It’s a common frustration, especially when you only need one side of the paper. This blog post will guide you through the simple steps to stop your HP printer from automatically printing on both sides, ensuring you save paper and time.

Understanding the “Automatic Duplex” Setting

The culprit behind your double-sided prints is likely the “automatic duplex” setting on your HP printer. This feature is designed to save paper and time by printing on both sides of the sheet. However, it can be inconvenient if you only need single-sided documents.

1. Disable Duplex Printing in the Printer Properties

The most straightforward way to stop your HP printer from printing on both sides is to change the settings directly within the printer properties. Here’s how:
1. Open your document: Start by opening the document you want to print.
2. Go to the “Print” menu: Click on the “File” tab and then select “Print.”
3. Access printer properties: Look for the “Printer” or “Properties” button (it may vary slightly depending on your software). Click on it to open the printer properties window.
4. Locate the “Duplex” or “Two-Sided” setting: Within the printer properties, you’ll find a section related to “Duplex” or “Two-Sided” printing.
5. Select “Off” or “None”: Choose the option that disables duplex printing. This will ensure your documents are printed only on one side of the paper.
6. Click “Apply” and “OK”: Save your changes by clicking “Apply” and then “OK” to close the printer properties window.

2. Use the “Print” Dialog Box

Another simple way to control your printing settings is through the “Print” dialog box. Here’s how:
1. Open your document: Open the document you want to print.
2. Go to the “Print” menu: Click on the “File” tab and then select “Print.”
3. Find the “Pages” section: In the “Print” dialog box, look for the “Pages” section.
4. Select “Print on both sides” or “Manual duplex”: If you want to print on both sides, you can select this option. However, if you want to print single-sided, simply leave this option unchecked.
5. Click “Print”: After making your selections, click “Print” to start the printing process.

3. Manipulate the Print Driver Settings

If the previous methods haven‘t worked, you might need to delve deeper into the print driver settings. Here’s how:
1. Access your printer’s settings: Go to your computer’s “Control Panel” or “System Preferences” and locate the “Printers” or “Devices” section.
2. Right-click on your HP printer: Right-click on the icon representing your HP printer.
3. Select “Printing Preferences” or “Properties”: Choose “Printing Preferences” or “Properties” from the right-click menu.
4. Find the “Duplex” or “Two-Sided” setting: Locate the section related to duplex printing within the printer properties.
5. Disable duplex printing: Select the option to disable duplex printing. This will prevent your printer from automatically printing on both sides.
6. Apply and save changes: Click “Apply” and “OK” to save your changes and close the printer properties window.

4. Utilize the Printer Control Panel

Many HP printers have a control panel with buttons that allow you to adjust various settings. Here’s how to disable duplex printing through the control panel:
1. Locate the “Duplex” button: Look for a button on your printer’s control panel that is labeled “Duplex,” “Two-Sided,” or a similar icon.
2. Press the button: Press the button to access the duplex settings.
3. Select “Off” or “None”: Choose the option that disables duplex printing.
4. Confirm your selection: Depending on your printer model, you might need to confirm your selection by pressing an “OK” or “Enter” button.

5. Consider Using a Third-Party Application

If none of the above methods work, you can explore using a third-party application to manage your printing settings. Some popular options include:

• PrintFriendly: This free online service allows you to customize your printing options, including disabling duplex printing.
• PDF24 Creator: This free software lets you create PDFs from various file types and offers advanced printing options, including the ability to choose single-sided printing.

6. Check for Firmware Updates

Outdated printer firmware can sometimes cause unexpected printing behaviors. Here’s how to check for updates:
1. Go to HP’s website: Visit the HP website and navigate to the support section.
2. Enter your printer model: Enter your HP printer model number in the search bar.
3. Locate firmware updates: Look for the “Firmware” or “Software” section on your printer’s support page.
4. Download and install updates: If available, download the latest firmware update and follow the instructions to install it on your printer.

7. Contact HP Support

If all else fails, it’s always a good idea to contact HP support for assistance. They can troubleshoot any issues and provide personalized guidance on how to stop your HP printer from printing on both sides.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Single-Sided Prints

By following these steps, you can confidently disable duplex printing on your HP printer and enjoy the simplicity of single-sided prints. Remember, choosing the right method depends on your printer model and preferences. Experiment with different approaches until you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What is “manual duplex” printing?
A: Manual duplex printing allows you to print on both sides of the paper but requires you to manually flip the paper over between print cycles. This option is often found in the print dialog box or printer properties.
Q: Why is my HP printer still printing on both sides even after disabling duplex printing?
A: There could be several reasons why your printer is still printing double-sided. Check for any other settings that might be overriding the duplex setting, such as a document-specific print option or a setting in your printer driver.
Q: How can I save paper even if I need to print on both sides?
A: You can still conserve paper when printing double-sided by using the “print two pages per sheet” option. This setting prints two pages on a single sheet of paper, effectively reducing your paper consumption by half.
Q: What if I need to print on both sides but only want to print on one side of certain pages?
A: Some HP printers offer the option to print on both sides but only for specific pages. This allows you to have a mix of single-sided and double-sided pages within the same document. Check your printer settings for this option.
Q: My printer doesn’t have a “Duplex” button on the control panel. What should I do?
A: If your printer doesn’t have a “Duplex” button, you’ll need to adjust the duplex settings through the printer properties or the print dialog box. Refer to your printer’s user manual for specific instructions.