HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 Not Printing in Color

Frustrated because your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 is not printing in color? You are not alone. Many Windows users deal with faded prints, documents coming out in black and white, blank color sections, or error messages saying there is a cartridge problem.

Sometimes the printer shows online but still refuses to print color correctly. Other times, the print queue gets stuck or colors look washed out.

The good news is this can usually be fixed quickly. In many cases, outdated printer software is the real cause, especially after a Windows 10 or Windows 11 update. Below, you will find a simple checklist and step by step fixes to get your color printing back.

Quick Fix Checklist

Before diving into detailed steps, try this quick checklist:

• Restart your printer and computer
• Check ink levels from the printer screen
• Make sure Color is selected in Print Preferences
• Cancel stuck print jobs
• Update your printer software

If color printing still does not work, follow the methods below in order.

Why Your HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 Is Not Printing in Color

Your printer depends on software installed on your computer to communicate with Windows. This software tells Windows how to send color data, manage ink usage, and process print jobs correctly.

When the software becomes outdated, corrupted, or removed during a Windows update, communication errors happen. Windows may default to black and white mode. It may misread cartridge information. It may even send incomplete print commands.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates sometimes replace existing printer settings. This can cause the printer to appear normal but stop printing color properly.

That is why updating the printer software is often the fastest and most reliable solution.

Method 1 – Fastest Fix Using DriverAssist (Recommended)

If you want the quickest solution without digging through settings, DriverAssist can automatically detect and update the correct printer software for your system.

This method works well if:

• Color printing suddenly stopped after a Windows update
• You see printer not responding errors
• The printer shows offline randomly
• Reinstalling manually did not fix the issue

Steps to Fix It

1. Download and install DriverAssist.
2. Launch the program.
3. Click Scan.
4. Let it detect outdated or missing printer software.
5. Click Update to install the correct version.

Restart your computer after installation.

Many users notice color printing works immediately after the restart because the correct communication files are restored.

Method 2 – Download from HP Website Manually

If you prefer to install the software yourself, you can download it directly from HP.

Be careful during this process. Choosing the wrong version can cause more issues.

Step by Step Guide

1. Open your browser.
2. Go to the official HP Support website.
3. Search for HP OfficeJet Pro 8710.
4. Select your exact model.
5. Choose your correct Windows version.

For Windows 11 users
Go to Settings, then System, then About to confirm your version.

For Windows 10 users
Go to Settings, then System, then About to check 32 bit or 64 bit.

1. Download the full feature software package.
2. Run the installer.
3. Follow the on screen instructions.
4. Restart your computer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Downloading a basic driver instead of the full software package
• Choosing the wrong Windows version
• Skipping the restart
• Keeping old printer versions installed

After reinstalling, open Printer Properties and confirm that Color is selected as the default setting.

Method 3 – Update Through Windows Device Manager

This method is built into Windows but has limitations.

It often installs only a generic printer driver, which may not fully restore color functionality.

Steps for Windows 10 and Windows 11

1. Press Windows key + X.
2. Click Device Manager.
3. Expand Printers.
4. Right click HP OfficeJet Pro 8710.
5. Click Update driver.
6. Select Search automatically for drivers.

If Windows finds an update, install it and restart.

If it says the best driver is already installed, this method may not resolve your color issue. In that case, use Method 1 or 2.

Check Print Settings for Color Mode

Sometimes Windows switches the printer to grayscale mode.

To fix this:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click Devices and Printers.
3. Right click HP OfficeJet Pro 8710.
4. Select Printing Preferences.
5. Look for Color options.
6. Make sure Print in Grayscale is unchecked.
7. Click Apply.

Print a test page to confirm.

Why This Problem Keeps Coming Back

Many users fix the issue once, only for it to return months later.

Here is why:

• Windows updates overwrite printer settings
• Corrupted files remain from previous installations
• Multiple printer versions are installed
• Automatic updates are disabled

Each time Windows changes system files, printer communication can break again. That is why keeping printer software updated is important.

How to Keep Printer Software Updated Automatically

Manually checking for updates every month is time consuming.

Automatic update tools scan your system regularly and install correct updates when needed. This prevents printer offline errors, printer not responding problems, and color printing failures caused by outdated software.

It also reduces issues like slow printing, blank pages, and stuck print queues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 printing black instead of color?

This usually happens because grayscale mode is enabled or the printer software is outdated. Updating the software often restores color printing.

Why does my printer show full color ink but still prints faded pages?

Corrupted printer files or incorrect settings can block color commands. Reinstalling the full software package fixes this in most cases.

Does Windows 11 cause color printing issues?

Windows 11 updates can replace printer communication files. Reinstalling updated software restores compatibility.

How do I fix printer offline errors along with color problems?

Update the printer software first. Offline errors often happen when Windows cannot communicate properly with the device.

Can a stuck print queue stop color printing?

Yes. A blocked print queue can interrupt proper color data transmission. Clear all print jobs before testing again.

Final Thoughts

Color printing problems with the HP OfficeJet Pro 8710 are usually software related, not hardware failures. Before replacing cartridges or buying a new printer, update the printer software and confirm your color settings.

Most users see results immediately after installing the correct version.