Printer not printing double sided on Windows PC

Duplex printing is a feature in supported printers that allows users to print on both sides of a page. This feature is useful because it helps save pages. For some users, the duplex printing feature is not working. If your printer is not printing double-sided, use the solutions provided in this article to resolve this issue.

Printer not printing double sided on Windows PC

Use the following suggestions if your printer is not printing double-sided on your Windows 11/10 computer:

1. Make sure that the Duplex Printing feature is turned on
2. Check your Printer Properties
3. Select the right driver for your printer
4. Uninstall and reinstall your printer driver
5. Remove and add your printer
6. Reset your printer to the factory default settings

Below, I have explained all these fixes in detail:

1] Make sure that the Duplex Printing feature is turned on

If your printer supports Duplex Printing, check if this feature is turned on in its settings. If this feature is turned off, your printer will not print double-sided despite giving the Duplex print command from your Windows computer. You need to configure your printer settings by using the Printer Control Panel. Refer to the user manual to know how to access the Duplex Printing option in your Printer Settings.

2] Check your Printer Properties

Some printers have a built-in Duplex unit, whereas, some have a separate Duplex Unit. This separate Duplex Unit needs to be installed on the printer if you want to print on both sides of a paper. After installing the Duplex Unit on the printer, you need to change a setting in the Windows computer, otherwise, Windows OS will consider that the Duplex Unit is not installed on the printer and you will not be able to print on both sides of the paper. The same thing also applies to printers with a built-in Duplex Unit.

Follow the steps provided below to check this setting in your Windows computer:

1. Open Windows 11/10 Settings.
2. Select Sevices > Printers & scanners on Windows 10. If you are a Windows 11 user, go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Select your printer and then click on the Printer properties.
4. On the printer properties window, select the Device Settings tab.
5. Under the Diuplex Options, Change the Duplex Unit option from Not Installed to Installed.
6. Click Apply and then click OK.

Now., check if the issue persists.

3] Select the right driver for your printer

Make sure that the right driver for your printer is selected on your Windows computer, otherwise, Duplex Printing will not work. To check this, follow the steps provided below:

1. Open your printer properties.
2. When the printer properties window appears, go to the Advanced tab.
3. Select the right printer driver in the Driver drop-down.
4. Click Apply and then click OK.

Fix: Printer Connection and Printing problems in Windows

4] Uninstall and reinstall your printer driver

Uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver can help. Do this by following the steps provided below:

1. Open the Device Manager.
2. Expand the Print queues branch.
3. Right-click on your printer driver and select Uninstall device.
4. Download the latest version of the printer driver from your printer manufacturer’s official website.

5] Remove and add your printer

If the issue persists, removing and adding the printer again can fix the problem. The steps to remove your printer from your system are as follows:

1. Open your system Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Select your printer and click Remove.
4. Now, go to Apps > Installed apps in your system Settings.
5. Uninstall all your printer software.
6. Restart your computer and then add your printer.

Now, check if you can print on both sides of the paper.

6] Reset your printer to the factory default settings

If, despite trying all the fixes provided above, the problem persists, reset your printer to the factory default settings. Refer to the user manual of your printer to know how to reset your printer to the factory default settings. Now, configure the Duplex Printing setting again.

Read: How to Print Double-Sided on Windows.

Why doesn’t my printer print on both sides?

There can be many reasons your printer is not printing on both sides of a paper. The Duplex Printing option is turned off in your printer settings. Check this through your printer control panel. You need to refer to your printer user manual. Other possible reasons for this issue are the selection of an incorrect printer driver, incorrect printer settings, etc.

Read: Printer not printing in color on Windows 11

How do I force my printer to print double-sided?

To force your printer to print double-sided, first, ensure the Duplex Unit is installed on your printer. Now, enable the Duplex Printing option in your printer settings via the Printer Panel. Also, select the required option in the private software settings.

Read: Printer not printing Black on Windows computer.