Faded or washed-out prints are usually caused by low ink, a partially clogged printhead, or the wrong paper or print-quality setting.

Quick Answer

Run a printhead cleaning cycle, switch the print quality setting from "Draft" to "Normal" or "High," and check ink levels.

On This Page
  1. Common Reasons This Happens
  2. Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting
  3. 1. Change the Print Quality Setting
  4. 2. Run a Printhead Cleaning Cycle
  5. 3. Match the Paper Type Setting
  6. 4. Replace Low Cartridges
  7. 5. Print a Nozzle Check
  8. What If It's Still Not Fixed?
  9. Frequently Asked Questions

Common Reasons my printer printing faded pages

Draft or economy print mode

This setting intentionally uses less ink and produces lighter output to save cartridges.

Partially clogged nozzles

Some ink is getting through, but not enough for full, even coverage.

Incorrect paper type setting

Printing on the wrong paper profile can cause ink to absorb unevenly and look faded.

Near-empty cartridges

Ink levels close to zero often produce lighter, streakier output before the printer reports "empty."

Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before you start:
  • Check whether "Draft" or "Economy" mode is selected in your print settings.
  • Confirm the paper type setting matches the paper actually loaded.
  • Look at reported ink levels for each cartridge.

1. Change the Print Quality Setting

1

Switch from Draft/Economy to Normal or High quality in your print preferences.

2. Run a Printhead Cleaning Cycle

2

This clears partial clogs that reduce ink flow without stopping it completely.

3. Match the Paper Type Setting

3

Select the correct paper type (plain, photo, matte) to match what's loaded in the tray.

4. Replace Low Cartridges

4

Swap any cartridge under roughly 10-15% to restore full, even saturation.

5. Print a Nozzle Check

5

Confirm even ink coverage across the test pattern before printing your document again.

What If It's Still Not Fixed?

If you've worked through every step above and the problem continues, it's worth checking a nearby cause rather than repeating the same steps. The guides below cover the most common related issues.

Still stuck? Try describing the problem in your own words using the search bar — different symptoms of the same root cause are often covered on a related page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Draft mode is designed to use less ink, which naturally produces lighter, faster prints intended for internal use rather than final copies.

People Also Ask

  • Clean the feed rollers, don't overfill the paper tray, and make sure the paper weight matches your printer's specifications. Read the full guide →
  • Check Windows Update for an official driver, or download the Windows 11-specific driver directly from the manufacturer if the built-in one fails. Read the full guide →
  • Run a printhead cleaning cycle and a nozzle check, and gently clean the encoder strip inside the printer if lines continue. Read the full guide →
  • Reset the printing system in System Settings, then re-add the printer and confirm it's set as default. Read the full guide →

Related Guides

Why Is My Printer Printing Blank Pages? Why Is My Printer Not Printing Color? Why Is My Printer Printing Lines? Why Is My Printer Printing Streaks?