Enabling the duplex option in the driver settings

Issue description

If the printer has a duplex unit installed but does not print automatically on both sides of the page, check the driver/software settings on the computer to make sure that the duplex settings are configured correctly.

These settings tell the printer how to print the page and override any settings on the printer. The duplex option must be added in the driver and then turned on to enable it to function.

This is usually the case regardless of the data stream (i.e., PostScript, PCL) or operating system. Please follow the instructions below.

Note:  The following descriptions apply specifically to the LexmarkT630 driver for Windows, but the instructions are similar for any of the laser printers.

Solution

1. First verify that the duplex option has been added under the Device or Install Options tab of the print driver software. To do this:

   

   1. Go to the list of installed printers on your PC, right click the name of the printer affected, and select Properties.

   

   2. Click the Device tab.

      Note:  This could be listed as the Install Options tab in some programs.

   

   3. Most driver programs have either an Update or an Ask Printer button. Clicking this button instructs the program to check the current configuration and settings of the printer. The program then updates the driver to reflect the current settings and installed items.

   

   4. If your driver program does not have an Update/Ask Printer button or if the button is disabled or does not work, you can add the duplex option manually. Select Duplex Option in the Available options list and click Add to move the Duplex option to the Installed area.

   

   5. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.



2. Try printing again. If the printer still does not automatically print on both sides, make sure that the duplex function has been turned on in the Printing Preferences portion of the print driver. To do this:

   

   1. Right click the printer name in the list of installed printers and select Printing Preferences.

   

   2. Make sure you have selected one of the options in the Duplex area. In other programs, you could select 2 - Sided Printing instead.

      Note:  If the duplex option has not been added, this option is disabled (unavailable).

   

   3. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.



3. Try printing again. If the printer still does not automatically print on both sides, confirm that the paper type selected corresponds to the media actually loaded into your printer. Do this through both the print driver (Paper tab) and the printer control panel (Paper Menu).

   Note:  Labels and transparencies print on one side of the page only (simplex) regardless of the printer or driver settings. If the media type is set to Labels or Transparency, change the setting to allow for duplex printing.



4. If the printer still will not print on both sides, there could be a hardware issue with either the duplex unit or the printer. For more information, Please refer to KB Article. SO3317. If you require further assistance with changing the software/driver settings, please contact Lexmark Technical Support.