Resolving QuickBooks Error: Default Double-Sided Printing

The QuickBooks Double-Sided Printing Error is a configuration fault in which QuickBooks Desktop produces duplex print jobs even when the user selects single-sided printing. The error appears when operating system print defaults, printer-driver duplex parameters, third-party application settings, or QuickBooks print configuration files impose an automatic duplex instruction during print initialization. The problem frequently occurs after installing or switching to a new printer, particularly when the device is configured with duplex mode as the default output.

Modern printers include automatic duplex mechanisms, and these mechanisms override application-level print selections when the printer’s internal settings, driver attributes, or system-level printing preferences are set to two-sided output. When these conditions are active, QuickBooks inherits the duplex state and continues to generate double-sided prints. This article identifies these causes and outlines the procedures required to restore standard one-sided printing in QuickBooks.

What Are The Causes of QuickBooks Default Double-Sided Printing Problem?

The QuickBooks Default Double-Sided Printing Problem occurs when the printing parameters retrieved by QuickBooks contain an active duplex setting. The error is generated when the operating system defaults, printer-driver attributes, or QuickBooks configuration files enforce duplex printing during the print initialization process. The following causes are directly responsible for the recurring duplex output:

1. The Windows printing subsystem contains a default duplex configuration in the Printers and Scanners settings, and QuickBooks inherits these settings during print execution.
2. A third-party application, such as a web browser or document viewer, stores an internal duplex printing preference that transfers to QuickBooks when the application manages the print dialogue.
3. The printer’s onboard configuration panel contains an active duplex mode, and the driver enforces this mode across all print jobs.
4. The printer driver installs with manufacturer-defined duplex settings, and the PCL or PostScript driver attributes override QuickBooks print commands.
5. QuickBooks print configuration files (QBPrint.qbp) contain corrupted or outdated duplex data, forcing the software to return duplex print instructions even after user adjustments.
6. Network-managed printers enforce administrator-level duplex rules that override application-specific print preferences, including those in QuickBooks.

Common QuickBooks Double-Sided Printing Issues!

Several operational issues can interfere with QuickBooks printing functions and contribute to printing failures, including cases where print jobs default to duplex mode. These issues originate from hardware conditions, configuration errors, and access limitations that prevent QuickBooks from communicating correctly with the active printer. The following conditions commonly appear when QuickBooks cannot process a print command:

• The printer is powered off.
• The printer’s paper tray is empty.
• The printer is inactive or not responding.
• The printer was installed incorrectly.
• The default printer selection changes unexpectedly.
• The user does not have administrator-level access.
• The QuickBooks Desktop application is installed incorrectly.

What are the Indicators of QuickBooks Double-Sided Printing Error? 

QuickBooks Double-Sided Printing Error produces specific operational signs that indicate the software is receiving or applying a duplex instruction during print initialization. These indicators appear when QuickBooks interacts with a newly installed printer, an updated driver, or a system configuration that enforces duplex mode by default.

Here we’re presenting how to determine the QuickBooks printing issue that usually arises when you install or use a new printer with QuickBooks:

• Inability to print the command by using the printer.
• Having issues with the Microsoft XPS Document Writer on the XPS port and the Printer.
• The application is unable to save the form as a.pdf.
• Fail to transmit PDF files, produce prints, or reconcile the accounts.
• The print driver host cannot be used with 32-bit applications.
• QuickBooks may close and stop responding when trying to create, email, or print a pay stub or payroll reports.
• The software is freezing frequently when reconciling the accounts.

Points to Be Considered Before Fixing QuickBooks Double-Sided Printing Error!

Several preliminary checks must be completed before troubleshooting the duplex-printing error to ensure that QuickBooks, the operating system, and the printer driver are operating in a stable printing environment. These checks confirm that the software and hardware components required for print initialization are functioning correctly and not introducing secondary print faults.

• QuickBooks is updated to the most recent available version.
• The connectivity between the computer and the printer is stable.
• The latest printer driver is installed.
• The printer displays no warning lights or hardware error messages.
• The operating system print spooler is running without queued or stalled jobs.
• The default printer is correctly assigned in the operating system.
• The printer is not operating in an ECO or automatic-duplex energy-saving mode.
• The system has administrator-level permissions for modifying print settings.
• QuickBooks print configuration files are not corrupted or outdated.

How to Troubleshoot QuickBooks Double-Sided Printing Issue?

QuickBooks double-sided printing errors require a systematic troubleshooting approach because the duplex setting can originate from the operating system, printer driver, QuickBooks print configuration, or third-party applications. Resolving the issue involves identifying the source of the duplex command and applying the necessary adjustments at each layer of the printing environment.

For Windows

Solution 1: Turning off the Default Duplex Printing Option of the Printer

Follow the below-given steps to ensure that the default duplex printing option is off from within the printer’s Print Preferences Panel:

• Step 1: Launch the Start Menu and navigate to Windows Settings.
• Step 2: Select the Devices option.
• Step 3: In the Devices panel, access the Printers & scanner section.
• Step 4: From the list of options, Click on Devices and Printers to open the Control Panel.
• Step 5: Right-click on the Default Printer to launch the drop-down menu.
• Step 6: Select the Printing Settings option from the list of options. The Setting box for the printer will now be displayed on the screen.
• Step 7: Find the Two-sided Duplex Printing option and disable it.

Note: The Two-sided Printing option may be in the Advanced or Page Layout sections of the Printer Settings Window.

Solution 2: Disable the Duplex Printing Option From the 3rd Party Programs

Third-party programs offer a variety of printing options, including two-sided printing. For example, if the user is using Google Chrome as their default browser, the user needs to disable the Two-sided printing option from within the browser.

The user must also turn off the duplex printing setting in the software they use to print from to prevent QuickBooks from printing double-sided.

Solution 3: Disabling the Duplex Printing Setting From the Printer’s Setting Menu

Most printers nowadays have separate menu panels that operate completely independently of Windows or any other 3rd party programs. The user needs to access the printer’s menu to disable the duplex printing option.

On the menu screen, navigate to the general or ECO settings menus and locate & disable the two-sided print option.

Solution 4: Print from Another Program

Let’s make sure you can print from any program you have, as long as it’s not QuickBooks.

Solution 5: Test the Printer Setup

Follow these steps to test your printer’s setup.

Step 1: Check the Printer is Setup Correctly

1. Disable the printer and restart your system then turn the printer back on.
2. Make sure you load the printer paper correctly.
3. Press Start and select the Control Panel, then click twice on Printers and Faxes.
4. If the printer shows Offline, right-click on the printer and choose Use Printer Online.
5. Double-click the printer and if there are print jobs displayed in the queue, click Printer, then Cancel All Documents.
6. Shut down the window.
7. Hit right-click the printer and select Properties then choose Print Test Page.

Note: If the printer is a network printer and the test page doesn’t print, network issues may be the cause.

Step 2: Check the Printer is the Right One

1. In QuickBooks, head to the File menu and then choose Printer Setup.
2. Select the form you wish to print.
3. Make sure the printer name matches the exact name of the printer you want to use. If not, you need to correct the setup within your computer’s Printer Setup first.
4. Click Help in this area for more help on these settings.

Step 3: Print to a Different Printer

1. Navigate to File and then choose Printer Setup in QuickBooks.
2. Click on the form you want to print.
3. Select a different printer, like the Microsoft XP printer.
4. Press Help in this area for more help with these settings.

Solution 6: Check your Company File and QuickBooks Installation 

• Print a different form or, try a standard form or report if you’re using customized forms or memorized reports.
• If you were printing a batch of forms in QuickBooks, try to print a single form. If successful, try to print smaller batches.
• Open any QuickBooks sample company files and try to print the same type of form or report. If it works, you can use Resolve data damage on your company file to fix any data damage in your file and then try to print again.

Solution 7: Run the Print & PDF Tool from the QB Tool Hub

For macOS (Apple Devices)

Solution I: Add a Generic PCL Printer

Step 8: A new window will pop up to confirm that the options are accurately shown. In this window, the user can find the option to select the “Duplexer Check Box.” Make sure the check box is not selected.

Step 9: Click OK.

Test printing to confirm whether the printing issue has been resolved or not.

Solution II: Change Printing Defaults on a MAC OSX Driver

Step 8: Choose Set Default Options.

Note: The user may be prompted to authenticate to cups. Enter the account name and password that has been set as the admin for this Mac device.

The user can now verify that the change has been successfully selected to one-sided printing. 

Conclusion!

QuickBooks Double-Sided Printing Error occurs when system-level settings, printer driver duplex parameters, or QuickBooks configuration files enforce duplex printing. Restoring one-sided printing requires verifying the printing environment, adjusting duplex settings at the operating system and printer levels, and ensuring proper QuickBooks configuration to restore one-sided printing.

It is also important to confirm that printer drivers are up to date, the correct default printer is selected, and no third-party applications are overriding print preferences. Following these structured troubleshooting steps minimizes workflow disruptions, prevents recurring duplex errors, and ensures accurate and consistent document output in QuickBooks Desktop.

Hopefully, the information given above will be useful to you. But if you are still facing any kind of issues with your software and need professional assistance regarding accounting, bookkeeping & accounting software-related issues, then feel free to get technical support with us at +1-802-778-9005, or you can email us at support@ebetterbooks.com

FAQs!

What is Duplex Printing?

Printers have the ability to automatically print on both sides of a sheet of paper, known as automatic duplex printing. 

How to Enable the Cups Page on macOS?

Launch the terminal and type “sudo cupsctl webinterface=yes.” When prompted, enter the admin password and then refresh the safari view to enable the cups page.

Why is My Document Printing Double-Sided?

Because duplex printing is enabled.

What to Do to Print Double-Sided Pages for a Single Job on Windows 11? 

To print on both sides of the paper in one print job, adhere to the following steps:

1. Open the document which you want to print (for example, If you wish to print a WordPad document, open it in the WordPad app). 
2. Press Ctrl + P keys to open the WordPad’s print window.
3. Now select File >>>and click Print from the menu bar.
4. Choose your printer and then select Printer Properties, Preferences, or Printer Setup.
5. From the Print Settings, click on the option for a two-sided print job.

Note: Menu options vary by printer model.

How to Disable Double-Sided Printing in MS Documents? 

Follow these steps to turn off double-sided printing in Microsoft:

1. Open the File you want to print.
2. Navigate to the File menu and then select Print. 
3. Choose a Printer from a drops-down menu and click the arrows next to the Printer to see other available printers. 
4. Hover over the Copies and Pages drop-down menu and then select Layout from here. 
5. Locate and disable the 2-sided option in the Layout window.
6. At last, press Print to print your document. 

How Can I Manage My Printer Settings to Print One-Sided?

For this, go through the steps mentioned below:

1. Hit the File tab.
2. Select Print.
3. Under Settings, choose to Print One Sided. If Print on Both Sides is available, your printer is set up for duplex printing.

Disclaimer: The information outlined above for “Resolving QuickBooks Error: Default Double-Sided Printing” is applicable to all supported versions, including QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, Accountant, and Enterprise. It is designed to work with operating systems such as Windows 7, 10, and 11, as well as macOS.