Modern laser printers, such as the model HP Laser 107w, offer users significant flexibility thanks to a built-in wireless module. The ability to print documents and photos from any device in the home, be it a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, makes the work process much more convenient. However, initially activating this feature can be challenging for those new to such equipment.
Unlike older models that require a permanent physical connection, this laser printer can operate autonomously over a network. Proper network configuration allows you to not only print but also scan documents directly to your computer without the need for cables. It's important to understand that the success of this operation depends on the sequence of steps and the software installed on your computer.
In this article, we'll cover all the connection steps in detail, review the manufacturer's official utilities, and explore alternative methods for activating wireless mode. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if your device doesn't detect your home network. Get ready to transform your office tool to the wireless printing center.
Preparatory stage before setup
Before pairing the devices, make sure the equipment is working properly. Unpack the printer, remove all shipping tape, and insert the cartridge. After powering on, the device should complete a self-test, indicated by the green "Ready" button lighting up. Only then can you proceed to network settings.
It's crucial to check your Wi-Fi router's operation. Make sure other devices (phones, laptops) have a stable internet connection. Also, have your wireless network password ready, as you'll need to enter it during the configuration process. Without knowledge Network SSID and automatic password setup is not possible.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your router operates in the 2.4 GHz band. The HP Laser 107w model does not support modern 5 GHz networks, and attempting to connect to them will result in an error.
To install the drivers, you'll need a Windows or macOS computer with internet access. If you plan to configure the device from a mobile phone, make sure the app is installed on your smartphone. HP Smart and geolocation services are enabled, which are often needed to locate the periphery.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Method 1: Setup via USB Cable (Recommended)
The most reliable and stable method for activating wireless mode is using a USB cable. This method allows the software to automatically transfer your network settings directly to the printer, eliminating manual input errors. You'll need a USB Type-B cable, which is usually included with the device.
First, download the full driver package from the manufacturer's official website. Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted to select a connection type, select wireless connectionAt a certain point, the installer will ask you to connect a USB cable.
At this point, connect the cable between the computer and the printer. The program will automatically scan for available networks and prompt you to select yours. After selecting the network and entering the password (if it wasn't saved automatically), the driver will transfer the settings to the printer. Once the Wi-Fi indicator on the device's panel turns blue, you can disconnect the cable.
| Connection type | Necessary equipment | Complexity | Probability of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB cable | USB Type-B cable | Low | 99% |
| WPS | Router with a WPS button | Minimum | 90% |
| HP Smart App | Smartphone/Tablet | Average | 85% |
Once the data transfer is successful, the system will confirm setup is complete. The computer may automatically switch to the wireless port, allowing you to print wirelessly. This method is especially useful in offices where a highly reliable connection is required.
What to do if the USB cable is not detected?
If your computer doesn't detect the printer via USB, try using a different USB 2.0 port on the back of your system. Also, make sure the cable is in good condition and no longer than 2 meters, as longer cables may not provide a stable signal for initial setup.
Method 2: Using WPS technology
If your wireless router supports WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), the setup process takes just a few seconds. This method doesn't require manually entering a password or using a computer. On the printer's control panel HP Laser 107w Find the wireless button.
Press and hold the Wi-Fi button on the printer for a few seconds until the lights start flashing. This puts the device into connection standby mode. Then, go to the router and press the WPS button on its body. Some router models require you to hold this button for 2-3 seconds.
The devices will begin searching for each other. This process takes up to 2 minutes. If the connection is successful, the wireless network indicator on the printer will stop blinking and turn solid blue. This means security protocol successfully matched and the device is on the network.
It's worth noting that some ISPs or router security settings may block automatic pairing via WPS. In this case, the system will return an error, and you'll have to use the USB cable or mobile app.
Setup via the HP Smart mobile app
Smartphone owners can set up the printer without a PC. To do this, they need to download an app. HP Smart from Google Play or the App Store. Before launching the app, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, as it is used for initial device discovery.
Launch the app and click "Add Printer" or the plus sign. The program will begin searching for devices. When your HP Laser 107w appears in the list, select it. The app will prompt you to proceed to Wi-Fi setup. You'll be prompted to select your home network from the list and enter the password.
During the setup process, the app may ask you to temporarily connect your phone to the printer's Bluetooth network or use a QR code. Follow the on-screen prompts. Once the configuration is complete, your phone will reconnect to your primary Wi-Fi network, and the printer will remain connected to the router.
This method is convenient because you gain full control of the device immediately after setup. You can check cartridge status, scan documents directly into the app, and print files from cloud storage. Mobile ecosystem HP Smart significantly expands the functionality of the basic model.
Installing drivers and software
Wireless connectivity is only half the battle. For full functionality in Windows or macOS, drivers must be installed. Even if the system automatically finds the printer on the network, basic drivers may not support all features, such as toner monitoring or duplex printing.
Go to the official HP support website and enter your device model. The system will prompt you to download the full driver package. Select your operating system from the list. Download the file and run it. During the installation, select "Wireless" as the connection type.
If the printer is already connected to Wi-Fi (the indicator is blue), the setup program will automatically find it on the network. If not, it will prompt you to repeat the setup process. After installing the drivers, we recommend printing a test page to ensure proper operation.
⚠️ Attention: Software package interfaces and manufacturer websites are subject to change. Button locations and menu item names may differ from those described in the instructions. Always refer to the latest prompts on the installer screen.
For corporate users, it's also important to install monitoring utilities that allow them to track toner consumption and plan consumable purchases in advance. This helps avoid equipment downtime at critical moments.
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, errors sometimes occur. If the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking, it means the printer is trying to connect but is unable to. If it is orange or off, the wireless module is disabled. In the first case, check the password entered correctly and the router's frequency range.
A common problem is a hidden network SSID. If your router doesn't broadcast the network name, the printer won't be able to find it automatically. In this case, you'll need to either enable SSID broadcasting in the router settings or use the WPS method, which doesn't require network visibility.
It's also worth checking your computer's firewall or antivirus settings, as they may be blocking the printer from being detected on the local network. Try temporarily disabling them for diagnostic purposes. If the problem persists, reset the printer's network settings.
The table below shows the main indicator states and their meaning:
| Indicator status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Turned off | Wi-Fi is off | Click the wireless network button |
| Blue (on) | Connected | You can print |
| Blue (flashing) | Setup Mode / Error | Run the setup again |
| Orange | Communication error | Check your router and password |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP Laser 107w be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, this printer model only supports the 802.11 b/g/n standard in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router is broadcasting networks with the same name (SSID) for both 2.4 and 5 GHz, try temporarily separating them in the router settings or force-switching the router to compatibility mode.
What should I do if my computer can't see my printer via Wi-Fi?
Make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet. Sometimes antivirus software can block detection. Also, check if your computer is connected to a guest Wi-Fi network that is isolated from local devices. Try running the printer troubleshooter in Windows.
How do I reset network settings on a printer?
To reset the network settings, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the lights flash. The printer will then return to setup mode and can be reconnected.
Do you need internet access to print via Wi-Fi?
No, internet access is not required. The printer and computer (or phone) only need to be on the same local network, which is provided by a router. Even if the ISP cable is disconnected, printing within the home network will work correctly.