Multifunctional device HP LaserJet Pro M1132 MFP This MFP is deservedly popular in small offices and homes due to its reliability and cost-effectiveness. However, despite the USB port, many users want to make the printer network-ready, allowing them to print documents from any device without a physical cable connection to the computer. It's important to note that the basic model of this MFP doesn't have a built-in wireless module, which often misleads inexperienced users.
However, there is a proven way to set up wireless printing using technology Wi-Fi Direct or by emulating a network connection through a server computer. In this article, we'll examine all available integration methods. HP M1132 to your local network. You'll learn how to properly install drivers, use the HP Wireless Setup Utility, and what nuances to consider when choosing a connection method.
Before setting up, make sure your MFP is working properly in wired mode with your PC. This is a basic requirement, as initial network configuration often requires an active connection to transfer router settings to the printer. If the device doesn't print a test page via USB, it's too early to proceed with Wi-Fi setup.
Networking Features of the M1132
The key point to understand before starting setup is the hardware architecture of the device. Series HP LaserJet Pro M1132 (including the M1132, M1212, and their modifications) was originally designed as a budget solution with USB-only connectivity. You won't find a "Wireless" button or wireless network indicator on the case, which is typical of the higher-end models in the series, such as M1212nf.
However, modern drivers and software from the manufacturer allow you to use the computer connected to the printer as a gateway. In this scenario, the PC acts as a print server, accepting print jobs from the Wi-Fi network and transmitting them to the device via a USB cable. It's also possible to use third-party emulator programs to create a virtual print server.
There's also a method for using an external Wi-Fi adapter, although it requires extensive technical knowledge and isn't guaranteed by the manufacturer. In most cases, users are advised to focus on the built-in sharing settings or specialized utilities that simulate the device's presence on the local network.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to flash the printer with third-party dumps from models with the "f" index (e.g., M1132f) may result in irreversible damage (bricking) to the device. Use only software-based network emulation methods.
Preparation of equipment and software
Successful printer integration into the network depends directly on the quality of the preparation work. You will need a stable router with an enabled DHCP server and a Windows computer with a permanent IP address or a reserved address on the network. This is necessary because changing the host's IP address can disrupt the connection to the printer.
The second important component is an original USB cable no longer than 2 meters. Using cheap or damaged cables often leads to data transfer errors, especially when trying to forward a USB device over a network. Make sure the USB 2.0 port on the motherboard is working properly.
The third step is to download the latest complete driver package. Do not use the drivers included on the disc, as they may be outdated. Visit the official HP support website and enter your model number. M1132 MFP and download the full software package for your operating system version.
- 📡 A stable Wi-Fi router with internet access and free LAN ports.
- 💻 A computer or laptop with Windows 10/11 operating system (or Linux with CUPS).
- 🔌 Original USB Type-B cable for connecting the printer to a PC.
- 💿 Complete HP LaserJet Pro M1132 MFP driver package from the official website.
Once all components are prepared, you can proceed with the physical installation. Connect the MFP to a power source and wait for the warm-up cycle to complete. Then connect the device to the computer via USB. The system should automatically detect the new hardware, even if the drivers haven't yet been fully installed.
Installing drivers and initial setup
The software installation process is the foundation for further network configuration. Run the downloaded installation file and follow the wizard's instructions. When prompted to connect a device, make sure the USB cable is already connected to the printer and the PC, and the printer is turned on.
Selecting the connection type is an important step. Even if your ultimate goal is wireless printing, select "Connect via USB cable" at the initial stage. This will allow the installer to correctly detect the device, download the necessary firmware, and configure basic scanner and printer settings.
After installation is complete, we recommend calibrating the scanner and printing a test page. Ensure that print quality meets expectations and the scanner is working properly. Only after confirming stable operation in local mode can you begin setting up network access.
⚠️ Important: If your antivirus or Windows Firewall prompts you to allow network access for HP components during installation, be sure to select "Allow." Blocking ports may prevent the printer from working in network mode.
In some cases, a manual firmware update may be required via the "Utilities" or "Tools" menu in the installed software. A newer firmware version may contain improvements to communication protocols, which will improve stability when configuring network access.
Method 1: Sharing via Windows
The easiest way to make a printer accessible over Wi-Fi without requiring any additional equipment is to use the built-in Windows "Printer Sharing" feature. In this scenario, the computer connected HP M1132, must always be enabled so that other users can submit print jobs.
To activate this feature, go to the Devices and Printers control panel. Find your HP LaserJet M1132 MFP, right-click and select "Printer properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and check the "Share this printer" box.
Please provide a descriptive network name, for example, HP_M1132_OfficeThis name will be visible to other users in your network. Make sure device discovery and file and printer sharing are enabled in your computer's network settings.
On client devices (laptops, tablets), you need to add a network printer. This is done through the menu "Devices and Printers" -> "Add a Printer" -> "The printer I want isn't listed." Select "Search by name" and enter the path in the following format: \\Computer_Name\HP_M1132_Office.
| Setting parameter | Value for server (PC with USB) | Value for the client (Laptop) |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | USB (local) | Network (TCP/IP or UNC path) |
| IP address | Static (recommended) | Dynamic (DHCP) |
| Driver | HP Complete Package | Automatically from the server |
| Addiction | Not required | An enabled server is required. |
This method is ideal for small home networks where the server computer is constantly running. However, if the computer is turned off or goes into sleep mode, printing from other devices will be impossible until it wakes up.
Method 2: Using the HP Wireless Setup Utility
For models without built-in Wi-Fi, HP sometimes offers a utility HP Wireless Setup Utility, which allows you to set up wireless printing using your computer as a bridge. This method may be available in extended driver packages or as a separate download for certain regions.
Launch the utility and select the "First Connection" or "Wireless Printer Setup" option. The program will prompt you to select your USB printer from the list of connected devices. After selecting M1132 The wizard will try to find available wireless networks.
Enter your Wi-Fi router password. The utility will create a virtual port that will transmit data wirelessly. It's important that your computer and printer are within range of a strong signal during setup.
☑️ Check before running the utility
If the standard utility doesn't detect the wireless network configuration option for your model, this means that this feature is software-locked for that region or device revision. In this case, you should consider alternative options, such as using external print servers.
Alternative Solutions: External Print Servers
If it's critical for you to have your printer operate autonomously without turning on your computer, the only reliable solution is to purchase an external USB Wi-Fi print server. This is a small device that connects one end to the printer's USB port and the other to your wireless network.
Popular models of such devices, such as those from TP-Link or D-Link, often have their own configuration interfaces. The process typically goes like this: you connect the server to your PC, configure it to work with your Wi-Fi network, and then plug it in. HP M1132.
The advantage of this approach is complete independence from the computer. The printer becomes a fully-fledged network device with its own IP address. However, compatibility is not 100% guaranteed, so it's best to check the list of supported devices on the print server manufacturer's website before purchasing.
⚠️ Please note: Cheap Chinese print server alternatives may not work correctly with the MFP scanner. In most cases, only printing will be available over Wi-Fi; scanning will only be possible via USB.
When choosing a print server, look for one that supports 802.11n or higher, as older 802.11g devices may create a bottleneck when printing large documents or graphics.
Why doesn't the scanner work over the network?
The scanning function requires bidirectional communication with high bandwidth. Simple print server protocols are often designed for unidirectional data transfer (LPR/RAW), so the "Scan" button on client PCs may be inactive.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting
Difficulties may arise during the setup process. One of the most common issues is losing connection to the printer after rebooting the router. This occurs if the server computer has changed its IP address. The solution is to configure a static IP address for the PC's network adapter or reserve an address in the router's DHCP settings.
Another issue is the print queue, which gets stuck in the "Document is being sent" status, but the printing doesn't occur. In this case, you need to clear the print queue using the service. services.msc (Print Spooler service) and restart it. Restarting the service also helps. HP Network Capture, if it is installed.
If your printer has stopped responding, check your firewall. Windows security updates sometimes block ports used for network access to the printer. Try temporarily disabling your firewall to troubleshoot the issue.
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