Modern office tasks require high mobility, and the presence of wires between the computer and the printing device becomes a serious limitation. Wireless connection allows you to place HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28W anywhere convenient, providing access to printing from any laptop or desktop PC within range of the router. This model is popular due to its compact size, but its initial setup process often raises questions for users accustomed to wired interfaces.
Unlike more complex corporate solutions, this device is aimed at small businesses and home use, which implies a simplified, but specific logic of working with network protocolsYou don't need extensive network administration knowledge, but following the steps precisely is critical for successful synchronization. Mistakes when entering the password or selecting the connection method may result in the computer simply not seeing the device in the list of available printers.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the current methods for integrating a printer into a local network, paying special attention to driver operation and router security settings. You'll learn how to avoid common IP address conflicts and why manual installation is sometimes preferable to automatic installation. Proper network configuration will ensure stable printing of documents without constant connection breaks.
Equipment preparation and requirements verification
Before starting the software setup, you need to make sure the equipment is physically ready to work wirelessly. Make sure your router is working properly, is distributing internet, and you know the password for your router. Wi-Fi networksThe HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28W printer must be plugged in and in the Ready state, as indicated by the power light being on.
It's important to check frequency compatibility, as many modern routers operate in two bands. This model supports the standard. 802.11b/g/n, which means working exclusively in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router broadcasts only the 5 GHz network or combines them into a single SSID with a 5 GHz priority, you may have difficulty detecting your device.
⚠️ Important: Make sure that VPN and proxy servers are temporarily disabled on the computer you're using to configure the printer. These tools can block local network searches for the printer by redirecting traffic through external servers.
It's also a good idea to have a USB cable ready in advance, even if your ultimate goal is Wi-Fi. In some cases, the operating system may not automatically detect a wireless device without an initial pairing or a temporary wired connection to transfer network settings. Having the cable on hand will save time diagnosing potential issues.
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
Technology Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) allows you to connect a printer to a router without manually entering a password, significantly simplifying the process and eliminating typos. This method only works if your router supports WPS and it's enabled. There should be a corresponding button on the router, often marked with a lock icon or two arrows.
To start the process, press and hold the WPS button on the router for 3-5 seconds until the wireless network indicator starts blinking. Immediately afterward, go to the printer. HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28W and press the wireless button on its control panel. The Wi-Fi indicator on the device should start blinking, indicating it's searching and attempting to pair.
- 📡 Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer stops flashing and turns solid blue - this means a successful connection.
- 💻 On your computer, go to Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
- 🖨️ Click "Add a printer" and select the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28W model that appears in the list.
- 🔌 The system will automatically install the necessary drivers from Windows Update.
If the printer's indicator continues to blink or remains orange, pairing was unsuccessful. In this case, repeat the procedure, ensuring the router and printer are no more than 1-2 meters apart and within the WPS activation time limit (usually 2 minutes).
Setup via HP Smart and manual password entry
If the WPS method is unavailable or does not work, you must use the software configuration method through the utility. HP Smart Or a driver installation package. This method is more reliable in complex network environments that require manual entry of the network SSID. Download the latest driver from the manufacturer's official website, selecting the full software version rather than the basic driver.
During installation, the program will prompt you to select a connection type. Select "Wireless Connection" or "Wi-Fi." Next, the installation wizard will ask you to select your network from the list of available ones. If the network is hidden, you will need to enter its name (SSID) manually. Be careful with the case of letters when entering the password.
1. Run the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w Full Feature Software installation file.2. Accept the license agreement.
3. Select "Wireless Network Connection".
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to transfer the settings.
During installation, you may need to temporarily connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable. The program will automatically transfer the network settings from your computer to the printer, after which you will be prompted to disconnect the cable. This is standard procedure for models in the series. M28, which do not have a full-fledged display for data entry.
⚠️ Important: If the installer freezes while searching for a device, try temporarily disabling your Windows Firewall or antivirus software. Sometimes they block the broadcast requests the printer sends to discover the computer.
Using a USB cable to transfer network settings
In situations where automatic network detection fails, the most reliable method is to use a USB cable for initial configuration. Connect the printer to your computer with a cable and run the driver installer. When prompted to select a connection type, select "Wireless Connection," but physically use a USB port.
The HP software will detect the device via USB and prompt you to set up Wi-Fi. You'll be prompted to select your network from a list and enter the password. After confirming the settings, the software will send a command to the printer, and it will attempt to connect to the router. Once the connection is established, the Wi-Fi indicator on the device will turn blue.
| Setup stage | User action | Indicator on the printer |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Connecting USB and running the software | Power is on, Wi-Fi is off |
| Configuration | Selecting a network and entering a password in the wizard | The Wi-Fi indicator is flashing |
| Data transfer | Waiting for setup to complete | Flashing quickly |
| Result | Disconnecting the USB cable | Lights up steadily (blue) |
After the settings are successfully transferred, the system will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. The computer should automatically switch to the printer's wireless port. If this doesn't happen, uninstall the device with the exclamation mark in Device Manager and refresh the hardware configuration.
☑️ Checking the USB connection
Troubleshooting driver and network visibility issues
A common problem when connecting HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28W This can occur when the computer doesn't see the printer on the network, even though both devices are connected to the same router. This could be due to client isolation settings on the router or outdated drivers. First, check that the guest Wi-Fi network is not enabled on the computer or printer.
If the driver is installed but the printer status is "Offline," try uninstalling the device completely through Control Panel and restarting the computer. Then use the built-in Windows troubleshooter or utility. HP Print and Scan DoctorThis tool automatically checks for print services, ports, and conflicts.
- 🔍 Make sure the network type in Windows is set to "Private" and not "Public".
- 🔄 Restart your router, printer, and computer one after the other: first the router, then the printer, then the PC.
- 🛡️ Check if your antivirus is blocking port 9100, which is used for printing.
- 📡 Make sure your computer and printer are on the same subnet (e.g. 192.168.1.x).
In some cases, manually adding a printer by IP address can help. Find the printer's address by printing a network configuration report (usually by pressing the "i" key or using a combination of buttons on the control panel). Then, in Windows, select "Add Printer" → "The printer I want is missing" → "Add by IP Address."
How to find out the IP address of a printer without reports?
Press and hold the Wireless button and the Continue button (or a similar combination for your revision) simultaneously for 5 seconds. The printer will print a configuration page, which will display the current IP address in the IPv4 section.
Setting up a static IP address for stability
For office use, it is critical that the printer address does not change after rebooting the router. Dynamic DHCP It may issue a new address, and the computer will lose connection with the device. It is recommended to assign the IP address either in the router settings (MAC address reservation) or in the Windows TCP/IP port properties.
To configure a static IP address via the printer's web interface (EWS), enter its current address in a browser. Go to the "Network" tab → "IPv4" and select "Manual." Enter a free address from your network range, the subnet mask, and the gateway. This will ensure a consistent address for all network users.
⚠️ Important: When manually setting an IP address, make sure that the selected address is not within the DHCP range of the router, otherwise an address conflict will occur and printing will stop.
After changing the IP address, you need to update the printer port in the operating system. Go to "Printer Properties" → "Ports" → "Add Port" (Standard TCP/IP Port) and enter a new static address. This ensures that even during network outages, the computer will know where to send documents.
Why can't my computer see my HP M28W printer via Wi-Fi?
Most often, the problem is that the computer and printer are connected to different router frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) or different subnets (guest Wi-Fi). Another possible cause could be blocked ports by an antivirus program or a disabled Print Spooler service in Windows.
Can this printer be connected to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No, model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28W The router is equipped with a module that operates only in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, you'll need to enable a 2.4 GHz guest network in its settings or separate the frequencies into different network names (SSIDs).
How do I reset my printer's network settings?
To reset the network settings to factory defaults, press and hold the Wireless and Cancel (red X) buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. The Power and Wireless indicators will flash, after which the settings will be reset and the printer will enter setup mode.
Is a USB cable required for continuous operation?
No, the USB cable is only required during the initial setup process unless WPS is used. Once the printer has received the Wi-Fi settings and connected to the router, the cable can be disconnected, and the device will operate completely autonomously over the wireless network.