The use of wired connections in the modern office or home workspace is becoming less popular, giving way to wireless technologies. Wireless printing It provides mobility and eliminates unnecessary cables, but with models that do not initially have a built-in Wi-Fi module, difficulties may arise. The device HP LaserJet M1132 MFP applies specifically to such devices, requiring the use of a USB cable for initial configuration or the use of alternative methods of integration into the network.
Many users mistakenly believe that the lack of a Wi-Fi button on the control panel makes it impossible to use the printer on a wireless network. In fact, there are several proven ways to organize remote printing, using Windows operating system functionality or third-party utilities. In this article, we'll cover the technical details of connection and setup. M1132so you can print documents from any device in your home.
The setup process requires attention to detail, as the drivers must be installed in a specific sequence. It is critically important not to connect the USB cable until the installer prompts you to do so.Otherwise, automatic driver installation may block the network mode selection. Following the correct sequence of steps ensures successful integration of the device into your local network.
Checking hardware capabilities and preparing equipment
Before you begin software configuration, you need to clearly understand the architecture of your device. Model HP LaserJet M1132 MFP The basic configuration does not come with a built-in Wi-Fi network adapter, unlike the older models in the series, such as M1212nfThis means that a direct connection to the router over the air "out of the box" is impossible without the use of an intermediary computer or a dedicated print server.
To complete this task, you will need a stable laptop with a Windows operating system, a working USB Type AB cable, and internet access to download the software. Make sure that your router works correctly, and you know the password for your Wi-Fi network, as this data may be needed during the configuration process.
It's also worth checking the operating system version on your laptop. For correct operation of modern HP drivers, it's recommended to use Windows 10 or Windows 11, although support for older versions, such as Windows 7 or 8.1, may still be relevant for some users. Before starting, it's recommended to reboot all devices: printer, laptop, and router, to clear possible temporary cache errors.
⚠️ Attention: Don't try to find the wireless button on the control panel. HP LaserJet M1132Its physical absence is a design feature of budget models, and not a malfunction of your unit.
Prepare your workspace so that the printer and laptop are in close proximity during initial setup. This will minimize the risk of connection interruptions during the transfer of installation files and configuration data.
Download and install the full driver package
The first and most important step is to obtain the latest software. Using the included discs is often ineffective, as the driver versions may be outdated and lack the necessary modules for network operation. You should visit the official HP support website and find the download page for your model.
In the list of available software, you should select not the basic driver, but the full package HP LaserJet Professional M1130 MFP Series Full Feature Software and DriversThis toolkit contains a device configuration utility that allows you to change the connection type from USB to network.
The download may take some time depending on your internet connection speed, as the installation files are quite large. After downloading, run the executable file and follow the on-screen instructions, selecting the interface language and accepting the license agreement.
☑️ Preparing to install drivers
It's important not to skip any steps in the installation wizard and to carefully read the on-screen messages. If your antivirus or firewall displays a warning about an attempt to make changes to the system, you must allow these actions, otherwise installing drivers may not work correctly.
Setting up a connection via USB cable (Setup Wizard Method)
The most reliable way to "teach" the computer to see the printer as a network device is to initially connect it via USB. Run the driver installation and wait until the program prompts you to connect the device. Only then should you connect. HP LaserJet M1132 with a laptop cable.
Once the device is detected, the installer will prompt you to select a connection type. Even though the cable is physically connected, find and select "Wireless" or "Network Connection" in the connection type selection menu. The system will automatically copy the Wi-Fi settings from your laptop to the printer via USB.
During the configuration transfer process, you may be asked to confirm your actions. If the setup wizard prompts you to update your device's firmware at this point, agree to do so, as new firmware versions often contain fixes for wireless connection stability.
⚠️ Attention: If the wizard prompts you to disconnect the USB cable during setup, do so immediately. Further configuration will proceed over a virtual channel, and the presence of a physical cable may cause a port conflict.
Once setup is complete, the program will report a successful connection. You can now remove the device from the list of USB ports, and it will remain available in the system as a network printer. Check the device's status in the Windows Control Panel—it should show "Ready."
Using HP Smart and Alternative Utilities
Modern versions of operating systems often offer the use of an application HP Smart for managing printing equipment. Although this utility is more geared toward newer models with screens and touch controls, it can be useful for basic diagnostics and checking ink status.
However, for the model M1132 The classic Full Feature Solution driver remains the preferred option, as it provides access to all MFP functions, including scanning and advanced print settings. HP Smart may not support full scanner functionality for this series of devices.
If the standard installation fails, you can use the utility HP Print and Scan DoctorThis is a free diagnostic program that automatically finds and fixes common connection errors, updates drivers, and clears the print queue.
What should I do if HP Smart doesn't see my printer?
The HP Smart app is designed primarily for new HP models with Wi-Fi Direct and cloud services support. For the M1132 model, which does not have its own IP address on a direct network, the app's functionality will be severely limited. In this case, reliance on classic PCL6 or PS drivers is the only reliable solution for full functionality.
Using third-party utilities is only justified in the event of critical errors that cannot be resolved using standard Windows tools. In most cases, the standard HP driver functionality is sufficient for stable operation.
Organizing printer sharing on a local network
Because HP LaserJet M1132 Since a printer doesn't have its own IP address, the computer it's connected to acts as a print server. To enable printing from other devices in the home, you need to set up shared access through the Windows operating system.
Open Windows "Settings," go to "Devices," and select "Printers & Scanners." Find your HP LaserJet in the list, click it, select "Manage," and then go to "Printer Properties." On the "Sharing" tab, check the box next to "Share this printer."
Give the printer a descriptive network name to make it easy to find among other devices on the network. Once the settings are applied, the computer will become visible to other network users, and they will be able to add it as a network resource.
| Setting parameter | Recommended value | Description of impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Shared resource name | HP_M1132_Office | Short name without spaces for compatibility |
| Additional drivers | Windows x64 / x86 | Allows you to connect from different versions of Windows |
| Permissions | Print for everyone | Opens access for all network users |
| Disabling sleep mode | Ban | Prevents the system from disabling the USB port |
It's important to note that printing from other devices will only be possible when the primary computer is turned on and unlocked. If the laptop goes into sleep mode, printing will stop until it wakes up.
Troubleshooting and fixing connection errors
During setup, users may encounter a number of common issues. One of the most common is the computer not detecting the printer after connecting the cable. In this case, try using a different USB port, preferably located on the back of the system unit or directly on the laptop, avoiding USB hubs.
Another common issue is the print queue freezing or the "Using Offline" status. This is often resolved by restarting the print service. To do this, click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the "Print Spooler" service. It needs to be stopped and then started again.
If the drivers are installing incorrectly, try completely uninstalling previous versions of the software through the Control Panel and clearing temporary files. Sometimes antivirus software may block the installation of network components, deeming them suspicious.
⚠️ Attention: Driver interfaces and Windows settings menus may vary depending on the operating system version (Home, Pro, Enterprise) and security updates. If you don't find the option described, use the Windows settings search.
For a more in-depth diagnosis, you can use the command line. Enter the command ping with your router's IP address to ensure that you have a network connection, although this is less important for a USB printer than for network models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect the HP LaserJet M1132 to a Wi-Fi router directly without a computer?
No, this model does not have its own network interface or IP address. It operates exclusively as a USB device. Wi-Fi printing requires a computer acting as a server or the purchase of a separate Wi-Fi print server (USB adapter) that connects to the router.
Why doesn't the scanner work when connected to a network?
Network scanning function (Scan to Network) on the model M1132 Limited. When connecting via Windows sharing, scanning may not be available to other computers on the network, as TWAIN drivers often require a direct USB connection or special WIA service configuration.
How do I reset my printer to factory settings?
Since the model has no display, a reset is performed using a combination of buttons on the control panel. Typically, this involves simultaneously pressing the "Cancel" button (the cross) and the "Resume" button (the arrow) for a few seconds until all the indicators flash.
Is the HP M1130 driver compatible with the M1132?
Yes, the M1130 and M1132 series often share a common driver package. However, for maximum compatibility and proper operation of all features (especially the scanner), it's always best to select the driver that specifically identifies your model or the M1130 MFP series.