Setting up wireless printing in a home office or small business requires proper equipment setup. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw is a popular solution due to its technology support Wi-Fi Direct and an Ethernet port. Proper integration of the device into the local network allows all users to access scanning and printing of documents without a physical cable connection.
The configuration process begins long before installing software on your computer. It's important to ensure that the router is working properly and that the printer is within a strong signal range. Ignoring this preparatory step often results in Windows not detecting the device.
In this guide, we'll cover every step in detail, from hardware preparation to fine-tuning TCP/IP ports. You'll learn how to overcome common compatibility issues and ensure reliable operation of peripherals in your infrastructure.
Preparatory stage and network requirements
Before you begin setting up, make sure that your router distributes IP addresses automatically via the protocol. DHCPIt's best to assign static addresses to the printer after a successful connection to avoid network conflicts. Also, check the frequency band of your wireless network.
It is important to understand that the series M132nw supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, but operates exclusively in the range 2.4 GHzIf your router is broadcasting a 5 GHz network with the same name (SSID), your device may not find the access point or connect correctly.
⚠️ Attention: Many modern routers by default combine the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands under a single name. To ensure stable printer operation, it is recommended to temporarily separate the networks in the router settings or create a guest network using only the 2.4 GHz frequency.
Make sure you know the Wi-Fi network password. Some corporate networks with MAC address filtering require you to whitelist the new device on the router beforehand. Without this step, the router will ignore connection requests from the MFP.
Reset network settings and activate configuration mode
If the printer was previously used on a different network or connected via a cable, you need to clear the current settings. This will prevent the device from attempting to reconnect to the old router, which may not be nearby. To do this, press the wireless button on the control panel.
Use the navigation arrows to find the network settings menu. You'll need to select "Restore network settings" or something similar. After confirming, the device will restart the network module.
- 📶 Press the wireless button on the control panel until the indicator light starts flashing.
- 🔄 Select "Settings" → "Network" → "Restore network settings" from the menu.
- ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the Wi-Fi module to reboot.
- 📡 Make sure the wireless indicator is blinking blue, which indicates discovery mode.
The device is now ready for pairing. In this state, the printer either creates its own temporary network or enters WPS connection mode. The choice of method depends on your router's capabilities and user preference.
WPS method: quick connection without entering a password
The easiest way to integrate is by using technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer network security settings automatically, without manually entering a complex password. It's ideal if you don't have a USB cable handy or are setting up your device from a tablet.
Find the WPS button on your router. It may be a physical button or a software button in the admin interface. Pressing this button activates the device search mode for two minutes.
Immediately after activating WPS on your router, go to the printer. On the control panel HP LaserJet Pro MFP M132nw Press and hold the wireless button for 2-3 seconds until the indicator light turns solid. This indicates a successful connection.
⚠️ Attention: The WPS protocol is considered less secure because it uses vulnerable authentication methods. In corporate networks with high security requirements, this method may be blocked by the administrator.
If the printer's Wi-Fi indicator is solid blue, the connection is successful. You can now proceed to installing the drivers on your computer, which should be on the same network.
Setup via USB cable and HP setup wizard
The most reliable method to ensure all necessary parameters, including SNMP and port settings, are transferred is to use the installation software with a temporary USB cable connection. Even if you plan to print wirelessly, you'll only need the cable for 2-3 minutes.
Download the full driver package HP Smart or HP LaserJet Pro M132-M134 Full Feature Software From the manufacturer's official website. Avoid using Windows Update's basic drivers, as they often don't include the initial Wi-Fi setup utility.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted to select a connection type, select "Wireless Network Connection." At a certain point, the installer will prompt you to connect a USB cable between your PC and the printer.
☑️ Driver installation checklist
At this point, the program will automatically copy the SSID and password for your Wi-Fi network to the printer's memory. Once the configuration is complete, you can disconnect the cable. The system will notify you of successful completion, and the device will appear in the list of available printers.
Manually configuring IP address and TCP/IP ports
For stable operation in the office, it is recommended to assign a static IP address to the printer. This will prevent the device from receiving a new address after a router reboot, causing computers to lose access. Configuration is performed via the built-in web interface. EWS (Embedded Web Server).
To access the interface, find out the printer's current IP address. Press the wireless button on the control panel or the information (i) button to print a report. Open a browser and enter the IP address in the address bar.
Go to the "Network" tab → "IPv4 Protocol." Here you can change the mode from DHCP to "Manual." Enter the desired IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. Make sure the address is in the same subnet as your router, but outside the DHCP pool range to avoid conflicts.
| Parameter | Value for example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.200 | The unique address of a device on the network |
| Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 | Determines the size of the local network |
| Default Gateway | 192.168.1.1 | Your router's address |
| DNS server | 8.8.8.8 | Domain Name Server Address (Google) |
After saving the settings, the printer will restart the network module. You will need to update the printer port in the Windows operating system by specifying the new static IP address in the device properties.
Why do you need a static IP?
If the printer's IP address changes (dynamic), the computer will lose connection to it. You'll have to delete the old printer and find a new one. A static address ensures the path to the device will always be the same.
Diagnosing and troubleshooting common errors
Even with proper configuration, issues may still occur. Often, the problem lies with Windows Firewall or antivirus software blocking printing ports. Bandwidth issues are also possible, if the router automatically switches to the 5 GHz network.
Use HP's built-in diagnostic tool. Run HP Print and Scan Doctor, which will automatically check the print service status, availability of updates, and correct port settings. This utility can automatically fix many software errors.
- 🛑 Printer offline error: Check if the IP address in the Windows port matches the actual address of the printer.
- 📶 Weak signal: The printer is located too far from the router or behind thick walls. Use a repeater.
- 🔒 Blocked by antivirus: Add the printer and port 9100 to the firewall exceptions.
If the printer stops responding, perform a full reset of the network settings through the device menu and repeat the connection procedure. Sometimes, simply rebooting the router and the MFP itself helps.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions are subject to update. The menu item layout may differ slightly from that described. Always check the manufacturer's official website for the latest documentation for your software version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the HP M132nw be connected to a 5GHz network?
No, model M132nw The device is equipped with a Wi-Fi module that only operates in the 2.4 GHz band. Connecting to a 5 GHz network is technically impossible. Make sure your router is broadcasting a 2.4 GHz network.
What should I do if my computer doesn't see my printer after setup?
Check that the devices are connected to the same subnet. It's common for a PC to be connected to a guest Wi-Fi network while the printer is connected to the main Wi-Fi network, or vice versa. Also, check the network type in Windows: it should be "Private" and not "Public."
How to print a network configuration report?
On the control panel, press the Report button (sheet icon with the letter i) or hold down the Wireless button for 5 seconds until the report begins printing.
Does this model support Wi-Fi Direct without a router?
Yes, this model supports Wi-Fi Direct. This allows you to connect mobile devices directly to the printer without a router, but functionality may be limited compared to network printing.