Modern office tasks require mobility, and cables often become an unnecessary limitation. Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w It's deservedly popular due to its compact size and wireless printing capabilities, eliminating the need to run wires across the room. However, initial setup of the printer and laptop connection can be challenging for users new to network interface configuration.
In this guide, we'll cover all available connection setup methods, from automatic driver installation to manual network parameter entry. Wireless connection Provides flexibility in device placement, allowing you to print documents from any corner of your apartment or office where the router signal is available. Proper setup at the outset will help avoid most access issues later.
Before moving on to the software part, make sure your device is ready for use. Router The printer must be turned on and broadcasting the network, and the laptop must be in a strong signal range. Also, check that the printer has cartridges and that all covers are closed, as mechanical errors may prevent the device from entering ready-to-configure mode.
Preparatory stage and equipment testing
Successful setup directly depends on the correct completion of the preliminary steps. Many users skip this step and immediately begin installing the software, which often leads to device detection errors on the network. Wi-Fi module The printer must be activated and the device itself must not be too far from the access point.
First, make sure you know your wireless network name (SSID) and password. You'll need this information during the configuration process if automatic connection fails. Passwords are often case-sensitive, so it's best to prepare them in advance or copy them to your clipboard.
☑️ Check before setup
Pay attention to the indicators on the MFP control panel. If the wireless button is blinking blue, the printer is searching for a network or setting up mode. A solid blue indicator indicates a successful connection. If the indicator is off, the wireless module may be disabled either by software or physically.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure your laptop and printer are on the same subnet. If you have a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), the M28w series models only support the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 2.4 GHzTrying to connect your device to a 5GHz network will result in an error, even if the network names (SSIDs) are the same.
Method 1: Automatic installation via HP Smart
The simplest and most modern method is to use the application HP SmartThis software suite automatically finds the printer on the network, downloads the necessary drivers, and performs the initial configuration. This method is ideal for operating systems Windows 10 And Windows 11, where the system itself strives to find the most suitable software.
To get started, download the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store or the manufacturer's official website. After launching the app, click the "Add Printer" button or the plus icon. The system will begin searching for available devices within range.
If the printer is found, follow the on-screen instructions. You may be asked to confirm the connection by pressing the wireless network button on the MFP panel. The process may take a few minutes while the printer downloads the latest drivers from the internet.
If the program can't find the device, it will offer alternative options, including creating a temporary USB connection to transfer network settings. This is a reliable method when direct Wi-Fi detection is blocked by firewall or antivirus settings.
What should I do if HP Smart doesn't see my printer?
If the app doesn't detect the device, try temporarily disabling your antivirus or Windows Firewall. Also, make sure the Network List Service and SSDP Discovery Service are enabled.
Method 2: Connecting using WPS
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect your device to the network without entering a password, just by pressing a button. This method works if your router supports this feature (most modern models do). It's the fastest way to establish a connection between LaserJet Pro MFP M28w and a laptop.
Press and hold the wireless button on the printer for 3-5 seconds until the light starts flashing. Then, within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on your router. This is usually marked with a corresponding icon or two arrows.
The devices will automatically exchange encryption keys. Once successfully connected, the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will stop blinking and remain solid blue. You can now install the drivers on your laptop by selecting "Network Connection."
| Indicator | State | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing blue | Setup mode | The printer is searching for a network or is ready for a WPS connection. |
| It's blue | Connected | Successful connection to the router, data exchange in progress |
| It's glowing orange | Error | Connection problem or weak signal |
| It doesn't burn. | Turned off | The wireless module is disabled in the settings. |
Method 3: Manual setup via the Setup Wizard
If automatic methods don't work, there's still a reliable manual option. You'll need to download the full driver package from the official HP website. Select your model. M28w and your operating system version. The installation file usually has a name like HPLaserJetM28-M31_M28-M31_Full_Webpack.exe.
Run the installer and select "Wireless" or "Network" as the connection type. The program will offer several options. Select "Yes, I have a Wi-Fi Protected Setup code" or "No, I need to connect the printer now." The system will then prompt you to temporarily connect the printer via USB cable to transfer the Wi-Fi settings.
This is the most stable method, as it eliminates password errors and network visibility issues. After the settings are transferred, you can disconnect the cable, and the printer will switch to wireless mode. Make sure you don't interrupt the wizard during the installation process, even if the process seems stuck.
⚠️ Attention: When manually configuring via USB, ensure the cable is intact and plugged directly into the laptop's motherboard port, not into a USB hub. Using a hub can cause problems transferring network configurations.
Once the settings have been successfully transferred, the network will be configured. If you used a USB cable, the system may prompt you to delete temporary configuration files. Agree to this to avoid cluttering the system.
Solving common connection problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, you may still encounter difficulties. Often, the problem lies in Windows security settings or your router. If your laptop doesn't see the printer even though both devices are connected to the network, check your network type. For printing to work correctly, the network profile must be "Private," not "Public."
Another common cause is client isolation on the router. This feature prevents devices on the network from seeing each other. Go to the router settings and make sure this option is disabled. Without it, the laptop will physically be unable to print a document, even if it knows the printer's IP address.
It's also worth checking the Windows print service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the Print Spooler service. It should be running and in automatic mode. If the service is stopped, printing will be impossible from any device.
In some cases, a complete reset of the printer's network settings can help. To do this, press and hold the wireless button and the cancel button (the cross) simultaneously for 5 seconds. The printer will reboot the network module, and you can start the setup again.
Setting up network printing and scanning
Once the connection is successful, it's important to ensure that all MFP functions are working, including scanning. To print, simply select HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w in the list of devices when sending a document. If the printer shows as "Offline," check its status in the "Devices and Printers" menu.
For network scanning, it is best to use an application HP Scan Or use the built-in Windows Fax and Scan tool. In the scanning settings, make sure the "Network" source or your device's specific IP address is selected. This will allow you to receive scanned documents directly to your laptop's hard drive without using USB.
It's recommended to periodically check ink levels and printhead status through the printer's web interface. Enter the device's IP address in the browser's address bar to open the EWS (Embedded Web Server) control panel. Advanced settings and diagnostics are available there.
How to find out the IP address of a printer?
Print a network configuration report. To do this, press and hold the wireless button on the printer for 5 seconds. The report will show the device's current IP address.
Regular firmware updates via the web interface or the HP Smart app can improve Wi-Fi connection stability and add support for new security standards. Don't ignore notifications about the availability of new software versions.
Why won't my HP M28w printer connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Model HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28w The printer is equipped with a module that operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz band. It physically cannot see or connect to 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts a single network with a common name for both bands, try separating them in the router settings, giving the 2.4 GHz network a unique name, and connect the printer to that network.
How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?
To completely reset your network settings, press and hold the Wireless button and the Cancel button (the cross) on the control panel for 5 seconds. The indicators will flash, and the network settings will be reset. You will then need to reconnect.
Is it possible to connect this printer to a laptop via USB if Wi-Fi is not working?
Yes, the M28w model supports wired connection via USB 2.0. Use a high-quality Type AB (printer) cable. During installation, select the USB connection option for the drivers. This will ensure stable operation, but will prevent mobile printing from other devices on the network.
What to do if the orange Wi-Fi light is on?
An orange light indicates a connection error or a weak signal. Try moving the printer closer to the router. If this doesn't help, check that the password you entered is correct. In some cases, an orange light indicates an encryption compatibility issue (try changing the router's encryption type to WPA2-PSK AES).