When it comes to reliability and performance, the HP LaserJet Pro M404n Printer is a true workhorse. Designed to deliver crisp, fast, and efficient black-and-white printing, it’s ideal for both home offices and small businesses that demand professional-quality output. But before you can enjoy its lightning-fast printing, you need to get through one essential step—the setup.
Setting up a printer might seem intimidating, especially when network configurations and driver installations get involved. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the complete HP LaserJet Pro M404n Printer Setup in clear, simple, and human-friendly language. No jargon, no confusion—just straightforward steps to get your printer running like a pro.
Understanding Your HP LaserJet Pro M404n Printer
Before jumping into the installation, let’s take a quick moment to understand what this printer is all about.
The HP LaserJet Pro M404n is a monochrome laser printer—meaning it only prints in black and white. It’s built for speed, efficiency, and durability, making it a favorite for businesses that print text-heavy documents regularly.
Key features include:
- Print speed: Up to 40 pages per minute (ppm)
- Connectivity: Ethernet and USB
- Monthly duty cycle: Up to 80,000 pages
- Paper input capacity: Up to 350 sheets
- HP Smart App compatibility for easy management
This model doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi (that’s what the “n” in its name indicates—it’s network-ready but not wireless). However, it connects easily to your local network using an Ethernet cable, giving you shared access across multiple computers.
Unboxing the Printer
Start by carefully unboxing your HP LaserJet Pro M404n printer. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The printer itself
- A power cord
- Setup guide or installation manual
- USB or Ethernet cable (depending on the packaging)
- HP 58A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge (pre-installed)
Steps to unpack:
- Remove all protective tapes and orange clips from the printer’s exterior and interior.
- Open the toner access door and gently remove the orange protective seal from the toner cartridge.
- Reinsert the toner cartridge firmly into place.
- Close all panels securely.
Tip: Keep the box and packaging materials—they come in handy if you ever need to transport the printer.
Connecting the Printer
The HP LaserJet Pro M404n gives you two main connection options—USB or Ethernet. The right one depends on your setup needs.
Option 1: USB Connection (For Single Computer Use)
- Plug one end of the USB cable into the back of the printer and the other end into your computer.
- Turn on the printer using the power button.
- Your computer may automatically detect the printer and begin installing basic drivers.
If it doesn’t, don’t panic—we’ll handle the driver installation in the next section.
Option 2: Ethernet Connection (For Network Printing)
- Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the printer’s Ethernet port and the other end to your router or network switch.
- Power on the printer.
- Once it’s connected, the network LED light will turn on.
- You can print a Network Configuration Page by navigating to the printer control panel → Reports → Network Summary.
This page contains your printer’s IP address, which you’ll need later when adding the printer to your computer.
Installing Printer Drivers and Software
Here’s where the magic happens—installing the correct drivers ensures your printer communicates smoothly with your computer.
For Windows Users:
- Open your web browser and go to the official HP Support website.
- In the search bar, type “HP LaserJet Pro M404n.”
- Download the latest Full Feature Software and Drivers for your Windows version.
- Once downloaded, open the file to start the installation wizard.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. When asked for connection type, select either USB or Wired Network depending on your setup.
- Complete the installation and print a test page to confirm success.
For macOS Users:
- Visit the HP Support page for the M404n printer.
- Download the HP Easy Start software for macOS.
- Launch HP Easy Start and follow the instructions.
- Choose Ethernet or USB connection when prompted.
- The software will automatically find and install the correct drivers.
Alternative Method – Using HP Smart App
While the M404n doesn’t support wireless printing, you can still manage settings and monitor printing activity through the HP Smart App. Simply install it from the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store and sign in using your HP account.
Setting Up the Printer on the Network
If you connected your printer via Ethernet, you’ll want to make sure every computer on your network can access it.
For Windows Computers:
- Open the Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
- Click Add a Printer.
- Select The printer that I want isn’t listed → Add a printer using TCP/IP address.
- Enter the IP address from your printer’s Network Summary page.
- Windows will automatically detect and install your printer.
For macOS:
- Go to System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
- Click the + icon to add a new printer.
- Choose the printer from the list or click IP and enter its IP address.
- The printer will appear in your device list once connected.
Loading Paper and Adjusting Settings
Now that your printer is installed, let’s prepare it for real work.
- Pull out the paper tray from the bottom of the printer.
- Adjust the paper guides to fit your paper size (usually A4 or letter).
- Load a stack of clean, dry paper with the print side facing down.
- Slide the tray back into the printer until it clicks.
Next, you can configure print preferences such as:
- Paper size and orientation
- Duplex (double-sided) printing
- Print quality (draft, normal, best)
- Energy-saving mode
All these settings can be managed from the HP Printer Assistant software or directly from your computer’s print dialog box.
Printing a Test Page
Always print a test page to confirm that everything’s working perfectly.
For Windows:
- Go to Devices and Printers → Right-click your HP LaserJet Pro M404n → Printer Properties → Print Test Page.
For macOS:
- Open Printers & Scanners → Select your printer → Options & Supplies → Utility → Print Test Page.
If the test page comes out crisp and clear, congrats—your setup is successful!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, even the best setups face small hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common problems.
Printer Not Detected?
- Make sure the USB or Ethernet cable is firmly connected.
- Restart your printer and computer.
- Reinstall the driver software.
Network Printer Not Showing Up?
- Confirm that the printer’s IP address is active (print the Network Configuration Page).
- Ensure both printer and computer are on the same network.
- Temporarily disable firewall settings and try again.
Printing Errors or Paper Jams?
- Open the printer and carefully remove any jammed paper.
- Check for small scraps left inside.
- Reload the paper tray and retry printing.
Low Print Quality?
- Use genuine HP toner cartridges (HP 58A or 58X).
- Run the built-in cleaning cycle from the printer menu.
- Store paper in a dry environment to prevent curling or moisture.
Updating Firmware and Drivers
Keeping your printer updated ensures optimal performance and security.
- Visit HP’s official site and search for your printer model.
- Download any available firmware updates.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install them.
Firmware updates can fix connectivity bugs, improve print speed, and enhance security—so don’t skip them.
Maintaining Your HP LaserJet Pro M404n
Once setup is complete, regular maintenance keeps your printer running smoothly for years.
Tips for longevity:
- Always power off the printer properly when not in use.
- Clean the exterior and paper feed rollers monthly with a soft cloth.
- Replace the toner cartridge promptly when print quality drops.
- Use only HP-certified toner cartridges to avoid print defects.
Printing Like a Pro
With your printer now running perfectly, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Use the HP Smart App or HP Web JetAdmin (for businesses) to track usage and supplies.
- Schedule automatic toner reorder through HP Instant Ink (if available in your region).
- Experiment with Eco Mode to save power without compromising print quality.
The HP LaserJet Pro M404n isn’t just a printer—it’s an investment in efficiency, reliability, and performance. Once you’ve gone through the setup, it’ll serve you faithfully for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Setting up the HP LaserJet Pro M404n Printer might take a few careful steps, but it’s far from complicated. Once everything’s connected and configured, you’ll have a printing powerhouse capable of churning out crisp pages at lightning speed. Whether you’re printing invoices, reports, or business letters, this printer delivers the professional touch that every workplace deserves.
So, if you’ve just unboxed your HP LaserJet Pro M404n, grab that Ethernet cable, follow these steps, and step into the world of effortless, high-speed printing.
Your productivity deserves it—and this printer is ready to deliver.
