How to Setup HP M140w Printer: Complete Wi-Fi & USB Setup Guide

Setting up an HP M140w printer for the first time can seem complicated, especially when you want to connect it to Wi-Fi, install the correct driver, or print from a Windows or Mac computer. The good news is that the HP M140w can be configured using a few straightforward steps.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to setup HP M140w printer, connect it to a wireless network, install the printer driver, connect it through USB, and troubleshoot common setup problems.

Whether you are setting up the printer on Windows, macOS, or a wireless network, follow the steps below to get your HP M140w ready for printing.

HP M140w Printer Setup Requirements

Before starting the setup, make sure you have the following:

• HP LaserJet M140w printer
• Power cable
• USB printer cable, if using USB setup
• Wireless router with an active Wi-Fi connection
• Windows PC or Mac
• Internet connection for downloading software and drivers
• Wi-Fi network name and password
• Paper for a test print

Keep the printer reasonably close to your wireless router during the initial Wi-Fi setup.

How to Setup HP M140w Printer

The basic HP M140w setup process involves powering on the printer, installing the appropriate HP software, connecting the printer to your computer or Wi-Fi network, and printing a test page.

Step 1: Unpack the HP M140w Printer

Remove the printer and accessories from the packaging.

Remove all protective tape, cardboard, and other shipping materials from the outside and inside of the printer.

Check the toner cartridge area and make sure any transportation locks or protective materials have been removed.

Place the printer on a stable, flat surface with enough space around it for ventilation and paper handling.

Step 2: Connect the Power Cable

Connect the power cable to the HP M140w printer and plug it into a suitable electrical outlet.

Turn on the printer using the power button.

Wait for the printer to finish its initial startup process before beginning the software installation.

Step 3: Load Paper

Open the appropriate paper tray and load compatible plain paper.

Adjust the paper guides so they fit the paper without pressing too tightly against the stack.

Having paper loaded before setup makes it easier to test the printer once the installation is complete.

How to Connect HP M140w Printer to Wi-Fi

Wireless setup allows you to print without connecting a USB cable every time.

For many users, Wi-Fi setup is the preferred way to configure the HP M140w.

Step 1: Prepare Your Wi-Fi Network

Make sure your computer or mobile device is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want the printer to use.

Keep your Wi-Fi password available.

During setup, avoid moving the printer too far from the router because a weak wireless signal can interfere with the connection.

Step 2: Install HP Printer Software

Download the appropriate HP printer software for your operating system.

During installation, choose the option for setting up a wireless printer when it is presented.

The installation program should guide you through connecting the printer to your wireless network.

Step 3: Select Your Wireless Network

When the setup software asks for a network, select your Wi-Fi network.

Enter the wireless password carefully.

A wrong Wi-Fi password is one of the most common reasons a printer fails to connect during initial setup.

Step 4: Complete the Wireless Setup

Allow the software to communicate with the printer and complete the network configuration.

Once the HP M140w connects successfully, the computer should recognize it as a network printer.

You can then print a test page to verify the connection.

How to Setup HP M140w Printer on Windows

If you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can install the printer through the HP setup software or Windows printer settings.

Method 1: Using HP Printer Software

1. Turn on the HP M140w.
2. Connect your Windows computer to the internet.
3. Download the appropriate HP printer software.
4. Start the installation.
5. Select the HP M140w when detected.
6. Choose a wireless or USB connection.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Complete the installation.
9. Print a test page.

Method 2: Add the Printer Through Windows

You can also try adding the printer through Windows settings.

Go to:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Select Add device and allow Windows to search for available printers.

If the HP M140w appears in the list, select it and follow the installation instructions.

How to Setup HP M140w Printer on Mac

The HP M140w can also be configured on macOS.

First, make sure your Mac is connected to the same wireless network that you want to use for the printer.

Then:

1. Turn on the HP M140w.
2. Open System Settings.
3. Select Printers & Scanners.
4. Choose Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax.
5. Wait for available printers to appear.
6. Select the HP M140w.
7. Follow the macOS setup instructions.
8. Complete the printer installation.
9. Send a test print.

If the printer does not appear, verify that the Mac and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

How to Setup HP M140w Printer Using USB

If wireless setup isn’t convenient, you can use a USB connection.

USB Setup Steps

1. Turn on the HP M140w.
2. Connect the USB cable between the printer and computer.
3. Wait for Windows or macOS to detect the printer.
4. Install the required HP printer software or driver.
5. Select the HP M140w during installation.
6. Complete the setup.
7. Print a test document.

USB setup can be useful when wireless configuration isn’t working or when the printer is being used with a single computer.

How to Install HP M140w Printer Driver

The correct printer driver allows your operating system to communicate properly with the printer.

A driver may be required if:

• The printer isn’t detected.
• Printing doesn’t work.
• Windows cannot find the printer.
• The printer appears offline.
• You changed computers.
• You reinstalled Windows.
• The printer was previously connected to another network.

Always use the appropriate software or driver for your operating system and printer model.

After installing the driver, restart the computer if requested and try printing a test page.

HP M140w Printer Not Connecting to Wi-Fi

If your HP M140w won’t connect to Wi-Fi, check these common causes.

Check the Wi-Fi Password

Make sure the password entered during setup is correct.

Remember that Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive.

Check the Wireless Network

Confirm that your computer and printer are being configured for the intended wireless network.

Restart the Devices

Restart:

• HP M140w printer
• Wireless router
• Computer

Then attempt the setup again.

Move the Printer Closer to the Router

If the wireless signal is weak, move the printer closer to the router during setup.

Reinstall the Printer Software

If the installation was interrupted, removing the failed printer installation and starting the setup again can help.

HP M140w Printer Shows Offline

If the HP M140w appears offline on your computer, first check whether the printer is powered on and connected to the network.

On Windows, open:

Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners

Select the HP M140w and check its printer status.

Also verify that the computer is connected to the same network as the printer.

If multiple printers are installed, make sure you are sending the print job to the correct HP M140w device.

HP M140w Not Printing After Setup

If setup is complete but documents aren’t printing, check the following:

• Printer power
• Paper supply
• Toner status
• Wi-Fi connection
• USB cable
• Printer driver
• Print queue
• Default printer settings
• Windows or macOS printer status

A stuck print queue can also prevent new documents from printing.

On Windows, open the HP M140w printer queue and cancel documents that are stuck. Then try printing again.

How to Print a Test Page on HP M140w

Printing a test document is a simple way to confirm that the installation was successful.

After adding the printer to your computer, open the printer settings and look for the option to print a test page.

If the test page prints successfully, the computer is communicating with the HP M140w correctly.

If it doesn’t print, investigate the connection, driver, printer status, and print queue.

HP M140w Setup on Wi-Fi: Common Problems and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I setup my HP M140w printer?

Turn on the HP M140w, load paper, install the appropriate HP printer software, and follow the setup instructions for either Wi-Fi or USB. After installation, print a test page.

How do I connect my HP M140w to Wi-Fi?

Install the printer setup software and select the wireless setup option. Choose your Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and complete the configuration.

Can I setup HP M140w without Wi-Fi?

Yes. You can connect the printer directly to a computer using a compatible USB connection.

How do I install the HP M140w driver?

Download the appropriate printer software or driver for your operating system and follow the installation instructions. Then add the printer through Windows or macOS if necessary.

Why is my HP M140w printer offline?

The printer may be offline because of a Wi-Fi connection problem, incorrect network configuration, a disconnected USB cable, a printer queue issue, or a computer-side printer configuration problem.

Why is my HP M140w not printing?

Check the printer’s power, paper, toner, connection, driver, printer status, and print queue. Restarting the printer and computer can also resolve temporary communication problems.

Can I use HP M140w with Windows 11?

Yes, the printer can be configured on a supported Windows computer using the appropriate printer software and Windows printer settings.

Can I use HP M140w with a Mac?

Yes. You can add the printer through System Settings → Printers & Scanners after connecting it to the appropriate network or computer.

Final Thoughts

Setting up the HP M140w printer involves a few basic steps: prepare the printer, install the appropriate software, connect it through Wi-Fi or USB, add it to your computer, and perform a test print.

If the printer isn’t detected, focus first on the Wi-Fi connection, printer driver, USB connection, printer status, and print queue. These are common areas to check when an HP M140w doesn’t work after installation.

If you still cannot complete the setup, remote printer support can help with printer installation, Wi-Fi configuration, driver installation, offline errors, and printing problems.