If there’s one printer that blends speed, durability, and sharp output without the drama of wireless setup errors, it’s the HP LaserJet Pro M404n. Known for its rock-solid Ethernet connectivity and top-tier laser precision, this printer is a no-nonsense choice for professionals and small business owners. But even the best printer needs a proper setup before it can flex its muscles.

So, let’s dive deep into the HP LaserJet Pro M404n Printer Setup—from unboxing to configuration, troubleshooting, and long-term maintenance. No fluff, no complicated tech jargon—just a clean, easy-to-follow walkthrough that gets your printer up and running smoothly.

A Quick Look at the HP LaserJet Pro M404n

Before we plug in a single cable, let’s appreciate what this printer brings to the table. The HP LaserJet Pro M404n is a single-function monochrome laser printer designed for high-volume, high-quality printing. It doesn’t copy, scan, or fax — it prints, and it prints fast.

Key Highlights:

• Speed: Up to 40 pages per minute (ppm).
  
  

• Duty Cycle: Up to 80,000 pages per month.
  
  

• Connectivity: USB and Ethernet.
  
  

• Input Tray Capacity: 350 sheets (expandable).
  
  

• Output Tray Capacity: 150 sheets.
  
  

• Supported Toner: HP 58A (standard) and HP 58X (high-yield).
  
  

• Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR® certified.
  
  

The “n” in the model number stands for network, meaning it supports wired network printing but not wireless. This makes it a favorite for offices that value stable, secure connections over Wi-Fi’s unpredictability.

Unboxing the Printer Like a Pro

Let’s start from square one—unboxing and prepping the printer.

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• HP LaserJet Pro M404n printer
  
  

• Pre-installed HP 58A toner cartridge
  
  

• Power cord
  
  

• Setup guide and documentation
  
  

• USB cable (optional, depends on region)
  
  

Unpacking steps:

• Remove the printer from its packaging carefully.
  
  

• Take off all orange tapes, protective films, and cardboard pieces.
  
  

• Open the toner access panel.
  
  

• Remove the toner cartridge, gently shake it side to side to distribute the toner evenly, and then reinstall it.
  
  

• Close all panels securely.
  
  

Set the printer on a clean, flat surface near your computer and router—you’ll need easy access to both during setup.

Connecting the Printer

The M404n offers two connection types: USB for direct connection and Ethernet for network setup.

Option 1: USB Connection (For Single PC Use)

• Plug the USB cable into the printer and your computer.
  
  

• Connect the power cord and turn on the printer.
  
  

• Wait for your computer to detect the new hardware.
  
  

If your system doesn’t automatically install the driver, don’t worry—we’ll handle that in the next step.

Option 2: Ethernet Connection (For Office Network Use)

• Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the printer and the other to your router or network switch.
  
  

• Power on the printer.
  
  

• The printer will automatically acquire an IP address.
  
  

• To confirm, print a Network Configuration Page:
  
  

  • On the printer control panel, go to Reports → Network Summary → Print.
    
    

  • The IP address will be listed there.
    
    

This IP address is crucial when you’re adding the printer to your computer later.

Installing Printer Drivers and Software

Drivers are the bridge between your computer and printer. Without the right driver, your printer’s just a very expensive paperweight.

For Windows Users:

• Open your browser and visit the HP Support website.
  
  

• Type HP LaserJet Pro M404n in the search bar.
  
  

• Download the latest Full Feature Software and Drivers package.
  
  

• Once downloaded, open the file and follow the on-screen setup prompts.
  
  

• When asked for connection type, select USB or Wired Network, depending on your setup.
  
  

• Complete the installation and print a test page.
  
  

For macOS Users:

• Go to HP’s official support site.
  
  

• Search for LaserJet Pro M404n and download HP Easy Start for macOS.
  
  

• Launch HP Easy Start and follow the installation steps.
  
  

• The software will automatically detect your printer and install the necessary drivers.
  
  

Pro Tip:

Even though the M404n isn’t a wireless printer, you can still manage and monitor it through the HP Smart App on your PC or smartphone. It helps you check toner levels, print reports, and update firmware.

Adding the Printer to Your Computer

Once the drivers are installed, it’s time to add your printer.

For Windows:

• Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a printer.
  
  

• The printer that I want isn’t listed.
  
  

• Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
  
  

• Enter your printer’s IP address (from the Network Summary page).
  
  

• Click Next—Windows will install the printer.
  
  

For macOS:

• Go to System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
  
  

• Click the + sign to add a printer.
  
  

• Choose your printer from the list or enter its IP address manually.
  
  

• Select the HP LaserJet Pro M404n driver from the Use/Driver dropdown.
  
  

• Click Add to finish.
  
  

Loading Paper and Adjusting Settings

Once the printer is recognized, you can load paper and tweak settings for your needs.

Loading Paper:

• Pull out the main paper tray.
  
  

• Adjust the guides to your paper size (A4, Letter, Legal, etc.).
  
  

• Load the paper with the print side facing down.
  
  

• Slide the tray back into place until it clicks.
  
  

Printer Settings:

• Choose Paper Size and Print Quality from the HP Printer Assistant (Windows) or System Preferences (macOS).
  
  

• Set your default print options (like duplex printing or grayscale mode) to save time later.
  
  

Printing a Test Page

To make sure everything’s working properly, print a quick test page.

Windows:

• Go to Devices and Printers → Right-click your printer → Printer Properties → Print Test Page.
  
  

macOS:

• Go to Printers & Scanners → Select your printer → Options & Supplies → Utility → Print Test Page.
  
  

If the page prints cleanly, with dark, crisp text, your setup was a success.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Even with an easy setup, printers sometimes act up. Here’s how to handle common problems.

1. Printer Not Found:

• Check the cable connections (USB or Ethernet).
  
  

• Restart your printer and computer.
  
  

• If using Ethernet, verify the printer and computer are on the same network.
  
  

2. Driver Installation Fails:

• Uninstall old printer drivers.
  
  

• Disable antivirus temporarily during installation.
  
  

• Re-download the driver from HP’s official website.
  
  

3. Print Jobs Stuck in Queue:

• Open Services → Print Spooler → Restart.
  
  

• Cancel all pending print jobs and retry.
  
  

4. Faded or Uneven Print:

• Gently shake the toner cartridge side to side.
  
  

• Run the Cleaning Page from the printer menu.
  
  

• Replace the toner if the issue persists.
  
  

5. Paper Jam:

• Power off the printer.
  
  

• Open the rear access door and gently pull out the jammed sheet.
  
  

• Avoid tearing paper inside the printer.
  
  

Updating Firmware and Software

HP regularly releases updates that improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance compatibility.

• Visit support.hp.com and enter your printer model.
  
  

• Check for firmware updates.
  
  

• Download and install the update following on-screen prompts.
  
  

• Restart the printer after the update.
  
  

You can also enable Automatic Firmware Updates in the HP Smart App to keep your device up-to-date.

Maintaining Your HP LaserJet Pro M404n

Good maintenance means fewer headaches and longer printer life.

Here’s how to keep it in top shape:

• Clean Monthly: Wipe the exterior with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use HP’s cleaning mode periodically to prevent toner buildup.
  
  

• Use Genuine Toner: Third-party toner can clog the printer and void your warranty. Stick to HP 58A or 58X cartridges.
  
  

• Avoid Overloading: Don’t stuff the paper tray beyond the max line — it causes jams.
  
  

• Power Off Properly: Avoid unplugging the printer directly; use the Power button to shut it down cleanly.
  
  

• Keep It Ventilated: Ensure proper airflow around the printer to prevent overheating.
  
  

Smart Tips for Professional Printing

• Use Eco Mode or Auto Duplex printing to save paper and toner.
  
  

• For official documents, choose “Best” print quality for darker, sharper text.
  
  

• Store paper in a cool, dry place—humidity can cause curling and paper jams.
  
  

• For businesses, use HP Web JetAdmin to manage multiple printers on a single network.
  
  

Why Choose the HP LaserJet Pro M404n?

If you’re wondering why this printer stands out in HP’s lineup, here’s the answer: reliability. The M404n doesn’t try to be flashy—no Wi-Fi, no touchscreen gimmicks—just pure, consistent performance. It’s built for environments where printing just needs to work every time.

Pros:

• Blazing fast print speed
  
  

• Low cost per page
  
  

• Strong security features
  
  

• Easy network integration
  
  

• Compact, office-friendly design
  
  

Cons:

• No wireless or mobile printing
  
  

• No scanning or copying features
  
  

But honestly, that’s not a flaw—it’s focus. The M404n is about doing one job and doing it flawlessly: printing.

Final Thoughts

Setting up the HP LaserJet Pro M404n Printer isn’t rocket science—it’s a smooth, structured process. From connecting cables and downloading drivers to printing your first test page, every step is straightforward when you follow the right path.

Once installed, you’ll have a powerhouse that handles heavy workloads with minimal fuss. It’s fast, precise, and built for the long run—the kind of printer that quietly does its job without complaining.

So, go ahead. Power it on, connect it, install the drivers, and start printing like a pro. The HP LaserJet Pro M404n is more than a printer—it’s a reliable partner in your day-to-day productivity.