- Download the HP LaserJet Pro M404n driver from HP’s official website for the most secure and up-to-date installation on Windows and macOS, including the latest macOS Sequoia.
- Use HP Easy Start on macOS and the Full Software Solution on Windows to ensure all printer features work properly, including network printing and driver updates.
- The same driver supports both HP LaserJet Pro M404n and M404dn models, so you don’t need separate files for different versions of the printer.
If you’ve just purchased an HP LaserJet Pro M404n or are trying to reinstall it after a system update, you’ll need the correct driver to make it work smoothly. Without the right driver, your printer won’t communicate properly with your computer, resulting in printing delays, errors, or no response at all.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to download, install, and troubleshoot the HP LaserJet Pro M404n driver whether you’re on Windows 11 , Windows 10 , or macOS . We’ll also cover compatibility with the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn, which shares the same core driver base.
What Is the HP LaserJet Pro M404n?
The HP LaserJet Pro M404n is a high-speed, monochrome laser printer designed for small and medium-sized offices. It offers:
- Fast printing up to 40 pages per minute
- Wired Ethernet connectivity
- Enterprise-grade security features
- Support for various paper sizes and media
Before it can print, your system needs to know how to talk to it—that’s where the HP M404n driver comes in.
Install HP LaserJet Pro M404n Driver on Windows 11/10 (USB or Network)

This method works for both USB and Ethernet connections.
Step 1: Go to the Official HP Support Page
- Visit support.hp.com
- Type “HP LaserJet Pro M404n” in the search bar
- Select the correct printer model from the results
- Choose your operating system (e.g., Windows 11 64-bit)
HP regularly updates the hp laserjet pro m404n driver for stability and performance improvements.
Step 2: Download the Full Software Package
- Look for the section labeled “Driver – Product Installation Software”
- Download: HP LaserJet Pro M404n Printer Full Software Solution
- File type: .exe
- This includes the full HP M404n driver , HP Smart Install, and utility tools
Step 3: Run the Installer
- Locate the downloaded .exe file and double-click it
- Run as administrator for smoother installation
- Accept the license terms when prompted
- Choose the connection type: USB for direct connection Ethernet for network setup
The installation will automatically detect your LaserJet Pro M404n printer .
Step 4: Complete the Setup
- Wait for the driver and supporting tools to install
- Print a test page to confirm everything is working
- Optionally set the HP M404n as your default printer
If you’re using the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn , this driver package works for that model as well. No separate download is needed.
Install HP LaserJet Pro M404n Driver on macOS (Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey)
HP provides a streamlined setup for macOS using the HP Easy Start tool.
Step 1: Download HP Easy Start for Mac
- Visit the same HP support page
- Search for “HP LaserJet Pro M404n”
- Select your macOS version (Ventura, Monterey, Sonoma, etc.)
- Click Download next to HP Easy Start
This installer will automatically download the correct hp laserjet pro m404n driver for macOS .
Step 2: Launch HP Easy Start
- Open the downloaded .dmg file
- Drag HP Easy Start to your Applications folder
- Launch the installer
Step 3: Detect the Printer
- Connect your printer via USB or ensure it’s on the same network
- HP Easy Start will detect the device and install the latest hp m404n driver
- Follow the prompts and allow necessary permissions
HP Easy Start also supports the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver , so mac users with that model can use this method too.
Step 4: Finalize Setup
- Complete the guided installation
- Print a test page
- Set the printer as default if needed
This ensures your LaserJet Pro M404n printer works seamlessly with macOS.
Method 3: Install Using HP Universal Print Driver (UPD) on Windows
This option is ideal for IT departments or users managing multiple HP printers.
Step 1: Download the Universal Print Driver
- Visit the HP Universal Print Driver page
- Download the PCL6 version for best compatibility with the HP M404n
Step 2: Install the Driver
- Run the installer
- Choose Dynamic Mode for network printers or Traditional Mode for USB installation
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Step 3: Add the Printer Manually
- Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers
- Select Add a Printer
- Click The printer that I want isn’t listed
- Choose Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname
- Enter your printer’s IP address
The Universal Print Driver will now control the HP LaserJet Pro M404n printer or HP LaserJet Pro M404dn printer .
Method 4: Update HP M404n Driver Using Device Manager (Windows Only)
If the driver isn’t working or got corrupted after a Windows update, follow these steps.
Step-by-Step:
- Press Windows + X and choose Device Manager
- Expand the Printers section
- Right-click on HP LaserJet Pro M404n
- Select Update Driver
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software
Windows will look for the latest hp laserjet pro m404n driver and install it if available.
This method also works for HP LaserJet Pro M404dn .
Method 5: Offline Installation (No Internet Access)
If the computer where you want to install the driver doesn’t have internet:
- Use another computer with internet access
- Visit HP’s driver page and download the full driver package
- Copy the .exe (Windows) or .dmg (macOS) to a USB drive
- Transfer it to the offline machine
- Run the installer normally
Choose Local USB Setup if you’re connecting directly. This ensures you can install the hp m404n driver without any web connection.
Is the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Driver Different?
No, the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver is the same core driver used for the M404n model. The only difference is in their hardware:
| Feature | M404n | M404dn |
|---|---|---|
| Duplex Printing | Manual | Automatic |
| Network Support | Ethernet only | Ethernet + USB |
| Driver Compatibility | Identical | Identical |
So if you downloaded the driver for HP M404n , you’re covered for the M404dn too.
Common Issues While Installing HP M404n Driver
1. Driver Installation Freezes or Fails
- Disable antivirus temporarily
- Make sure Windows Update is enabled
- Run the installer as Administrator
2. Printer Not Detected Over Network
- Check if printer is connected to the same network
- Restart both printer and PC
- Assign a static IP to the printer
3. macOS Doesn’t Recognize Printer
- Use HP Easy Start only—do not attempt manual driver installs
- Reset printer settings via System Preferences → Printers & Scanners
Using HP Smart App with HP M404n (Windows/macOS)
While the HP LaserJet Pro M404n doesn’t support wireless printing, you can still use the HP Smart App for:
- Driver updates
- Monitoring print jobs
- Checking ink/toner levels
- Performing printer maintenance
Can I use HP M404n with Windows 11?
Yes. The latest driver fully supports Windows 11, including 64-bit versions.
Is there a universal HP driver for LaserJet Pro M404n?
Yes. HP Universal Print Driver (UPD) works with this model. Ideal for offices managing multiple HP printers.
Where do I find the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver?
Same place. The M404n and M404dn share the same driver package. Just search for M404n on HP’s site.
Can I use the M404n without installing drivers?
No. At minimum, you need HP Smart Install or Windows’ built-in drivers. Full features require official driver.
Conclusion
Setting up the HP LaserJet Pro M404n driver doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re using Windows 10, Windows 11, or macOS versions like Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura, or Monterey, HP provides simple tools to help you install and manage your printer with ease. Always download drivers from the official HP support site to avoid compatibility issues or outdated software.
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HP INC. is a leading information technology company known for manufacturing printers, desktops, laptops, and more.
HP printers on a network allow multiple users to access the same printer without reconnecting, saving time.
To fix HP Printer Not Showing Up on Network, troubleshoot by power cycling, uninstalling devices, performing factory resets, updating drivers, and connecting devices to the same network.
HP INC. is one of the well-known multinational information technology companies based in America that manufactures personal desktops, laptops, computer peripherals, printers, printer-related supplies, 3D printing solutions, and more. Talking about the HP Printers for both Home and Business are exceptionally good in terms of price-to-performance ratio. However, the HP Printer Not Showing Up on the Network on the computer is somehow frustrating.
A Network Printer can be any standard or AIO printer from HP, which can easily be accessible by the same network connection on the Windows desktop/laptop. So that other users can use the same printer, which will be connected to the same network. In that case, users in the same office or store or home desk won’t have to disconnect and reconnect the printer, which saves time & effort.
Obviously, the network printer might use a specific internet connection (local network) to perform such actions. But somehow, the HP printer can’t show up on the network that the computer is using due to multiple reasons. It can be a different network connection, an outdated printer driver , not supporting dual-band Wi-Fi , incorrect setup configuration, print spooler service not running, and more.

Fix HP Printer Not Showing Up on Network
If your HP Printer is not visible or recognizable on the computer’s connected network during the setup process that means there is some glitch or networking connectivity issue. Make sure to first disconnect the printer cable from the router and the computer then reset the HP printer to its default factory settings. Then you’ll need to re-configure the printer on the network.
Let us explain all the troubleshooting methods below. You should follow all methods individually to resolve such an issue.
1. Power Cycle the HP Printer and the PC
Always try to perform the power cycle method on your computer as well as other problematic devices to verify if the issue still bothers you or not. Power Cycle basically an advanced version of restarting the device which helps refresh the system glitch without any major troubleshooting. As this kind of method already helped a lot of users, you shouldn’t avoid it.
- First, shut down both the computer and HP Printer.
- Then unplug the power cord from both devices.
- Wait for around 5 minutes and then reconnect the power cord again.
- Now, turn on both devices and check for the issue.
2. Uninstall the HP Printer Device via Control Panel
Sometimes any kind of unknown third-party device application can be installed on your computer in the name of HP Printer, which can also interfere with the printer connectivity or its operations. It’s better to uninstall the HP Printer Device or similar application from your PC via Control Panel (if found).
- Go to the Start menu and search for Task Manager .
- Now, go to Processes , and single-click on HPDriver.exe .
- Click on End Process to close the task.
- Once done, go to the Start menu and search for Control Panel .
- Then open Control Panel and go to Programs .
- Next, click on Programs and Features .
- Search for the HP Printer Device application in the list.
- Right-click on the HP Printer Device app and select Uninstall .
- Follow the on-screen prompts and complete uninstallation.
3. Perform the Factory Reset on the HP Printer
Additionally, you’ll have to perform a factory reset on the HP Printer to avoid incorrect configuration or settings. Remember that restoring the factory default will remove all custom settings from the printer.
- Open the Setup menu on your HP printer’s interface.
- Click on Tools and select the Restore Factory Default option.
- If your printer does not have a screen then long-press the Cancel button and network (Wi-Fi) button for around 10 seconds until the Wi-Fi and Power indicators start blinking.
- Now, you can reconfigure the HP Printer again with the setup process.
4. Reconfigure the HP Printer to the Network
Whenever your HP Printer gets added to the Devices and Printers list, only then your connected printer will be shown on the computer. Once detected by the Windows system, the device drivers will also get installed automatically these days. So, you’ll need to add the HP printer to the network before doing anything else.
- Open the Start menu then search for Control Panel .
- Open Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sound .
- Click on Devices and Printers .
- Now, click on Add a printer .
- You’ll receive a popup and select your specific printer model there.
- If your PC doesn’t detect your printer automatically, click on The printer that I want isn’t listed .

- Click on Select a shared printer by name .
- Type in your printer name in the text box and click on the Next button.
- Your PC will connect to the printer. Now, check if your network printer is recognizable on the PC or not.
5. Connect the Same Network for Both Devices
You should also connect both PC and Printer to the same network to avoid the network printer connectivity or recognization issue.
6. Update the HP Printer Driver
Another thing you should do is to update the HP Printer Driver on the Windows computer by following the steps below. It’ll help in fixing the outdated printer driver. A new device driver mostly brings stability and improvements to its previous version.
- Open the Start Menu and search for Device Manager .
- Now, launch Device Manager then double-click on Print Queues .
- Right-click on the printer device driver.
- Select Update driver and choose Search automatically for drivers .
- It’ll search for available updates and automatically start downloading.
- Once installed, the system will automatically reboot the system to apply changes.
In case, your PC doesn’t have the required printer driver version or no updates are available then make sure to visit the official website of the HP Software & Driver Downloads webpage to get the latest drivers for the particular model. Next, you can install the driver.
7. Ensure the HP Printer and PC are Connected to a Single-Band Wi-Fi
You should also ensure that the HP Printer and the PC are connected to a single-band Wi-Fi network so that the Windows system can detect the printer. The chances are possible that your HP printer has 2.4GHz single-band Wi-Fi support. So, don’t connect the printer and computer to a 5GHz dual-band Wi-Fi network.
8. Restart and Enable the Print Spooler Service
You should try restarting and enabling the print spooler service on the Windows system manually by following the steps below to ensure there is no issue with the print spooling or queuing. If this service isn’t running or not active yet then make sure to restart and enable it.
- Go to the Start menu and search for Services.
- Open the Services app and locate Print Spooler .
- Now, double-click on the Print Spooler service to open its properties.

- Under the General tab, select Automatic from the Startup type .
- Click on Apply and then click on Start .
- Then click on OK to save changes and reboot the PC.
9. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
The troubleshooter method can also help you find and resolve multiple unknown issues you might not generally find as a warning or error notice. If you’ve already tried out all of the above methods, then you should run the printer troubleshooter by following the steps below.
- Press the Windows+I shortcut keys to open Settings .
- From the System tab, click on Troubleshoot .
- Click on Other troubleshooters .

- Click on the Run button next to the Printer .
- Then follow the on-screen prompts and complete the process.
- It’ll help in fixing the HP printer network connectivity issue with the computer.
10. Contact HP Customer Support
Finally, you should contact HP Customer Support and submit all details regarding the HP Printer not showing up on the network with your computer to fix this issue. If nothing helps you, try to raise the ticket to get dedicated help.
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After updating to macOS Sonoma, many users face problems with HP printers because there are no updated drivers for macOS 14 yet.
If your printer does not support AirPrint or still has issues, try resetting the printer’s settings to clear any old configurations that might be causing problems.
After upgrading to macOS Sonoma, many users have reported issues with their HP printers not working or failing to connect. This is a common problem because HP has not yet released updated drivers compatible with macOS 14, leaving users stuck with non-functional printers. Whether you’re facing issues with printing, scanning, or connecting your HP LaserJet or OfficeJet printer, it can be frustrating to find a solution.
If you’ve been wondering, “Where can I find drivers for HP printers compatible with Sonoma?” , you’re not alone. While there may not be official drivers available for some HP models yet, there are several practical solutions you can try to get your printer back up and running.
How to Fix HP Printer Connection Issues After Upgrading to macOS Sonoma
Let’s dive into the solutions and get your printer up and running smoothly on your new macOS Sonoma!
1. Verify AirPrint Compatibility
One of the simplest ways to avoid driver-related issues with your HP printer after upgrading to macOS Sonoma is to check if your printer supports AirPrint . AirPrint allows you to print wirelessly from your Mac without the need for manufacturer-specific drivers or software. Many newer HP printers come with AirPrint support, which can make the setup process seamless and prevent compatibility problems when the operating system updates.
Why Use AirPrint?
When macOS is updated, some printer manufacturers like HP may not release updated drivers right away, causing printers to stop working. However, if your printer supports AirPrint, it can bypass the need for drivers, allowing you to print directly from your Mac without additional setup.
Steps to Check AirPrint Compatibility:
- Open System Settings: Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings .
- Navigate to Printers & Scanners: On the left sidebar, find and click on Printers & Scanners .
- Check for Your Printer: If your printer is not already listed, click the + button to add a new printer.
- Select AirPrint: When your printer shows up in the list, select it. In the Use dropdown menu, check if AirPrint is available as an option. If it is, select AirPrint to set it up.
If AirPrint is Available:
- Your HP printer should work without any additional drivers, and you can start printing right away using macOS Sonoma.
2. Reset Printer Preferences
If your HP printer isn’t working after the macOS Sonoma upgrade and it’s not AirPrint-compatible, resetting your printer preferences is a helpful next step. This can clear any lingering issues caused by outdated drivers or conflicts from the macOS update, allowing you to reconnect your printer as if it were brand new.
Why Reset Printer Preferences?
When you update your Mac’s operating system, it can sometimes cause problems with printer settings. Resetting printer preferences will remove any previous configurations that might be causing issues and help establish a fresh connection between your printer and macOS Sonoma.
- Open System Settings: Click the Apple Menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and choose System Settings .
- Go to Printers & Scanners: In the left-hand sidebar, click on Printers & Scanners .
- Reset Printing System: Right-click (or Control + click) anywhere in the list of printers, and select Reset Printing System from the drop-down menu. A warning will appear asking if you want to reset the printing system. Click Reset to confirm.
- Re-add Your Printer: After the reset, your list of printers will be empty. Click the + button to re-add your HP printer.
- Select Printer from List: Choose your HP printer from the list of available devices and add it. If your printer is connected to the network or via USB, it should appear in the list automatically.
- Install the Correct Driver: If prompted, select the correct driver (if one is available) or opt for the Generic PostScript Printer option, which we will cover in more detail in the next section.
3. Use a Generic PostScript Printer Driver
If resetting your printer preferences didn’t solve the problem and your HP printer isn’t AirPrint-compatible, using a Generic PostScript Printer Driver can be an effective workaround. This option allows you to print basic documents, even if the full range of your printer’s features (like scanning or color printing) isn’t available.
- Open System Settings: Click the Apple Menu and choose System Settings .
- Go to Printers & Scanners: Click on Printers & Scanners in the left-hand sidebar.
- Add a Printer: Click the + button to add a new printer.
- Select Your HP Printer: Your HP printer should appear in the list. Select it.
- Choose a Driver: In the Use dropdown menu, select Generic PostScript Printer . This option allows you to print, although some advanced features like duplex printing or scanning may not be supported.
- Add the Printer: After selecting the driver, click Add to finalize the setup.
4. Download HP Drivers Manually
If using a generic driver doesn’t give you the desired functionality, you can try manually installing older drivers. Many HP printers don’t have updated drivers for macOS Sonoma, but you can often use the drivers for macOS 13 Ventura or earlier. This method can restore full functionality to your printer, including features like color printing and scanning.
- Visit HP’s Support Website: Go to the HP Printer Support Page . Enter your printer model (e.g., HP LaserJet or OfficeJet) in the search box.
- Find the Latest Drivers: HP may only offer drivers for macOS 13 Ventura or older versions. Download the most recent driver available, even if it’s not specifically for macOS 14 Sonoma.
- Install the Drivers: Open the downloaded driver file and follow the installation instructions. Once installed, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners .
- Add the Printer: Click the + button to add your printer. Your printer should now appear with the installed driver, restoring more advanced functions like scanning and color printing.
Potential Drawback:
You may receive a message like, “This update requires macOS version 13.0 or earlier” when installing the driver, but in many cases, the drivers will still work once installed.
5. Use Pacifist to Force Driver Installation
For more stubborn cases where HP drivers won’t install, you can use Pacifist , a third-party tool, to force drivers to work on macOS Sonoma. Pacifist allows you to open installer packages and manually install specific files, bypassing compatibility issues.
Pacifist is a free app that helps users manage and extract files from installation packages. It can be used to install printer drivers that would otherwise not work with macOS Sonoma, especially for older printers.
- Download Pacifist: Go to Pacifist’s website and download the app.
- Download HP Printer Software: Download the latest HP Printer Software Update from HP’s support page or directly from Apple. If Sonoma drivers are unavailable, download macOS Ventura or Monterey drivers.
- Open the Driver File with Pacifist: Open Pacifist and select Open Package . Navigate to the downloaded HP printer driver package (usually a .pkg file) and open it.
- Install the Drivers: In Pacifist, select HewlettPackardPrinterDrivers.pkg . Click Install at the top of the window to force the installation of the driver.
- Add Your Printer: Once the installation is complete, go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners . Add your printer using the + button.
Note of Caution:
Using Pacifist may not work for every printer model, but it’s a great option for those who are tech-savvy and willing to try additional steps to force drivers to work.
6. Update Printer Firmware
Sometimes, outdated firmware on your printer can cause compatibility issues with macOS updates like Sonoma. Updating your printer’s firmware ensures that it works smoothly with the latest features and security protocols introduced by macOS.
- Go to the HP Support Page .
- Enter your printer model and check for available firmware updates.
- Download the firmware update if available.
- Follow the instructions provided by HP to install the firmware update on your printer.
- After the firmware update, restart both your printer and your Mac.
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners , and re-add your printer if necessary.
7. Reconnect Printer to Wi-Fi and Reset Network Settings
For wireless printers, ensuring your printer and Mac are connected to the same network is crucial. Sometimes, after a macOS update, network settings can get mixed up, causing communication issues between your Mac and printer. Reconnecting your printer to the Wi-Fi network and resetting network settings on your Mac can resolve these issues.
- Go to your printer’s Network Settings (usually through the control panel) and disconnect it from the Wi-Fi.
- Reconnect the printer to the correct Wi-Fi network.
- Go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi .
- Click on the i icon next to your current network and choose Forget This Network .
- Reconnect your Mac to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer.
- Go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners .
- Click the + button and add your printer.
8. Use HP Smart App for Easy Setup
If you’re still facing issues after trying other methods, the HP Smart App can simplify the process of setting up and managing your printer. It helps you find your printer on the network and can automatically install necessary drivers and updates.
- Open the Mac App Store and search for HP Smart .
- Download and install the app on your Mac.
- Open the HP Smart App and follow the on-screen prompts to find and connect your HP printer.
- The app will guide you through adding the printer to your network or Mac.
- If necessary, the HP Smart App will prompt you to download and install any missing drivers or firmware updates.
9. Temporary Workaround: Print Using an iPhone or iPad
If you’re unable to get your printer working with macOS Sonoma, using AirPrint on an iPhone or iPad can be a quick and easy workaround to print documents. This method is especially useful for printing from the same network without needing to fully fix the printer issue on your Mac right away.
- On your Mac, save the document you want to print to iCloud Drive or another cloud service accessible from your iPhone or iPad.
- Use the Files app to locate and open the document on your mobile device.
- Tap the Share icon (a square with an arrow pointing up), and select Print .
- Your printer should appear in the list if it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Adjust the print settings if needed, and tap Print to send the job to your HP printer.
Conclusion
By following these methods, you should be able to resolve most HP printer connection issues after upgrading to macOS Sonoma. Whether you’re checking for AirPrint compatibility, resetting printer preferences, installing drivers manually, or using tools like Pacifist and HP Smart App, there are multiple ways to get your printer up and running again. If all else fails, using AirPrint from an iPhone or iPad can be a handy temporary workaround.
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