How to Download HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Printer Driver?

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The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a fast, reliable, and efficient monochrome laser printer designed for businesses and home offices. It offers high-quality prints, advanced security features, and the ability to handle large printing volumes. However, to ensure that your computer and printer can communicate efficiently, you need the appropriate printer driver. A printer driver acts as the bridge between your computer and printer, enabling them to work together to perform printing tasks.

In most cases, operating systems like Windows and macOS can automatically detect and install drivers for your printer. But if the automatic installation fails or you need to manually download the driver (for example, if your printer is offline or you're using a different device), you can follow the steps outlined in this guide to download and install the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver.

This article will provide a detailed, step-by-step process for downloading and installing the driver for your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn, tailored for both Windows and macOS operating systems.

Step 1: Identify Your Printer Model

Before you start downloading the driver, it's essential to confirm that you have the correct printer model. The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a monochrome laser printer, and it may be part of a series of similar printers, such as the M404n, M404dw, or other LaserJet models. Ensure that you are selecting the driver for the M404dn model specifically.

The model name is usually found on the front or top of the printer. If you’re unsure, you can also check the printer’s settings or refer to the user manual to confirm the exact model number.

Step 2: Identify Your Operating System

To ensure compatibility between your computer and the printer, you need to know the version of the operating system (OS) running on your computer. HP provides drivers tailored to different versions of Windows and macOS, so it's critical to know your OS version before downloading.

For Windows:

1. Open the Settings Menu: Press Windows key + I to open the Settings window.

2. Check the Version: In the Settings menu, go to System > About, where you can see the version of Windows you are using (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11).

3. Check the Architecture: In the same section, you’ll also see whether your version is 32-bit or 64-bit. This information is crucial when downloading the appropriate driver.

For macOS:

1. Click on the Apple Logo: Located in the top-left corner of your screen.

2. Select “About This Mac”: This will show you your macOS version (e.g., macOS Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina).

3. Note the Architecture: You may also want to check if your Mac uses Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2) architecture, as this can affect the driver selection.

Step 3: Visit the HP Support Website

Once you’ve identified your printer model and operating system version, you can proceed to download the driver from the official HP website. The official support website ensures that you are downloading the correct and most recent drivers for your printer.

1. Open Your Web Browser: Launch your preferred browser (such as Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.).

2. Search for HP Printer Drivers: Type "HP LaserJet Pro M404dn printer driver" into your search engine or go directly to the HP Support page.

3. Navigate to the Product Support Page: You’ll find a search bar on the HP support website where you can enter your printer model name (HP LaserJet Pro M404dn). Click on the link corresponding to your printer model, which will take you to the driver download page for your specific printer.

Step 4: Select Your Operating System

On the product support page, HP will prompt you to select your operating system. This ensures that you download the correct driver that is compatible with your system.

1. Choose Your OS: You’ll be presented with a dropdown or a selection box to choose between Windows, macOS, or other operating systems.

2. Choose Your OS Version: For Windows users, you’ll need to select whether you are running Windows 10, Windows 11, or an earlier version like Windows 8 or Windows 7.

3. Confirm the Architecture: If you're using a Windows OS, you will also be asked whether your system is 32-bit or 64-bit. This is important because 32-bit and 64-bit drivers are different, and using the wrong driver may cause issues.

For macOS users, you’ll need to select the specific version of macOS (e.g., macOS Monterey, Big Sur, etc.) and confirm whether your system is based on Intel or Apple Silicon (M1/M2) processors.

Step 5: Choose the Correct Driver and Software Package

After selecting your operating system, the next step is to choose which driver package you want to download. HP typically offers several different types of driver packages:

1. Basic Driver: This is the minimum driver required for basic printing functionality. It enables you to print documents but may not include advanced features such as scanning, printer management tools, or other specialized functions.

2. Full Feature Driver: This driver package includes all the features of your printer, including full printing, scanning, and management features. If you want to use your printer for all its capabilities, this is the recommended option.

Make sure to download the Full Feature Software and Drivers for the best performance, as it includes everything you need to use your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn to its full potential.

Step 6: Download the Driver

Once you've selected the appropriate driver package, you can download the file to your computer.

1. Click the “Download” Button: Depending on your OS and version, you will see a Download button next to the driver package you want.

2. Wait for the Download to Complete: The size of the driver file can vary depending on the package, so the download process may take a few minutes. Be sure to wait until the download is complete before proceeding.

The driver will typically be saved in the Downloads folder or another folder you specify.

Step 7: Install the Driver

Now that you’ve downloaded the driver, it’s time to install it on your computer. The installation process is slightly different for Windows and macOS.

For Windows:

1. Locate the Downloaded File: Go to your Downloads folder or the location where the driver file was saved.

2. Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded .exe file to start the installation process.

3. Follow the Installation Wizard: The installer will guide you through the installation process. During the installation, you will be asked to accept the terms of the license agreement and choose the type of installation (typically, Typical Installation is recommended).

4. Connect the Printer: You will be prompted to connect your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn printer to your computer. If you're using a USB connection, plug the printer into an available USB port. If you're using a wireless connection, follow the instructions to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.

5. Complete the Installation: Once the installation is complete, you may be asked to restart your computer.

For macOS:

1. Locate the Downloaded File: Open the Downloads folder and double-click the downloaded .dmg file to mount it.

2. Run the Installer: Once the disk image is mounted, double-click the .pkg installer file inside the mounted disk.

3. Follow the Installation Instructions: The installation wizard will guide you through the process. You may need to enter your Administrator password to allow the installation to proceed.

4. Connect the Printer: You’ll be prompted to connect your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn printer to your Mac. If you're using USB, simply plug the printer into an available USB port. For wireless setup, follow the on-screen instructions to connect the printer to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac.

5. Complete the Installation: Once the installation is complete, restart your Mac if necessary.

Step 8: Test the Printer

After the driver installation is complete, it’s important to test your printer to ensure everything is working correctly.

For Windows:

1. Open the Start Menu and go to Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners.

2. Find your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn printer in the list of installed printers.

3. Right-click on the printer and select Print Test Page to ensure that the printer is functioning properly.

For macOS:

1. Go to System Preferences and click on Printers & Scanners.

2. Select your HP LaserJet Pro M404dn printer from the list.

3. Click on Open Print Queue, and then select Print Test Page to check if the printer is working as expected.

Step 9: Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during or after the installation, here are a few common troubleshooting steps:

1. Printer Not Recognized: Ensure that the printer is properly connected to your computer via USB or Wi-Fi. For wireless setups, check that both devices are on the same network.

2. Driver Installation Failure: If the driver installation fails, try restarting your computer, re-downloading the driver, and running the installer again. You can also try temporarily disabling any antivirus software or firewall that may be blocking the installation.

3. Missing Features: If some features, such as scanning or printer settings, are missing, ensure that you’ve downloaded the Full Feature Driver and not just the Basic Driver.

Conclusion

Downloading and installing the HP LaserJet Pro M404dn printer driver is a relatively simple process if you follow the steps carefully. By identifying your printer model and operating system, selecting the appropriate driver package from the official HP support website, and following the installation instructions, you’ll have your printer up and running in no time.