HP LaserJet Pro M404dw: Setup, Drivers, Ink and Common Problems

Is the HP LaserJet Pro M404dw right for you?

The LaserJet Pro M404dw adds dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth setup to the M404dn, making it the version home offices and small businesses without a wired network bought. Everything else is identical, including the fast duplex engine and the chip-authenticated 58A toner. Wi-Fi stability on the early firmware was poor and was fixed by updates, which creates a dilemma for owners who avoid updates to keep compatible cartridges working.

Best for: Small offices wanting the M404 engine on Wi-Fi

Setting up the HP LaserJet Pro M404dw

HP Smart can set it up over Bluetooth onto either Wi-Fi band, or use the Wireless menu on the LCD; Ethernet is still available. If the printer keeps dropping off Wi-Fi, reserve its IP in the router and update firmware once, then decide on your update policy based on the toner you use. The Universal Print Driver works for managed deployments.

1. Unbox and prepare. Remove every piece of shipping tape and packing material, install the toner cartridge and drum unit, and load paper in the tray.
2. Join your Wi-Fi. Keep the printer close to the router for setup. Most printers only connect to the 2.4GHz band, so if your router broadcasts one merged network name you may need to split the bands temporarily. See our Wi-Fi guide if it will not join.
3. Install the setup app. Use HP's official app rather than a driver you found on a search result — third-party driver sites are the most common source of printer malware.
4. Add the printer. On Windows 11: Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device. On macOS: System Settings › Printers & Scanners › Add Printer.
5. Print a test page and run a scan if this is an all-in-one, so you find any problem now rather than when you are in a hurry.

Ink, toner and supplies

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dw uses the following consumables. Match the number exactly when you buy: the same printer family often uses several different cartridge numbers by region.

• HP 58A (CF258A) toner
• HP 58X (CF258X) high-yield toner

High-yield (XL) versions almost always cost less per page if you print regularly. On third-party ink and toner, read our honest assessment first, and note that some manufacturers push firmware that rejects non-original chips.

Full specifications