How to Download HP LaserJet M140we Printer Driver?

The HP LaserJet M140we is a compact and efficient monochrome printer designed for small to medium-sized businesses or home offices that require high-quality printing. It is part of HP's LaserJet series, known for its reliable performance, fast printing speeds, and low cost per page. To ensure that your printer functions optimally, it’s essential to install the appropriate driver for your computer. The printer driver is a crucial piece of software that enables your computer to communicate effectively with the printer.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of downloading and installing the HP LaserJet M140we printer driver for both Windows and macOS systems. We will cover all steps in detail, from verifying system requirements to completing the installation.

What is a Printer Driver?

A printer driver is software that allows your computer to send printing instructions to the printer. It acts as a translator, converting the data from your computer into a language the printer can understand. A correct and up-to-date printer driver is essential for ensuring the printer functions correctly and that you have access to all the features it offers, such as print quality settings, duplex printing, and connectivity options.

Without the correct driver, your printer may not work, or it may not offer all the features that the hardware is capable of. Therefore, downloading and installing the correct driver for your HP LaserJet M140we is a critical step.

Step 1: Verify System Requirements

Before you begin the process of downloading the printer driver, it is important to ensure that your computer meets the necessary system requirements. Having the correct system specifications helps avoid issues during installation and ensures your printer will work with your computer without performance problems.

For Windows Users:

1. Operating System: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11 (both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are supported).
2. Processor: At least a 1 GHz processor.
3. RAM: At least 1 GB of RAM (2 GB or more is recommended for better performance).
4. Hard Disk Space: At least 500 MB of free space available for the driver installation.
5. Connection Type: The HP LaserJet M140we can be connected via USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi.
6. Internet Connection: Required for downloading the driver and software updates.

For macOS Users:

1. Operating System: macOS 10.9 or later.
2. RAM: At least 1 GB of RAM (2 GB or more recommended).
3. Hard Disk Space: At least 500 MB of available space.
4. Connection Type: USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi connection supported.
5. Internet Connection: Required for downloading the driver and software updates.

Once you have confirmed that your system meets these requirements, you are ready to proceed with downloading the driver.

Step 2: Access the HP Support Website

To get the right driver for your HP LaserJet M140we printer, you should always download it from the official HP website. This ensures that you get the latest and most reliable version of the driver, which will be compatible with your system. Avoid downloading drivers from unofficial third-party websites, as they may be outdated or contain harmful software.

Here are the steps to access the HP support website:

1. Open Your Web Browser: Open any web browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.
2. Go to the HP Support Website: Type support.hp.com into the browser’s address bar and press Enter.
3. Search for the Printer: Once you are on the HP support homepage, you will see a search bar. Type HP LaserJet M140we into the search field and press Enter.
4. Select the Printer: In the search results, click on the link for HP LaserJet M140we. This will take you to the printer’s support page, where you can find all necessary drivers and software.

This page will contain all the drivers and software you need for your printer model.

Step 3: Choose Your Operating System

After navigating to the printer’s support page, you will need to select your operating system so that HP can display the correct drivers for your system. It is crucial to choose the right operating system version to avoid compatibility issues.

Here’s how to choose your operating system:

1. Locate the OS Selection Section: On the support page, there will be a section that allows you to select your operating system. It might be labeled Select Your Operating System or something similar.
2. Select Your Operating System: Use the dropdown menu to choose your operating system (either Windows or macOS).
3. Choose Version: For Windows users, you may also need to select between the 32-bit or 64-bit versions of the operating system. To determine your system type, go to Settings > System > About and check the System Type.
4. Click "Change": Once you have selected the correct operating system, click the Change button. The page will refresh and display the drivers and software specific to your operating system.

Step 4: Download the Printer Driver

Now that you’ve selected your operating system, you can see a list of available drivers for the HP LaserJet M140we printer. There are typically two types of drivers available:

1. Basic Driver: This driver includes only the essential files for printing. It is suitable for users who only need basic printing functions and don’t require additional features such as scanning or advanced settings.
2. Full Feature Software and Drivers: This driver package includes not only the basic driver but also additional software for managing the printer, including scanning, faxing, and advanced printer settings. This package is recommended for most users as it provides the full range of functionality.

To download the correct driver:

1. Select the Full Feature Software and Drivers option if you need additional features like scanning or printer management.
2. Click Download: After selecting the appropriate driver, click the Download button to begin the process.

The download time will depend on your internet speed and the size of the driver package. The file will usually be saved in your Downloads folder, unless you choose a different location.

Step 5: Install the Printer Driver

Once the driver has finished downloading, you can begin the installation process. The steps to install the driver will vary slightly depending on whether you are using Windows or macOS, so let’s walk through the installation for both operating systems.

Installing on Windows:

1. Locate the Downloaded File: Open your Downloads folder and find the driver file you just downloaded. It will usually be an .exe file.
2. Run the Installer: Double-click the .exe file to begin the installation process.
3. Allow Permissions: If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant permission to install the driver.
4. Accept the License Agreement: Read and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) to continue with the installation.
5. Choose Connection Type: During the installation process, you will be asked how you wish to connect your printer. You can choose USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet.
6. Connect the Printer: If you selected USB, connect the printer to your computer using the provided USB cable when prompted. If you selected Wi-Fi or Ethernet, make sure your printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
7. Complete the Installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation. Once it is complete, click Finish to exit the installer.

Installing on macOS:

1. Locate the Downloaded File: Open your Downloads folder and find the downloaded file, which will have a .dmg extension.
2. Open the Disk Image: Double-click the .dmg file to mount the disk image.
3. Run the Installer: Inside the mounted disk image, double-click on the Install icon to start the installation process.
4. Agree to the License Agreement: Review and agree to the End User License Agreement (EULA) to proceed.
5. Enter Administrator Password: You may be prompted to enter your Mac’s administrator password to authorize the installation.
6. Choose Connection Type: You will be asked to select how you want to connect your printer. Choose between USB, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet.
7. Complete the Installation: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Once finished, click Finish.

Step 6: Set the Printer as Default (Optional)

Once the installation is complete, you may want to set the HP LaserJet M140we as your default printer. This ensures that it will be selected automatically whenever you send a print job from your computer.

For Windows Users:

1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click on the HP LaserJet M140we printer icon and select Set as Default Printer.

For macOS Users:

1. Open System Preferences and go to Printers & Scanners.
2. Select HP LaserJet M140we from the list.
3. Click Set as Default Printer.

Step 7: Test the Printer

After installing the printer driver and setting it as the default printer, it is a good idea to test the printer to ensure that everything is working correctly. Follow these steps:

1. Open any document or image on your computer.
2. Go to the File menu and select Print.
3. Choose HP LaserJet M140we from the list of available printers.
4. Click Print and wait for the printer to produce the document.

If the document prints correctly, the installation was successful. If there are any issues, consult the troubleshooting section of the HP website for help.

Step 8: Update the Printer Driver (Optional)

HP frequently releases driver updates that include improvements in performance, bug fixes, and new features. To ensure your printer continues to perform at its best, it’s a good idea to check for updates periodically.

To update the driver, return to the HP support website and check for any new driver versions. If a newer version is available, download and install it following the same process.

Conclusion

Downloading and installing the HP LaserJet M140we printer driver is a straightforward process that ensures your printer operates smoothly. By following the steps in this guide, you can download and install the correct driver for both Windows and macOS systems. With the right driver installed, you’ll be able to take full advantage of your printer’s capabilities, whether it’s for everyday printing, managing settings, or accessing additional features. If you encounter any problems, refer to HP’s troubleshooting resources or contact their support team for further assistance.