HP Printer Driver Error MFP M140w

[Muleshoe]

I want to Uninstall and Reinstall printer but OS does not see the printer.

[Meghana_10 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Muleshoe, Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding the HP LaserJet MFP M140w printer.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you and are glad we could help work toward a resolution. We hope our support has been valuable.

I understand that you want to uninstall and re install the drivers, but the Windows 11 is not detecting the printer. Please follow the steps provided below in order.

1. Restart and Check Windows Updates
 

1. Restart your computer once.
2. In Windows, search for and open Check for updates.
3. Install any available Windows updates.
4. Test printing. If it still fails, continue.

2. Uninstall HP Printer Software and Remove the Printer

A. Uninstall printer software

1. If the M140w is connected by USB, disconnect the USB cable.
2. In Windows, search for and open Add or remove programs.
3. In the list: - Look for entries with your HP printer name. - If you don’t see it, look for HP Smart or HP app.
4. Next to each related entry, click the three dots (…) and select Uninstall, then Uninstall again, and follow on‑screen prompts.
5. Repeat for any service plugins related to your printer.

(If uninstall fails, you can use Microsoft’s Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter and then try again.)

B. Remove the printer from Windows

1. In Windows, search for and open Printers & scanners.
2. If your printer appears, select it.

Click Remove or Remove device > Yes.

Restart your computer.

3. Prepare the Printer (Wi‑Fi Setup Mode)

Since Windows does not see the printer, first ensure it is ready to connect.
 

1. Turn the printer off, then on.

2. Check the Wireless light on the printer: - Not blinking: Wireless connection is OK; you can go directly to reinstalling software (Section 5). - Blinking: Restore Wi‑Fi setup mode.

3. Restore Wi‑Fi setup mode: - Touchscreen models: On the control panel, open Wireless or Setup (gear icon), go to Network Setup/Settings, then select Restore Network Settings. - Non‑touchscreen models: Use the control‑panel buttons as described in “Restore Wi‑Fi setup mode on your HP printer” to enable Wi‑Fi setup mode.
 

Wi‑Fi setup mode usually stays active for about 2 hours; if you don’t connect in time, repeat this step.

[Meghana_10]

4. If Windows Built‑In Driver Is Failing (USB or Network)

A. For USB connection

1. On the PC, search for and open Change device installation settings.
2. Make sure Yes (recommended) is selected so Windows can download drivers.
3. Connect the USB cable directly to a USB port on the computer (not a hub/dock).
4. Turn the printer on and connect USB.
5. If “Found new hardware” appears, follow prompts to install.
6. If you still cannot print:
7. Open Add a printer or scanner.
8. Click Add a printer or scanner.
9. If your printer appears, select it > Add device.
10. If it does not appear:
    • Click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
    • Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings > Next.
    • Choose Use an existing port, select USB001: (Virtual printer port for USB) > Next, and follow prompts to install the driver.

B. For Wi‑Fi/network connection when Windows doesn’t see the printer

1. Make sure the printer and PC are near the router.
2. Confirm the printer’s wireless status: - Solid blue Wireless light or active Ethernet lights = connected. - If not connected, restore network settings (as in Section 3) and reconnect to your Wi‑Fi.
3. On the PC, open Add a printer or scanner and click Add a printer or scanner. - If detected, select it > Add device. - If not detected:
   1. Click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
   2. Select Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname > Next.
   3. Set Device type to Autodetect.
   4. Find the printer IP address:
      • HP app: Home screen > your printer > View All under Printer Settings > IP address.
      • Touchscreen printers: Open Wireless Summary/Network Settings to see IP.
      • Non‑touchscreen printers: Press the Information button to print a report and locate the IP on the page.
   5. Enter the IP, click Next, and follow prompts to install the driver.

5. Reinstall HP Software (HP App or Full Driver)

Option A: Use HP app (recommended for Windows 11)

1. Install the HP app: - From the Microsoft Store, 
2. Open the app and choose Add a printer > Add an existing printer.
3. When your M140w appears, select it and follow on‑screen steps to complete installation.
4. Test printing from the app.

Option B: Use full-feature driver from HP

1. Open Microsoft Edge and go to 123.hp.com.
2. Enter MFP M140w and press Enter.
3. Download and install the recommended setup/software for Windows 11 or click the link HP LaserJet MFP M140w Printer Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support
4. Follow prompts, then test printing.

Have a great day!