The Complete Guide to HP Laser MFP 137fnw Drivers: Installation, Troubleshooting, and Optimization Introduction The HP Laser MFP 137fnw is a compact, feature-packed monochrome laser printer designed for small offices, home offices (SOHO), and even personal use where high-volume printing, scanning, copying, and faxing are required. Its "fnw" designation reveals its core connectivity strengths: F (Fax), N (Ethernet), and W (Wireless/Wi-Fi). Despite its robust hardware, the true gateway to unlocking this machine’s full potential lies in its drivers . Without the correct driver, your computer and the HP 137fnw cannot communicate effectively, leading to print errors, missing scan functions, or a complete inability to use the device. This write-up provides an exhaustive deep dive into everything you need to know about HP Laser MFP 137fnw drivers—from understanding what they are, where to download them safely, step-by-step installation guides, troubleshooting common issues, and best practices for keeping them updated.
Part 1: What Are Drivers and Why Do They Matter for the HP 137fnw? In simple terms, a driver is a software layer that translates the high-level commands from your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) into low-level instructions that the printer’s hardware understands. The HP Laser MFP 137fnw is not just a printer; it is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) . Therefore, its driver suite must handle four distinct functions:
Printing – Rasterizing documents, controlling toner density, paper handling. Scanning – Communicating with the CIS scanner, resolution settings, color modes. Faxing – Managing phone line signals, memory storage, fax confirmation. Status Monitoring – Reporting toner levels, paper jams, cover open errors.
Using a generic driver (e.g., the built-in "Microsoft IPP Class Driver") will often allow basic printing but will break scanning, faxing, and toner level monitoring . Thus, installing the correct HP-provided driver is mandatory. hp laser mfp 137fnw drivers
Part 2: Types of Drivers Available for the HP Laser MFP 137fnw HP typically provides several driver variants for this model. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right one for your environment. 2.1 Full Feature Software and Driver (Recommended)
File size: ~250–350 MB Contents: Printer driver, scanner driver (TWAIN/WIA), fax driver, HP Device Toolbox (web-based configuration), HP Scan software, firmware update utility. Best for: Home users, standalone offices, anyone needing full scan and fax functionality via USB or network.
2.2 HP Easy Start (macOS and newer Windows) The Complete Guide to HP Laser MFP 137fnw
File size: Small bootstrap installer that downloads components on-the-fly. Best for: Mac users or Windows users who want the latest version automatically. Note: Requires continuous internet during installation.
2.3 HP Universal Print Driver (UPD)
File size: ~40 MB (PCL6 version) Best for: IT administrators managing multiple HP printer models. The UPD works with the 137fnw for printing only (no scan/fax). Formats: PCL6, PS (PostScript), and PCL5 (legacy). Without the correct driver, your computer and the
2.4 Basic Driver (No scanning/faxing)
File size: ~15–20 MB Contents: Only print functionality. No scan, no fax, no status alerts. Use case: Print servers, kiosks, or when you have a separate scanning solution.