HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Driver Download and Troubleshooting Help

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn - Troubleshooting Guide (DriverFiles)

Problem: Specific PDF job stalls printing and blocks other jobs over macOS printer sharing

What users reported: One setup had the M404dn shared from an iMac over Ethernet with macOS printer sharing. After sending a particular 419 KB PDF that turned out to be a scanned JPG inside a PDF from a second Mac through that shared queue, the printer stopped processing new jobs. Items sat in the macOS print queue showing as “Incoming” and then “Ready to print,” but nothing actually left the spooler, there was no network traffic to the printer during job submission or cancellation, and only simple test jobs would eventually print after long delays.

Why it happens: The issue was traced to that single scanned-image PDF file being sent through the shared Bonjour/AirPrint queue. The user concluded that this file triggered a long-lived stall in the printer’s handling of jobs coming from the macOS sharing path, even though the same file did not break printing when handled differently.

How to fix: One fix reported was to cancel the problematic scanned PDF job from the macOS queue so it no longer sat there “Waiting for job to complete,” then submit only simple jobs, which began printing normally again. One fix reported was to avoid sending that specific scanned PDF through the shared Bonjour/AirPrint path at all; on the same system that hosts the printer queue, printing other content continued to work once the toxic job was removed, so keeping that file off the shared queue prevented the printer from getting stuck again.

Problem: Smeared or smudged prints on the page

What users reported: There was a case where an M404dn produced smeared output, leaving smudges on the printed pages. The owner was unsure if the marks were being caused by the toner cartridge or by some mechanical problem in the printer itself and was hesitant to buy a new cartridge only to discover the hardware was at fault.

Why it happens: In at least one example, the smearing turned out to be caused by the original starter toner cartridge that shipped with the printer, rather than by a hardware defect.

How to fix: One fix reported was to replace the starter toner with a different toner cartridge. After swapping in a new cartridge, the smudges disappeared and the prints came out clean, confirming that the cartridge was the source of the problem.

Problem: Windows applications freeze when printing via server share, but direct printing works

What users reported: In one environment, users sending jobs from Windows 7 and Windows 10 PCs to an M404dn through a Windows print server saw their applications hang as soon as they tried to print. Programs such as Word would lock up and require intervention, and the jobs failed. The same printer, when addressed directly from workstations using TCP/IP or WSD queues, printed instantly, and the server itself could print a test page to the shared queue without trouble. The breakage appeared suddenly after the system had worked fine for weeks.

Why it happens: Multiple admins pointed to Microsoft’s PrintNightmare security remediation as the trigger, including updates such as KB5006670, which were already known to disrupt some network printing paths. The behavior lined up with those patches being applied on clients or the host.

How to fix: One fix reported was to bypass the Windows print server share entirely for that device and instead connect users directly to the M404dn using TCP/IP or WSD printing; when jobs went straight to the printer instead of through the server queue, printing completed normally and applications no longer froze. One fix reported was, in a similar recurring situation, to stop the Windows print spooler service, clear the stuck jobs from the print queue, and then restart the service, which restored printing on that system. One fix reported was to use type 4 printer drivers on the server side, as those driver types had behaved more reliably with the PrintNightmare patches in similar cases.

Problem: “Door open” error shown only on a networked Windows PC

What users reported: An M404dn that was shared in a small setup showed a “door open” status on one Windows workstation that connected over the network, even though the physical door was fully closed. The PC that was cabled directly to the printer could print without any complaint, while the networked PC insisted the door was open. Restarting the printer, rebooting both computers, updating drivers, removing the device, and adding it back on the networked PC did not clear that status.

Why it happens: Information not available in provided sources.

How to fix: One fix reported was to stop using a WSD port for that printer on the problem PC, reinstall the device using a Standard TCP/IP port instead, and then open the port configuration and turn off SNMP status for that TCP/IP port. After setting up the printer on a Standard TCP/IP port and disabling SNMP status, the false “door open” warning disappeared on that workstation, even though other printing issues still needed attention.

Problem: Firmware update blocks third-party toner and locks update settings

What users reported: Several M404dn owners updated to firmware from 16 February 2022 (build MOGAMIXXXN002.2208A.00 and later) and then found that the printer no longer accepted third-party toner cartridges. Automatic firmware update options became locked, and non-OEM cartridges that previously worked were rejected. Users wanted an older firmware revision so they could roll the device back and regain the ability to run compatible third-party supplies.

Why it happens: The newer firmware revision was explicitly described as disabling automatic update control and preventing non-HP toner cartridges from working, changing the device’s behavior compared to earlier builds.

How to fix: One fix reported was to run a customized firmware utility that identifies itself as a normal HP update tool but actually sends an older firmware image such as version 2049A to the M404dn; users who applied this downgrade reported that their printers returned to the earlier firmware and third-party chips began working again. One fix reported was to first enable firmware updates and downgrades in the printer’s own settings, then install an OEM cartridge and re-run the downgrade tool—sometimes twice—until the device successfully rolled back to an older build such as 2149A. One fix reported was to use updated downgrade packages prepared specifically for the M404 and related models; people who loaded those images confirmed that the rollback completed and restored compatibility with non-OEM toner while avoiding the restrictions introduced in the February 2022 firmware.

Use the firmware and/or driver update advice on this page at your own risk; we are not responsible for any damage or malfunction to your hardware resulting from following our recommendations.

The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn is a compact yet powerful monochrome laser printer. The M404dn delivers impressive print speeds of up to 40 pages per minute, ensuring fast and efficient printing for busy offices. Whether producing documents, reports, or business correspondence, users can rely on the printer to deliver crisp, clear text and sharp graphics with every print. 

Furthermore, the printer's automatic duplexing feature enables efficient two-sided printing, helping to reduce paper usage and lower printing costs. Featuring HP's JetIntelligence technology, the LaserJet Pro M404dn delivers exceptional print quality and performance while maximizing efficiency and reliability. 

The printer's precision black toner produces sharp, professional-looking documents with rich, consistent blacks and smooth gradients, making it ideal for a wide range of printing tasks. Additionally, JetIntelligence helps optimize toner usage, ensuring high yields and reducing the need for frequent cartridge replacements.

Download the latest HP LaserJet Pro M404dn drivers for Windows, Linux, and MacOS by browsing this page, and install them easily by following our short installation guide. 

HP LaserJet Pro M404dn Driver

To get the latest HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver, scroll down to the bottom of this page, solve the Captcha, and click the Download button under the Captcha field. 

After download completion, Windows users will find an executable (exe) file. To install, just double-click on them. 

Similarly, MacOS users can install the latest version of the software by finding the dmg archive in the dedicated folder, dragging it over to the Applications section, and dropping it inside the folder. 

Lastly, Linux users will find a dedicated folder with the latest HP LaserJet Pro M404dn driver, which will be in the form of a tar archive. To run such files, start by opening the Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T). Navigate to the file location with the cd command. Next, use the xjf tar command to extract the files. Now that they’re extracted from the archives, run the files by using the sudo make install command.