Technology should make life easier, not more complicated—but if you’ve ever tried setting up a printer, you know it doesn’t always feel that way. The HP LaserJet MFP 136a, though, is built for simplicity. It’s compact, fast, and practical—a true plug-and-play workhorse for homes and small offices.

Still, even the simplest machines need a little guidance to get going. That’s where this guide comes in. Here’s everything you need to know about HP LaserJet MFP 136a printer setup, from unboxing and installation to driver setup and maintenance—all explained in plain English.

Meet the HP LaserJet MFP 136a

Before diving into setup, let’s get familiar with the star of the show.

The HP LaserJet MFP 136a is a monochrome laser multifunction printer (MFP) that can print, scan, and copy with reliable precision. It doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi, which might seem like a limitation—but in reality, it means fewer connectivity headaches and a smoother setup experience via USB.

Key Specs and Features:

• Print speed: Up to 20 pages per minute
  
  

• Print resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi
  
  

• Monthly duty cycle: Up to 10,000 pages
  
  

• Connectivity: USB 2.0
  
  

• Functions: Print, Scan, Copy
  
  

• Compact footprint: Ideal for desks and small spaces
  
  

In short — it’s a solid, no-nonsense printer for people who want quality without complication.

What You’ll Find in the Box

When your HP LaserJet MFP 136a arrives, unbox it carefully. You should find:

• The HP LaserJet MFP 136a printer
  
  

• Power cord
  
  

• USB cable
  
  

• Setup documentation
  
  

• CD/DVD with drivers (for older systems)
  
  

• Toner cartridge (pre-installed or separately packed)
  
  

Before you plug anything in, remove all the orange tapes and protective covers. They’re there to protect parts during shipping but will cause problems if left in place.

Choosing the Right Spot

Place your printer on a flat, stable surface near your computer and power outlet. Avoid areas exposed to sunlight, heat, or moisture.

Leave enough space for the paper tray to open and the scanner lid to lift easily. A little breathing room helps airflow and prevents overheating.

Load the Paper and Toner

Now, let’s get the printer ready to print.

Step 1: Load Paper

• Pull out the paper input tray.
  
  

• Adjust the paper width guides.
  
  

• Load plain A4 or letter-sized sheets.
  
  

• Don’t overfill—stay below the max line.
  
  

Step 2: Install Toner Cartridge

If your cartridge isn’t pre-installed:

• Open the front panel of the printer.
  
  

• Take out the toner cartridge.
  
  

• Remove any orange tabs or seals.
  
  

• Slide the cartridge back in until it clicks.
  
  

• Close the panel securely.
  
  

Done—your printer is physically ready.

Power On and Initial Setup

Plug in the power cord and press the power button on the control panel. You’ll hear the printer hum to life.

If it prompts you to select your language, region, or paper size, follow the on-screen directions. These settings help avoid formatting issues later.

Connecting the Printer to Your PC

The HP LaserJet MFP 136a uses a USB cable for connectivity—simple, reliable, and fast.

Here’s How:

• Plug one end of the USB cable into the printer’s USB port.
  
  

• Connect the other end to your computer.
  
  

• Turn both devices on.
  
  

• Wait for Windows or macOS to detect the printer automatically.
  
  

If it doesn’t, you’ll need to install drivers manually—which is easy, too.

Installing HP LaserJet MFP 136a Drivers

Drivers are what make your printer and computer talk to each other properly. Without them, you’ll either get error messages or no response at all.

For Windows:

• Go to HP’s official website — support.hp.com.
  
  

• Navigate to Software and Drivers → Printers.
  
  

• Enter “HP LaserJet MFP 136a” and hit search.
  
  

• Download the Full Feature Software and Driver.
  
  

• Once downloaded, open the installer.
  
  

• Choose USB connection when prompted.
  
  

• Follow the on-screen steps until installation completes.
  
  

After installation, try printing a test page. If it prints perfectly, you’re good to go.

For macOS:

• Visit HP’s support page and find the macOS version of the driver.
  
  

• Download and open the installation file.
  
  

• Once installed, go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners.
  
  

• Click the “+” button to add a new printer.
  
  

• Select HP LaserJet MFP 136a and click Add.
  
  

You’re now ready to print from your Mac.

Installing Without the CD

If your system doesn’t have a CD drive (and let’s be real—most don’t anymore), don’t panic. HP’s official website has everything you need.

Go directly to HP’s Support → Drivers and Downloads page. Download the latest software for your operating system. Avoid random third-party websites—stick with HP for security and compatibility.

Setting Up Scanning and Copying

The “MFP” in HP LaserJet MFP 136a stands for Multi-Function Printer—meaning you can print, scan, and copy all from one device.

To Scan:

• Place your document face down on the scanner glass.
  
  

• Open the HP Smart App or HP Scan software (installed with drivers).
  
  

• Choose your scan type — document or photo.
  
  

• Set file format (PDF, JPEG, etc.).
  
  

• Click Scan and save your file.
  
  

To Copy:

• Place the page you want to copy on the scanner glass.
  
  

• Use the control panel buttons to set the number of copies.
  
  

• Press the Copy button.
  The printer will make perfect duplicates in seconds.
  
  

Print a Test Page

Now for the moment of truth.

Windows:

• Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers
  
  

• Right-click your HP printer → Printer Properties
  
  

• Click Print Test Page
  
  

Mac:

• Open any document and select File → Print.
  
  

• Choose your HP LaserJet MFP 136a.
  
  

• Hit Print and wait for your page.
  
  

If it prints smoothly and cleanly, congratulations—your setup is complete.

Troubleshooting Common HP 136a Issues

Even reliable printers have their moods. If something feels off, try these quick fixes.

Problem 1: Printer Not Recognized

Fix:

• Check if the USB cable is firmly connected.
  
  

• Try a different USB port.
  
  

• Reinstall the HP driver package.
  
  

Problem 2: Printer Offline

Fix:

• Go to Devices and Printers → Right-click your HP printer → select “Set as Default Printer.”
  
  

• Make sure “Use Printer Offline” is unchecked.
  
  

Problem 3: Paper Jam

Fix:

• Turn off the printer.
  
  

• Open the rear access door and gently remove any jammed sheets.
  
  

• Reload the paper correctly and retry.
  
  

Problem 4: Poor Print Quality

Fix:

• Gently remove and shake the toner cartridge to redistribute toner.
  
  

• Clean the printer’s internal drum with a dry cloth.
  
  

• Avoid low-quality or damp paper.
  
  

Problem 5: Scanning Not Working

Fix:

• Restart your computer and printer.
  
  

• Reconnect the USB cable.
  
  

• Reinstall the HP Smart App or HP Scan software.
  
  

Maintaining Your HP LaserJet MFP 136a

A little maintenance goes a long way. Here’s how to keep your printer in peak form:

• Use only original HP toner cartridges for best quality.
  
  

• Clean the scanner glass with a soft microfiber cloth.
  
  

• Avoid exposing the printer to dust or humidity.
  
  

• Keep your drivers updated from HP’s website.
  
  

• Print a test page every few weeks to keep the toner active.
  
  

With minimal care, your printer can easily last several years without issues.

Why Users Love the HP LaserJet MFP 136a

This printer has become a go-to choice for students, freelancers, and small business owners—and for good reason:

• Compact design: Fits neatly on any desk.
  
  

• Fast printing: Great for high-volume tasks.
  
  

• Energy-efficient: Uses HP’s Smart Energy-Saving Technology.
  
  

• Reliable performance: Fewer jams and smooth operation.
  
  

• Affordable: Low cost per page and easy maintenance.
  
  

It’s a workhorse that does its job without making a fuss—and that’s exactly what most users need.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Experience

Want to get even more out of your printer? Try these tips:

• Always connect the USB cable after driver installation for cleaner detection.
  
  

• Keep an extra toner cartridge handy to avoid last-minute panic.
  
  

• Use HP Smart app for easy scanning and monitoring toner levels.
  
  

• Don’t use cheap third-party toners — they often cause smudges or leaks.
  
  

• Store paper flat and dry to prevent feeding errors.
  
  

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—your complete HP LaserJet MFP 136a Printer Setup guide. From unpacking to printing your first page, it’s a straightforward process that even first-time users can handle easily.

HP built this printer for people who value simplicity, reliability, and sharp results without unnecessary frills. Once it’s set up, it’s ready to handle everything from crisp reports and invoices to scanned forms and copied documents.

So go ahead—plug it in, install the driver, and start printing with confidence.
Your HP LaserJet MFP 136a isn’t just a printer—it’s a tool built to keep your work flowing smoothly, day after day.