Printers don’t need to be drama. The HP LaserJet MFP 136a printer is one of those machines that gets it right—compact, monochrome, and multifunction—print, scan, and copy. But even the best tech needs a proper setup. Let’s walk through how to install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain the HP 136a so it becomes a trustworthy tool, not a source of headaches.

Why Choose the HP 136a?

If you’re looking for a device that gets the job done without too many bells and whistles, the HP 136a delivers. It prints, copies, and scans in black and white at up to 20 pages per minute. Because it’s USB, not Wi-Fi, you avoid a bunch of setup complexity. That’s a plus for home offices, small businesses, or anyone who values simplicity.

Key specs you should know:

• Print speed up to 20 ppm (A4)
  
  
• Print resolution up to 1,200 × 1,200 dpi
  
  
• Input tray: 150 sheets; Output bin: 100 sheets
  
  
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connectivity; no wireless module included.
  
  
• Recommended monthly page volume is about 100-2,000 pages.
  
  

So if you’re not printing 10,000 pages a month and just need a reliable black & white multifunction, this model is a solid pick.

Unboxing & Physical Setup

First things first: you unpack. Remove all tapes, protective films, packing material. Don’t skip this part—leftover tape or corners can cause paper jams or sensing errors.

Where to place it:

• On a flat, stable surface.
  
  
• Near a power outlet and near your computer (because the USB cable will connect).
  
  
• Clear space around it so you can open the input tray, output bin, and scanner lid easily.
  
  
• Avoid humid, dusty, or direct-sunlight areas.
  
  

Loading paper and cartridge:

• Pull out the input tray and insert plain A4 (or whatever your region uses) sheets. Adjust the paper guides.
  
  
• Open the toner panel, and install the (likely pre-installed) toner cartridge. If it’s separate: remove protective seals, and insert until it clicks.
  
  
• Close panels; ensure nothing is left open.
  
  

At this point your printer is physically ready. Next is the software side.

Connecting & Installing Drivers

Because the HP 136a uses USB (and no Wi-Fi), the connection is straightforward—but you still need the correct driver.

USB connection:

• Plug one end of the USB into the printer and the other into the computer.
  
  
• Turn on the printer.
  
  
• Your system may detect the hardware automatically, but you often need to install full features to unlock scan/copy functions.
  
  

Driver installation (Windows/macOS):

• Go to the official support page: HP support.
  
  
• Search “HP LaserJet MFP 136a.”
  
  
• Download the Full Feature Software and Driver package (for your OS).
  
  
• Run the installer and follow the prompts. When asked, select the “USB connection” type.
  
  
• After installation, restart the computer if needed.
  
  

Minimum system requirements (so you’re sure your PC works): Windows 10 or newer; 1 GB RAM min; 16 GB HDD.

Once the driver is installed and the connection is good, go ahead and print a test page to verify.

Setting Up Scan & Copy Features

Since it’s a multifunction printer, you’ll want to use the scanning and copying features too—not just print.

To copy:

• Place the document face-down on the scanner glass.
  
  
• Use the control panel (buttons on the printer) to select the number of copies and size, and press “Start Copy.”
  
  
• The printer will produce copies right away.
  
  

To scan:

• On your computer, open the installed scanning software (HP’s own or compatible).
  
  
• Place the document on the glass.
  
  
• Choose file type (PDF, JPG, etc.) and resolution.
  
  
• Click “Scan.” Save it wherever you like—on a computer, in a network folder, etc.
  
  
• Supported formats include PDF, JPG, TIFF, and PNG. HP Support
  
  

Thus, you’re now using the full MFP potential: print + scan + copy.

Print a Test Page & Confirm Setup

This step tells you everything is working. If the test page prints cleanly, you’re good. If not, something needs fixing.

On Windows: Devices and Printers → right-click your HP 136a → Printer Properties → Print Test Page.
On Mac: System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → select printer → Print a sample document.

What to check: clarity of text, no streaks, correct size, correct paper orientation.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Because even in 2025 things go sideways sometimes. Let’s nip the common issues.

Issue: Printer not detected

• Check the USB cable is firmly connected.
  
  
• Try a different USB port.
  
  
• Ensure the printer is powered on.
  
  
• Reinstall the driver.
  
  

Issue: Print quality bad (faint, streaked)

• Remove the toner cartridge and gently shake it side-to-side to distribute toner evenly.
  
  
• Clean the internal drum or paper path (carefully, per the manual).
  
  
• Make sure you’re using the correct paper type and size.
  
  

Issue: Paper jam

• Turn off the printer.
  
  
• Open the input tray, output bin, and rear access if available.
  
  
• Gently remove any jammed sheets. Do not yank.
  
  
• Reload paper aligned properly.
  
  

Issue: Scanner not responding

• Make sure scanning software is installed.
  
  
• Reconnect the USB cable.
  
  
• Restart the printer and computer.
  
  
• Confirm the correct scanner driver is installed.
  
  

Issue: Duplex (two-sided) printing needed

Note: HP 136a supports manual duplex only (driver supported). HP Support +1 You’ll need to flip pages manually. Not as convenient as automatic duplex but still workable.

Maintenance & Long-Term Care

You don’t just set it up and forget. To keep your HP 136a performing, follow these tips:

• Use original HP toner cartridges. Cheap generic toners might save money but could reduce quality or damage components.
  
  
• Keep the scanner glass clean (dust and fingerprints can affect scans and copies).
  
  
• Print a few pages at least once a week if the printer is seldom used—this prevents toner clumping or drying out.
  
  
• Update drivers/firmware periodically from HP’s support site—keeps compatibility issues away.
  
  
• Ensure the printer is powered off properly when not in use; keep the cover closed to avoid dust inside.
  
  
• Keep papers stored in a dry, flat place—damp or creased paper causes jams or misfeeds.
  
  

Maximising Value: Tips & Tricks

Since you’re using this printer, why not squeeze extra value out of it?

• For everyday documents (drafts, internal use), switch the print mode to “Draft” in settings—quicker prints, less toner.
  
  
• For heavy text-based printing, black-and-white laser is efficient and cheaper per page compared to inkjets—that’s the strong point of HP 136a.
  
  
• Use manual duplex in driver settings if you want to save paper—print odd pages, flip the stack manually, then print even pages.
  
  
• Use the scan feature to create PDFs of documents and archive them digitally—saves space and makes retrieving easy.
  
  
• Monitor toner usage via software—avoid surprises when it runs out mid-job.
  
  

Who Is This Printer Best For?

Given all the features and limitations, here are ideal use-cases:

• Home office users who print mostly text documents (invoices, letters) and occasionally scan/copy.
  
  
• Small business with one or two users needing a reliable monochrome multifunction without network setup hassles.
  
  
• Students or freelancers who need consistent black-and-white output and don’t require color printing or Wi-Fi.
  
  
• Budget-conscious buyers who prioritise reliability and low running costs over flashy features like colour or automatic duplex.
  
  

If you need heavy color graphics, automatic duplex, or wireless printing, you might need a different model. But if you just want solid, dependable B&W printing, scanning, and copying, the HP 136a hits the sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

Setting up the HP LaserJet MFP 136a printer might feel like a task, but it’s actually a pretty smooth process when you follow the right steps. From unpacking and placing it right, installing drivers, connecting via USB, and setting up scanning and copying, you’ll have a functioning machine ready for work.

Because of its simplicity—no fussing with Wi-Fi or complicated network settings—you get straight to the productivity part. That’s refreshing in a world where tech often comes with hidden hurdles.

If you give it proper care, keep it maintained, and understand its capabilities and limits, this printer can become a core part of your workflow rather than a bottleneck.

So let’s wrap this up: You’ve got the guide, and you’ve got the steps. Now it’s plug-it-in time. Unbox, install, test, and maintain—and then enjoy printing with confidence.