HP Deskjet 2540 and 2545 Printers - Wireless Printer Setup (Windows)

This document is for HP Deskjet 2540, Deskjet Ink Advantage 2545, 2546, and 2548 printers and Windows computers.

Set up your HP printer on a wireless (Wi-Fi) network. These steps apply to first time connections, new router or ISP setup, or to restore a lost connection.

Step 1: Prepare for installation

Check the requirements, turn on the computer and the router, and set up the printer.

To use your printer on a wireless network, you need the following items:
- A computer connected to your wireless network
- Internet access: HP recommends broadband Internet access for software downloads, using Web Services, and getting printer updates.
Make sure the router and computer are turned on.
Make sure the computer is connected to the same wireless network that the printer is connected to.
Set up the printer, load paper into the input tray, and install the toner cartridges. For more information about setting up the printer, go to First Time Printer Setup.
Turn on the printer and place it within range of the router during the setup procedure.

Step 2: Start the software installation

On your computer, start the HP full feature print driver and software installation.

Go to 123.hp.com/DJ2540 and click Download. The installation process begins automatically after the software downloads.
During the installation, a connect window opens. STOP at the Connect window! Do not click Continue at this point.

Step 3: Restore default wireless settings on the printer

Reset the wireless settings to make sure the connection completes successfully.

Make sure the printer is on.
If the wireless light is blinking, skip to the next step to continue installing the software.
Press and hold the Power button .
While holding down the power button, press the Start Copy Black button two times, and then press the Cancel button three times.
Release the power button. The wireless light next to the wireless button blinks. Repeat these steps if the wireless light does not blink.
Continue to the next step to install the software. You have approximately 20 minutes to complete the software setup using the HP auto wireless connect feature.

Step 4: Continue the software installation

Install the software to finish setting up your HP printer and connect it to your wireless network.

On the HP installation Connect window, click Continue.
Follow the on-screen instructions until a Connection Options screen opens.
On the Connection Options screen, select Wireless - make a wireless connection to the printer, then click Next.
One of the following screens display with the best method to complete the wireless setup.
- HP Auto Wireless Connect
  
  Click Yes, then click Next.
- Wireless Setup Using a USB Connection
  
  Connect a USB cable from your computer to the printer and click Next. A prompt displays to disconnect the USB cable after the setup completes.
If the installer does not find your printer, go to Printer Not Found During Network Driver Setup (Windows) for detailed troubleshooting steps.
Continue following the on-screen instructions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Review these frequently asked questions on setting up the wireless network connection.

What if I do not know my wireless network name or password?

Go to How to Find the WEP or WPA Key or Password for Your Wireless Network for more information.

What do I do if the connection dropped?

Some network settings and behaviors might cause the wireless connection to drop. Manually set the printer’s IP address using the printer’s Embedded Web Server (EWS) to re-enable the connection.

Restart the printer and the computer.
Press the power button to wake the printer if it entered sleep mode (dim power light).
Try printing again. If the issue persists, continue using these steps.
On the printer control panel, press the Wireless button and the Start Copy Black button at the same time.

A network configuration page prints.
Find the IP address on the page.
If the page does not list an IP address, the printer and the router are not connected. Use one of the following methods to connect and find the printer’s IP address.
- Log into your router’s configuration or setup page. Find the printer’s IP address listed in an attached device or DHCP Clients section.
- Press and hold the Wireless button on the printer until it blinks, and then press and hold the WPS button on your router. Wait for the wireless light to stop blinking and remain solid. Print another network configuration report, and then find the IP address.
- Press the Wireless Direct button on the printer, and then open the list of available networks. Connect the computer to HP-Print-xx-[your printer model name]. The printer’s IP address is 192.168.223.1.
Type the IP address into an Internet browser, and then press Enter.

The printer's EWS opens in the browser.
Click the Network tab, and then click Network Address (IP).
Click Suggest a Manual IP Address.

If it is not available, enter Manual IP values compatible with your router.
Click Apply, then restart the printer.

The printer remains connected to your network.

What if I cannot download the file from 123.hp.com?

If you cannot download files from 123.hp.com, go to HP Software & Driver Downloads to download and install the printer software.

Can I change my printer connection type after the driver install completes?

To change from a wireless connection to a USB or wired network connection, use the Printer Setup & Software utility.

Search Windows for the name of your printer, and then click your printer in the results.

HP Printer Assistant opens.
Click Utilities, and then click Printer Setup & Software.
Click Connect a new device, and then follow the on-screen instructions.