The Ultimate Guide: How to Print Both Sides of Paper in HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126nw

Are you tired of manually flipping pages to print on both sides of your documents? The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126NW offers a convenient solution: automatic duplex printing. This feature allows you to print on both sides of the paper without any manual intervention, saving you time, paper, and money. But navigating the printer settings to enable this feature can be a bit confusing.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to print both sides of paper in HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126NW, ensuring you get the most out of your printer’s capabilities.

Understanding Duplex Printing

Duplex printing, also known as double-sided printing, is a standard feature in modern printers. It allows you to print on both sides of a sheet of paper, creating a more professional and eco-friendly output.

Enabling Duplex Printing on Your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126NW

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126NW offers two ways to enable duplex printing:
1. Using the Printer Control Panel:

• Step 1: Press the “Menu” button on the printer control panel.
• Step 2: Navigate to the “Print Settings” menu using the arrow buttons.
• Step 3: Select “Duplex” or “Two-Sided”.
• Step 4: Choose your preferred binding orientation (e.g., “Flip on Long Edge” or “Flip on Short Edge”).
• Step 5: Press the “OK” button to confirm your selection.

2. Using the HP Printer Assistant Software:

• Step 1: Open the HP Printer Assistant software on your computer.
• Step 2: Select your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126NW from the list of available printers.
• Step 3: Click on the “Print” tab.
• Step 4: Locate the “Duplex” or “Two-Sided” option under the “Advanced” settings.
• Step 5: Choose your desired binding orientation and click “OK”.

Choosing the Right Binding Orientation

The binding orientation determines how the paper is flipped during the duplex printing process. You can choose between:

• Flip on Long Edge: The paper is flipped along its longer side, suitable for documents that will be bound on the left or right.
• Flip on Short Edge: The paper is flipped along its shorter side, ideal for documents that will be bound at the top or bottom.

Troubleshooting Common Duplex Printing Issues

While duplex printing is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Paper Jams: Ensure the paper tray is properly loaded and the paper path is clear.
• Incorrect Paper Size Selection: Choose the correct paper size setting in your print settings.
• Printer Driver Issues: Update your printer driver to the latest version from HP’s website.
• Incorrect Binding Orientation Selection: Double-check your binding orientation setting to match your document’s intended binding.

Printing Multiple Pages per Sheet with Duplex Printing

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126NW also allows you to print multiple pages on a single sheet of paper, further saving paper and reducing your printing costs. This feature is especially useful for documents with multiple pages that you want to bind together.

• Step 1: Open the document you want to print.
• Step 2: Go to the “Print” settings in your chosen application.
• Step 3: Look for the “Pages per Sheet” or “Multiple Pages per Sheet” setting.
• Step 4: Select the desired number of pages to print per sheet.
• Step 5: Enable duplex printing as described earlier.

The Eco-Friendly Advantage of Duplex Printing

By printing on both sides of the paper, you significantly reduce your paper consumption. This translates to lower printing costs, less waste, and a smaller environmental footprint.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Duplex Printing Features

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126NW offers some advanced duplex printing features that enhance your printing experience:

• Automatic Page Rotation: The printer automatically rotates pages for optimal reading orientation, ensuring your documents are printed correctly on both sides.
• Manual Duplex Printing: If your printer doesn’t have automatic duplex printing, you can manually flip pages to achieve a double-sided print.
• Duplex Printing with Different Paper Types: You can use different paper types for each side of your document, allowing you to create visually appealing and professional-looking prints.

Mastering Duplex Printing: A Final Word

Mastering duplex printing on your HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126NW is a simple process that unlocks a world of benefits. By understanding the basics, troubleshooting common issues, and exploring advanced features, you can elevate your printing experience and enjoy the advantages of double-sided printing.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I print both sides of a document even if my printer doesn‘t have automatic duplex printing?
A: Yes, you can still print both sides of a document using manual duplex printing. This involves flipping the paper manually after printing the first side.
Q: What if my HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126NW is not printing on both sides even after enabling duplex printing?
A: There could be several reasons for this. Check if the paper tray is properly loaded, the paper path is clear, and the binding orientation is correctly selected. If the issue persists, try updating your printer driver.
Q: How can I save paper and reduce my printing costs?
A: Duplex printing is a great way to save paper. You can also reduce your printing costs by using multiple pages per sheet, printing drafts in grayscale, and opting for recycled paper when possible.
Q: Is there a way to select different paper types for each side of the document?
A: Some HP printers allow you to use different paper types for each side of the document. However, the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M126NW may not support this feature.
Q: What are the environmental benefits of duplex printing?
A: Duplex printing reduces paper consumption, minimizing waste and reducing the demand for new paper production. This helps conserve resources and limits deforestation.