Introduction

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M256 is a high-performance color laser printer designed for small to medium-sized businesses that require fast, reliable, and high-quality printing. With its compact design, this printer delivers vibrant color prints at impressive speeds, making it ideal for producing professional documents, marketing materials, and more. The M256 offers intuitive controls, wireless connectivity, and robust security features, ensuring seamless integration into your office environment while keeping your data secure. Its energy-efficient operation and cost-effective toner usage make it a practical choice for businesses looking to maximize productivity and minimize operational costs.

Printer specifications

IMPORTANT: The following specifications are correct at the time of publication, but they are subject to change. For current information, see https://www.hp.com/support/ljM255

Technical specifications

See https://www.hp.com/support/ljM255 for current information.

Supported operating systems

The following information applies to the printer-specific Windows PCL 6 and HP print drivers for macOS and to the software installer.
Windows: The HP Software Installer installs the “HP PCL.6” version 3 print driver, the “HP PCL 6” version 3 print driver, or the “HP PCL-6” version 4 print driver, depending on the Windows operating system, along with optional software when using the software installer. Download the "HP PCL.6" version 3 print driver, the "HP PCL 6" version 3 print driver, and the "HP PCL-6" version 4 print driver from the printer-support website for this printer: https://www.hp.com/support/ljM255 macOS: Mac computers are supported with this printer. Download HP Smart either from 123.hp.com or from the Printer Support page, and then use HP Smart to install the HP print driver. HP Smart is not included in the
HP Software Installer.

Go to 123.hp.com.
Follow the steps provided to download the printer software.

Linux: For information and print drivers for Linux, go to https://www.hp.com/go/linuxprinting UNIX: For information and print drivers for UNIX, go to https://www.hp.com/go/unixmodelscripts

Table 1-7 Supported operating systems and printdrivers
Operating system	Print driver installed (from the software on the web)	Notes
Windows® XP SP3, 32-bit	The “HP PCL.6” printer-specific print driver is installed for thisoperating system as part of the software installation.	Microsoft retired mainstream support for WindowsXP in April 2009. HP will continue to provide best effort support for the discontinued XP operating system. Some features of the print driver are not supported.

Windows Vista®, 32-bit	The “HP PCL.6” printer-specific print driver is installed for thisoperating system as part of the software installation.	Microsoft retiredmainstream support for Windows Vista in April 2012. HP will continue to providebest effort support for the discontinued Vista operating system. Some features of the print driver are not supported.
Windows 7, 32-bitand 64-bit	The “HP PCL 6” printer-specific print driver is installed for thisoperating system as part of the software installation.	This operating systemis fully supported.
Windows 8, 32-bitand 64-bit	The “HP PCL 6” printer-specific print driver is installed for thisoperating system as part of the software installation.	Windows 8 RT support is provided through Microsoft IN OS Version 4, 32- bit driver.
Windows 8.1, 32-bitand 64-bit	The “HP PCL-6” V4 printer-specificprint driveris installed for this operating system as part of the software installation.	Windows 8.1 RT support is provided through Microsoft IN OS Version 4, 32- bit driver.
Windows 10, 32-bitand 64-bit	The “HP PCL-6” V4 printer-specificprint driveris installed for this operating system as part of the software installation.	This operating systemis fully supported.
Windows Server 2008SP2, 32-bit	The “HP PCL.6” printer-specific print driver is available for download from the printer- supportwebsite. Download the driver, and then use the Microsoft Add Printer tool to install it.	Microsoft retired mainstream support for Windows Server2008 in January 2015. HP will continue to provide best effort support for the discontinued Server 2008 operating system. Some features of the print driver are not supported.
Windows Server 2008SP2, 64-bit	The “HP PCL 6” printer-specific print driver is available for download from the printer- supportwebsite. Download thedriver, and then use the Microsoft Add Printer tool to install it.	Microsoft retired mainstream support for Windows Server2008 in January 2015. HP will continue to provide best effort support for the discontinued Server 2008 operating system.
Windows Server 2008R2, SP 1, 64-bit	The “HP PCL 6” printer-specific print driver is installed for thisoperating system as part of the software installation.	This operating systemis fully supported.
Windows Server 2012, 64-bit	The “HP PCL 6” printer-specific print driver is installed for thisoperating system as part of the software installation.	This operating systemis fully supported.
Windows Server 2012 R2, 64-bit	The “HP PCL-6” printer-specific print driver is installed for thisoperating system as part of the software installation.	This operating systemis fully supported.
Windows 10 server (Server 2016), 32-bit and 64-bit	The “HP PCL-6” printer-specific print driver is installed for thisoperating system as part of the software installation.	This operating systemis fully supported.
macOS v10.15 Catalina, macOS v10.14 Mojave,macOS v10.13 High Sierra, macOS v10.12Sierra	To install the printdriver, download HP Smart from 123.hp.com. Follow the steps providedto install the printer software and print driver.	This operating systemis fully supported.

Table 1-8 Minimum system requirements

Windows

macOS

Internet connection

Dedicated USB 1.1 or 2.0 connection or a network connection

400 MB of available hard-diskspace

1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2GB RAM(64-bit)

Internet connection

1 GB of available hard-disk space

Mobile printing solutions

HP offers multiple mobile and ePrint solutions to enable easy printing to an HP printer from a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other mobile device. To see the full list and to determine the best choice, go to https://www.hp.com/go/LaserJetMobilePrinting

NOTE: Update the printer firmware to ensure all mobile printing and ePrint capabilities are supported.

Wi-Fi Direct (wireless models only)
HP ePrint via email (Requires HP Web Services to be enabled and the printer to be registered with HP Connected)
HP ePrint app (Available for Android, iOS, and Blackberry)
HP Smart app for iOS and Android devices
HP ePrint software
Google Cloud Print
AirPri
Android Printing

Remove and replace the toner cartridges

Open the front door.
Grasp the blue handle on the toner cartridge drawer, and then pull out the drawer.
Grasp the handle on the toner cartridge, and then pull the toner cartridge straight up to remove it.
Remove the new toner cartridge package from the box, and then pull the release tab on the packaging.
Remove the toner cartridge from the opened packaging shell. Save all packaging for recycling the used toner cartridge.
NOTE: Avoid touching the green imaging drum. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print defects.
Holding the toner on both ends, gently rock the toner cartridge end to end to distribute the toner evenly inside the cartridge.
Install the new toner cartridge. Make sure that the color chip on the cartridge matches the color chip on the drawer.
NOTE: Avoid touching the green imaging drum. Fingerprints on the imaging drum can cause print defects.
Close the toner cartridge drawer.
Close the front door.

Printer front view

Table 1-1 Printer front view legend

Number	Printer component
1	2-line backlit control panel (nw anddnmodels only)
2	Output bin
3	Output binextension
4	Front door (access to the toner cartridges)
5	Model name
6	Single-sheet priority feed slot(Tray 1)
7	Main inputtray (Tray 2)
8	Power button
9	Control panel with color touchscreen display (dw models only)
10	Walk-up USB port for printing without a computer (dw models only)

Printer back view

Table 1-2 Printer back view legend

Number	Printer component
1	Rear door (access for clearing jams)
2	Serial number and product number label
3	Power connection
4	USB interface port
5	Ethernet port
6	Duplexer (duplex models only)

2-line control-panel view (nw and dn models only)

Table 1-3 2-line control panel legend

Number	Control panel component	Function
1	2-line control panel display	This screen displays menus and printer information.
2	OK button	Press the OK button for the following actions: Open the control-panel menus. Open a submenu displayed on the control-panel display. Select a menuitem. Clear some errors. Begin a print job in response to a control-panel prompt (for example, when the messagePress [OK] to continue appears on the control-panel display).
3	Left arrow button	Use this button to navigate through the menus or to decrease a value that appears on the display.

4	Back arrow button	Use this button for the following actions: Exit the control-panel menus. Scroll back to a previous menu in a submenu list. Scroll backto a previous menu itemin a submenu list (without saving changes to the menu item).
5	Wireless button (wireless models only)	Use this button to access the wireless menu.
6	Cancel button	Press this button to cancel a print job or to exit the control panel menus.
7	Right arrow button	Use thisbutton to navigate through the menusor to increase a value thatappears on the display.

Touchscreen control-panel view (dw models only)

Table 1-4 Touchscreen control panel legend

Number	Control panel component	Function
1	Back button	Touch this button to return tothe previousscreen.
2	Home button	Touch this button to navigate to the Home screen.
3	Help button	Touch this button to open the control-panel help system.
4	Touchscreen	The display provides access to menus, help animations, and printer information.
5	Home page screenindicator	The display indicates which Home screen the control panel is currently displaying.

NOTE: While the control panel does not have a standard Cancel button, during many printer processes a Cancel button appears on the touchscreen. This permits users to cancel a process before the printer completes it.

Description

The HP Color LaserJet Pro M256 is a reliable and versatile color laser printer that offers fast printing speeds, sharp text and vibrant colors, and a range of advanced features to meet the needs of small to medium-sized businesses. With its wireless and Ethernet connectivity, this printer can be easily integrated into your network, and the HP Smart app allows for easy printing and scanning from your mobile device. The automatic duplex printing and high-yield toner cartridges help reduce paper usage and cost savings, making this printer a valuable investment for any business

Home screen layout

The Home screen provides access to the printer features and indicates the current status of the printer. Return to the Home screen at any time by touching the Home button on the printer control panel.

NOTE: The features that appear on the Home screen can vary, depending on the printer configuration.

Table 1-5 Home screen layout legend

Number	Home screen component	Function
1	Reset button	Touch this button to reset any temporary job settings to the default printer settings.
2	Connection Information button	Touch this button to open the Connection Information menu, which provides network information. The button appears as either a wired network iconor a wireless network icon , depending on the type of network to which the printer is connected.
3	Printer status	This screen area provides information about the overall printer status.
4	USBbutton	Touch this button to open the USB Flash Drive menu.
5	Supplies button	Touch this button to view information about supplies status.
6	Apps button	Touch this button to open theApps menu to print directlyfromselect Web applications.
7	Setup button	Touch this button to open the Setup menu.

How to use the touchscreen control panel

Use the following actions to use the printer touchscreen control panel.

Table 1-6 Touchscreen control panel actions

Setup Guide

Setting up the HP Color LaserJet Pro M256 is quick and easy.

Simply unbox the printer, plug it in, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your network.
Once connected, you can use the touchscreen display to select your language, install the toner cartridges, and start printing.
The HP Smart app can also be used to easily print and scan from your mobile device.

Solve wired network problems

Introduction

Certain types of problems can indicate there is a network communication problem. These problems include the following issues:

The periodic loss of ability to communicate with the printer
The printer cannot be found during driver installation
A periodic failure to print

NOTE: If you have been experiencing intermittent loss of network connectivity, first update the printer firmware. For instructions on how to update the printer firmware, go to http://support.hp.com, search for your printer, and then search on “update the firmware.”

Check the following items to verify that the printer is communicating with the network. Before beginning, print a configuration page from the printer control panel and locate the printer IP address that is listed on this page.

Poor physical connection
The computer is using the incorrect IP address for the printer
The computer is unable to communicate with the printer
The printer is using incorrect link and duplex settings for the network
New software programs might be causing compatibility problems
The computer or workstation might be set up incorrectly
The printer is disabled, or other network settings are incorrect

Poor physical connection

Verify that the printer is attached to the correct network port using a cable of the correct length.
Verify that cable connections are secure.
Look at the network port connection on the back of the printer, and verify that the amber activity light flashes indicating network traffic, and the green link-status light is continuously lit indicating a network link.
If the problem continues, try a different cable or port on the hub.

The computer is using the incorrect IP address for the printer

Open the printer properties and click the Ports tab. Verify that the current IP address for the printer is selected. The printer IP address is listed on the printer configuration page.
If you installed the printer using the HP standard TCP/IP port, select the box labeled Always print to this printer, even if its IP address changes.
If you installed the printer using a Microsoft standard TCP/IP port, use the hostname instead of the IP address.
If the IP address is correct, delete the printer and then add it again.

The computer is unable to communicate with the printer

Test network communication by pinging the network.
1. Open a command-line prompt on your computer.
  - For Windows, click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then press Enter.
  - For macOS, go to Applications, then Utilities, and open Terminal.
2. Type ping followed by the IP address for your printer.
3. If the window displays round-trip times, the network is working.
If the ping command failed, verify that the network hubs are on, and then verify that the network settings, the printer, and the computer are all configured for the same network (also known as subnet).
Open the printer properties and click the Ports tab. Verify that the current IP address for the printer is selected. The printer IP address is listed on the printer configuration page.
If you installed the printer using the HP standard TCP/IP port, select the box labeled Always print to this printer, even if its IP address changes.
If you installed the printer using a Microsoft standard TCP/IP port, use the printer’s hostname instead of the IP address.
If the IP address is correct, delete the printer and then add it again.

The printer is using incorrect link and duplex settings for the network

HP recommends leaving these settings in automatic mode (the default setting). If you change these settings, you must also change them for your network.

New software programs might be causing compatibility problems

Verify that any new software programs are correctly installed and that they use the correct print driver.

The computer or workstation might be set up incorrectly

Check the network drivers, print drivers, and the network redirection settings.
Verify that the operating system is configured correctly.

The printer is disabled, or other network settings are incorrect

Review the printer’s configuration/networking pages to check the status of the network settings and protocols.
Reconfigure the network settings if necessary.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Fast printing speeds and high-quality color output
Wide range of connectivity options, including wireless and Ethernet
Automatic duplex printing and high-yield toner cartridges for reduced paper usage and cost savings
Easy setup and use with the touchscreen display and HP Smart app

Cons

Higher upfront cost compared to some other printers in its class
Limited paper capacity compared to larger printers
May be overkill for very small businesses or home offices

Customer Reviews

Customers love the HP Color LaserJet Pro M256 for its fast printing speeds, high-quality color output, and wide range of connectivity options. However, some have noted that the upfront cost is higher than some other printers in its class, and the paper capacity is limited compared to larger printers. Overall, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M256 is a reliable and versatile printer that offers great value for small to medium-sized businesses.

Table 1-6 Touchscreen control panel actions
Action		Description	Example
Touch		Touch an item on the screen to select that item or open that menu. Also, when scrolling through menus,briefly touch the screen to stop the scrolling.	Touch the Setup button to open the Setup menu.

	Swipe	Touch the screenand then movethe finger horizontally to move the screensideways.	Swipe the Homescreen to accessthe Setup button .


Scroll		Touch the screen, and then, without lifting the finger, move the finger vertically to move the screen.	Scroll through the Setup menu.

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