Fixing the Double-Print Issue on an HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28dw

A common frustration that can halt productivity is when an HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28dw prints every page twice. The effect is noticeable in both business settings and home offices, where a single document appears duplicated on paper, wasting ink, toner, paper, and time. Understanding why the printer behaves this way and knowing the exact steps to stop the double‑print loop are essential for maintaining a smooth workflow.

Why Does the HP LaserJet Pro M28dw Double‑Print?

When a printer outputs the same page twice, it usually indicates a problem in one of three layers:

• Driver or software – The driver that translates your document into a format the printer can read may be misconfigured or corrupted.
• Printer settings or firmware – Incorrect configuration inside the printer’s own memory or an outdated firmware can cause the hardware to treat each print request as two.
• Paper or duplexer hardware – The paper path, especially the duplexer mechanism that folds or flips paper, can misinterpret signals, sending the same page back for a second pass.

The HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28dw is built for high‑speed, high‑quality output, so a double‑print symptom usually points to a setting that has drifted from its default or a glitch that has slipped into the device’s memory.

Recognizing the Symptoms

A double‑print situation can manifest in a few ways:

• Identical pages printed consecutively – The first page is followed immediately by a copy of itself.
• Reversed or rotated copies – In duplex mode, a page might print once on the front and once on the back in the wrong orientation.
• Increased paper usage – You notice the paper tray empties faster than expected because each job consumes twice the sheets.
• Unexpected job durations – Print times double because the printer is running a second pass.

If you observe any of these, it is time to start troubleshooting.

Step‑by‑Step Diagnosis

1. Inspect the Print Queue

1. Open the Printers & scanners settings on your computer.
2. Select the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28dw and view the queue.
3. Verify that there is only one copy of the job listed.
4. If you see two identical jobs, cancel both, clear the queue, and re‑send the print.

A duplicated queue entry often stems from a user error or a software hiccup that caused the job to be sent twice.

2. Check the Printer’s Control Panel

Turn on the device and use the touchscreen:

1. Go to Print Setup → Page Setup.
2. Ensure Copies is set to 1.
3. Confirm that Print on Both Sides (duplex) is turned off if you do not want double‑sided printing.
4. Navigate to Device Settings → Reset → All Settings to restore defaults.

Sometimes a previous user may have accidentally configured the printer to double‑print, and the setting stays cached even after rebooting.

3. Verify Driver Settings

1. Open the installed HP Easy Start application or the HP Printer Assistant.
2. Locate the Print tab and look for any “Print Twice” or “Duplex” options that are inadvertently enabled.
3. If you find such an option, disable it and click Apply.
4. In the HP Printer Properties dialog, choose Advanced → Printing Options and ensure Copies is set to 1.

Driver misconfigurations are a frequent cause, especially after system updates that reinstall or modify drivers automatically.

4. Confirm Firmware Version

1. From the control panel, go to Device Settings → Firmware Update.
2. Note the current firmware version.
3. Visit the HP website and compare it to the latest release for the M28dw.
4. If a newer version exists, download and install it following the on‑screen prompts.

Firmware bugs can inadvertently toggle duplex settings or misread job parameters, leading to double‑printing.

5. Test with a Different Application

Open a simple text editor (Notepad or WordPad) and print a single page:

1. If the page prints correctly, the issue may be confined to a specific application’s print settings.
2. If double‑printing persists, the problem lies in the driver or printer itself.

This isolation helps pinpoint whether the cause is application‑specific or system‑wide.

6. Use HP Print and Scan Doctor

HP offers a free diagnostic tool:

1. Download HP Print and Scan Doctor from HP’s support site.
2. Run the program and let it scan for common issues.
3. Follow any on‑screen recommendations, especially those related to driver or duplex settings.

The tool can automatically correct minor misconfigurations that might be difficult to locate manually.

Practical Fixes for the Double‑Print Problem

Below is a curated list of actions you can take, each targeting a common root cause.

A. Update or Reinstall the Driver

1. Go to the HP support page and locate the Driver & Software section for the M28dw.
2. Download the latest driver for your operating system.
3. Uninstall the current driver via Device Manager or Programs and Features.
4. Reboot the computer and install the freshly downloaded driver.
5. Test a single‑page print.

A clean driver installation removes corrupted files that may instruct the printer to duplicate pages.

B. Reset the Printer’s Preferences

From the printer’s touchscreen:

1. Device Settings → Reset → All Settings.
2. Confirm the reset.
3. Reconfigure basic settings (paper size, default printer, duplex options).

Resetting erases any accidental toggles that could trigger double‑printing.

C. Clear the Print Queue on the Printer

Some printers keep a residual queue in memory:

1. Press Menu on the control panel.
2. Select Maintenance → Clear Print Queue.
3. Confirm.

This ensures no ghost jobs are queued for a second pass.

D. Update Firmware

As mentioned, outdated firmware can cause erratic behavior:

1. Access Device Settings → Firmware Update.
2. If an update is available, download it using the embedded web browser.
3. Follow the prompts; the printer will restart once updated.

Firmware updates often patch bugs that affect printing logic.

E. Check the Duplexer Mechanism

If you are using duplex mode:

1. Inspect the paper path for jammed sheets or misaligned rollers.
2. Open the duplexer compartment and ensure the Duplexer Lever is properly seated.
3. Run a Duplex Test Page from the control panel to confirm correct operation.

A jammed duplexer may force the printer to repeat a page, thinking it has not yet completed the back side.

F. Verify Network Configuration

In a shared network environment, multiple print jobs may collide:

1. Assign a static IP to the printer via Device Settings → Network → TCP/IP.
2. Remove any duplicate IP addresses from the network.
3. Reboot the printer and the router.

Network hiccups can cause duplicate job signals, leading the printer to execute them twice.

G. Disable “Print Twice” in Application Settings

Some office suites have a hidden “Print Twice” feature:

1. In Microsoft Office, go to File → Print → Printer Properties.
2. Under Printing Options, ensure Print on Both Sides is unchecked.
3. Confirm that the Copies field reads 1.

Double‑printing often originates from a mis‑set option in the application rather than the printer itself.

H. Run the HP Print and Scan Doctor

If all else fails, let the HP tool do the heavy lifting:

1. Download and launch the HP Print and Scan Doctor.
2. Allow it to analyze the system.
3. When presented with a list of detected problems, opt to fix them automatically.

The program can adjust driver preferences, clear stuck jobs, and reset duplex settings without manual intervention.

I. Contact HP Support

When every other fix fails:

1. Note the exact symptoms and the steps you have taken.
2. Reach out to HP’s customer service via phone, chat, or the support portal.
3. Provide the printer’s serial number and firmware version.

HP’s technicians can run diagnostics that are not available to end users and can even schedule a service technician if a hardware fault is suspected.

Preventing Future Double‑Print Incidents

Once the problem is resolved, keep your printer running smoothly with these best practices:

• Regularly check for driver and firmware updates—especially after major OS upgrades.
• Avoid unnecessary duplex prints if your documents are single‑sided; keep the duplex option off by default.
• Use the printer’s built‑in self‑diagnostics to run periodic checks.
• Keep the printer firmware on a stable channel; do not install beta versions unless necessary.
• Create a backup of printer settings after configuring a new setup, so you can restore quickly if something changes.
• Educate all users on proper printing habits—confirm the number of copies and duplex settings before sending a job.

With these habits in place, the likelihood of encountering a double‑print issue drops significantly.

Summary

A double‑print problem on the HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28dw can stem from driver misconfiguration, outdated firmware, a mis‑set duplex option, or even network quirks. By methodically checking the print queue, inspecting the printer’s control panel, updating drivers and firmware, resetting settings, and employing HP’s diagnostic tools, most users can resolve the issue quickly. If all else fails, reaching out to HP support is the next reliable step.

Regular maintenance and awareness of the common causes will keep your printer delivering clean, single‑page output—exactly what a home office or small business expects from a professional‑grade machine.