As we all know that a printer is a must-have tool for home and offices. While the latest printer allows it to install automatically. It is because you will connect it through a USB cable with your desktop. Your computer will automatically detect it, and you have to install the driver and start printing.
1. The starting process depends on your purpose. It means if you want to set up a printer with only one desktop, then you will have to place it near your computer. It is because you will have to connect it with your computer through a USB cable.
2. If you have owned a wireless printer, then there is no need to connect it with your computer through any cable connection. You can pair it with the same wifi connection which you are using on your computer.
3. On the other hand, setting up a sharing printer is a little tricky. For this task, too, you do not need any cable connection. Just connect it with wifi connection and read below the setup process. If once you have learned how to set up a sharing printer, then you can print from anywhere.
4. As we said earlier, the process is fairly easy. But if you are new to the printing world, then probably you are not friendly with the procedure. Don’t worry; we are here to help you. Read this superb guide for how to install a printer to fulfill all your printing needs.
Table of Contents
How To Install A Usb Printer On Windows Or Mac?
All the printer models come with an installation instruction guide. You can take help from that user manual guide. One can also follow the below-given instructions for a complete installation.
Connect it with your computer:
As the very first step, you will have to connect your printer directly to your computer with a USB cable. After connecting it with the desktop, connect the power cable to the power outlet.
Turn On Your Printer:
After the connecting process, you will have to turn the printer on. When you turn the switch on, you will hear a paper feed mechanism sound, and the lights of the printer should light up. It means your printer is ready for further process.
Let The Computer Detect The Printer:
If you are using the latest version of windows software and OS X, then it will detect the connected printer automatically. It will also install the required files and drivers by itself. You just need an internet connection to let the software install appropriate drivers. On the other hand, if the version of windows software and OS X is older then you can follow the below step for how to install a printer.
Install The Driver From Cd:
If your windows software is not capable of installing the printer automatically, then you can use the driver CD for this task. All the printer models come with a compact disk for the required drivers. You just have to insert that compact disk into the CD writer and open the CD drive from your desktop. After clicking on the setup application, you will have to follow the instruction wizard to complete the setup. If you do not have a CD writer or software compact disk, then you can download the driver from the manufacturer’s website. Make sure the driver is compatible with your windows and OS X versions.
Print A Test Page:
Once you have installed and run the printer driver, your printer is ready to print from any program of your desktop. You can start by printing a test page.
How To Install A Network Printer?
Before discussing the process, one thing needs to be clear out. Not all printers are capable of working as network printers. If your printer model allows it, then you can set up it by following the below-given instructions.
A network printer is required to connect directly to your network. It doesn’t depend on a computer to connect; the connecting configuration is a bit difficult, especially if your printer is of an older model.
Connect It With The Network:
Generally, there are two ways to set up a network printer, as discussed below.
1.Wired Connection:
For the non-wireless printer, you can use an ethernet network cable to connect it directly with your network router. It doesn’t require any other configuration.
2.Wireless Connection:
Many of the wireless printers come with a display screen. You can locate the wifi connection setting option from the display screen and connect it with your home network. If your wifi connection is secured, then it will ask for the security password.
If your printer does not have a display screen, then you will have to connect it with your computer first with a USB cable and then configure the network connection.
3. Open Control Panel:
Once you have connected the printer with your home network. Now the time is to add it to your desktop. For this, you have to access the control panel app from your computer. After opening the control panel app, select devices and printers for further settings.
4. Add Printer:
Now a window will open where you can see all the previous printers. To add a new one, you have to click on the Add printer option, which appears on the top of the window. You will have to click on the Next button after clicking the add printer option.
5. Choose A Specific Option:
Now you can watch a dialogue box, which is showing three options. One is to add a printer using a TCP/IP address. The second is for adding Bluetooth or network discoverable printers, and the third option will allow you to connect a network printer through manual settings. You have to choose the second option that adds a Bluetooth, wireless, or network printer.
5. Select Your Printer:
After selecting the required option, you can get the list of all available printers. Now you have to choose the printer which you want to install on your computer.
6. Install Drivers:
As the final process of how to install a printer, now you have to install the required drivers. Most of the time, it doesn’t require installing a separate driver for each computer. But if in your case it demands to install, then connect your computer with a wireless network, and the window will automatically install the driver.
If you are not able or don’t have an internet connection, then you can use the driver CD for this task. After installing the driver, your printer is ready to print.
Bottom lines!
I hope while reading this guide for how to install a printer you have followed the instructions and successfully set up your printer. If you don’t, then let this page open and start following the easy steps to install a printer on your desktop. If you are facing any trouble, then comment below your issue. Our team is ready to help you always.