6 Ways to Connect a Printer to Your Computer

Table of contents:

6 Ways to Connect a Printer to Your Computer
6 Ways to Connect a Printer to Your Computer

Video: 6 Ways to Connect a Printer to Your Computer

Video: 6 Ways to Connect a Printer to Your Computer
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This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a wired or wireless printer to a Windows or Mac computer. Once connected, you can share the printer on your home network so that other computers in the house can use the printer even if their computers are not directly connected.

Step

Method 1 of 6: Connecting a Wired Printer on a Windows Computer

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 1
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 1

Step 1. Set the printer so that it is close to the computer

Make sure they're close enough for the cables to reach the computer without stretching.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 2
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 2

Step 2. Turn on the printer

Press the power button on the printer. This button usually has a icon

Windowspower
Windowspower

above or beside it.

You must connect the printer to a power source

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 3
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 3

Step 3. Connect the printer to the computer using a USB cable

Make sure the computer is turned on and unlocked.

In some cases, the computer will automatically setup and properly set up the printer when you connect it to your computer so you can start using it right away

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 4
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 4

Step 4. Open Start

Windowsstart
Windowsstart

Click the Windows logo in the lower left corner.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 5
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 5

Step 5. Click Settings

Windowssettings
Windowssettings

located in the lower-left side of the Start window.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 6
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 6

Step 6. Click Devices

This option is located at the top of the Settings window.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 7
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 7

Step 7. Click the Printers & scanners tab on the left side of the window

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 8
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 8

Step 8. Click the Add a printer or scanner button

It's at the top of the page.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 9
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 9

Step 9. Click the name of your printer, then click Add device

The printer name is usually a combination of the printer manufacturer (such as "Canon"), the printer model name, and the model number.

If the printer name is not here, click the link The printer that I want isn't listed which is under the button Add a printer or scanner, then follow the on-screen instructions.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 10
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 10

Step 10. Follow the given instructions

Depending on the printer, you may have to adjust the settings before the printer is ready. When finished, the printer is ready to use.

  • When prompted, insert the CD that came with your printer into the disc slot on your computer.
  • If you are using a used printer that does not come with a CD, download the software on the printer manufacturer's website.

Method 2 of 6: Connecting a Wired Printer on a Mac Computer

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 11
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 11

Step 1. Update your Mac computer

Before you connect the printer to a Mac computer, make sure that all the latest drivers and patches are installed on the computer.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 12
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 12

Step 2. Set the printer so that it is close to the computer

Make sure they're close enough for the cables to reach the computer without stretching.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 13
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 13

Step 3. Turn on the printer

Press the power button on the printer. This button usually has a icon

Windowspower
Windowspower

above or beside it.

You must connect the printer to a power source

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 14
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 14

Step 4. Connect the printer to the computer using a USB cable

The USB cable must be plugged into a USB port on the computer.

  • If your Mac computer doesn't have a regular USB port, purchase a USB-C-to-USB adapter for that computer.
  • When doing this, the computer must be turned on and you are logged in.
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 15
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 15

Step 5. Click the Install button, then follow the given instructions

As long as it's compatible with your Mac computer, the printer will most likely be installed on your computer right away. However, you may need to click the button Download & Install in the window that appears to complete the installation. When the process is complete, the printer is ready to be used on your Mac computer.

Method 3 of 6: Connecting a Wireless Printer on a Windows Computer

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 16
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 16

Step 1. Check the network connection the printer has

If the printer is connected via Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi, the process for setting up the printer to connect to the network will be slightly different.

Some Wi-Fi printers must be connected directly to a wireless router via Ethernet in order to receive an internet signal

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 17
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 17

Step 2. Set the computer to an area where it can receive a wireless signal

The printer must be able to communicate with the wireless router so you should not place it too far from the router.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 18
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 18

Step 3. Turn on the printer

Press the power button on the printer. This button usually has a icon

Windowspower
Windowspower

above or beside it.

  • You must connect the printer to a power source.
  • If needed, you should also plug the printer's Ethernet cable into the router.
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 19
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 19

Step 4. Check the manual that came with the printer for instructions on setting up the network

If the manual is not available, look for instructions on your printer manufacturer's website.

  • Some printers need to be directly connected to a Mac or Windows computer in order for you to use them wirelessly. Some other printers allow you to complete the full wireless setup process on the printer itself.
  • If the printer supports wireless networks, you will usually have to use the menu interface on the printer to search for wireless networks. If the printer is already connected, enter your wireless password.
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 20
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 20

Step 5. Prepare the printer so that it can connect to the network

How to do it:

  • Wi-Fi - Use the printer screen to search for the Wi-Fi setup page, then enter the network password. You must use the same network that the computer is connected to.
  • Bluetooth - Press the "Pair" button which usually has a Bluetooth icon, which is a curved "B" above or next to the button.
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 21
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 21

Step 6. Open Start

Windowsstart
Windowsstart

Click the Windows logo in the lower left corner.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 22
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 22

Step 7. Click Settings

Windowssettings
Windowssettings

located in the lower-left corner of the Start window.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 23
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 23

Step 8. Click Devices

This option is at the top of the Settings window.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 24
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 24

Step 9. Click Printers & scanners or Bluetooth & other devices.

This tab is located on the left side of the window. When you connect a Wi-Fi printer, select Printers & scanners. If you are using a Bluetooth printer, select Bluetooth & other devices.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 25
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 25

Step 10. Click Add a printer or scanner or Add Bluetooth or other device.

This option is at the top of the page, which you'll need to select based on the printer you're using, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth printer.

  • When connecting a Wi-Fi printer, your printer's name may already be listed on the page. If it's listed there, the printer is connected.
  • Maybe you should click the button Bluetooth first to enable Bluetooth on the computer.
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 26
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 26

Step 11. Connect the printer to the computer

Click the printer name in the window Add, and when you connect a Bluetooth printer, click Connect after selecting the printer. Once you do that, the printer will connect to the Windows computer.

You may have to press the "Pair" button on the printer again when connecting to Bluetooth

Method 4 of 6: Connecting a Wireless Printer on a Mac Computer

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 27
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 27

Step 1. Check the network connection the printer has

If the printer is connected via Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi, the process for setting up the printer to connect to the network will be slightly different.

Some Wi-Fi printers must be connected directly to a wireless router via Ethernet in order to receive an internet signal

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 28
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 28

Step 2. Place the computer in an area that can get a wireless signal

The printer must be able to communicate with the wireless router. Therefore, do not place it in a location that is too far from the router.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 29
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 29

Step 3. Turn on the printer

Press the power button on the printer. This button usually has a icon

Windowspower
Windowspower

above or beside it.

  • You must connect the printer to a power source.
  • If needed, you should also plug the printer's Ethernet cable into the router.
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 30
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 30

Step 4. Check the manual that came with the printer so that you can connect it to the network

If the manual is not available, look for instructions on your printer manufacturer's website.

  • Some printers need to be directly connected to a Mac or Windows computer in order for you to use them wirelessly. Some other printers allow you to complete the full wireless setup process on the printer itself.
  • If the printer supports wireless networks, you will usually have to use the printer's menu interface to search for wireless networks. If the printer is already connected, enter your wireless network password.
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 31
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 31

Step 5. Prepare the printer so that it can connect to the network

How to do it:

  • Wi-Fi - Use the printer screen to search for the Wi-Fi setup page, then enter the network password. You must use the same network that the computer is connected to.
  • Bluetooth - Press the "Pair" button which usually has a Bluetooth icon, which is a curved "B" above or next to the button.
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 32
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 32

Step 6. Open Apple menu

Macapple1
Macapple1

which is in the upper left corner.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 33
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 33

Step 7. Click on System Preferences

This option is at the top of Apple's drop-down menu.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 34
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 34

Step 8. Click Printers & Scanners

It's a printer-shaped icon in the System Preferences window.

You can connect a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth printer from within this menu

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 35
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 35

Step 9. Click the + in the lower left corner

If the printer is connected via a network, its name will appear in the pane on the left side of the window

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 36
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 36

Step 10. Click the name of your printer

The name will appear in the drop-down menu. Once you click on it, the printer will start to setup. When finished, the printer name will be displayed in the pane on the left side of the window. This indicates that the printer has successfully connected to the Mac computer.

  • If the printer name does not appear, check if you are using the same network as the printer.
  • You may have to press the "Pair" button on the printer again when connecting via Bluetooth.

Method 5 of 6: Sharing Printer to Network on Windows Computer

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 37
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 37

Step 1. Install the printer on the computer you want to share with

This can be done via a wired or wireless connection.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 38
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 38

Step 2. Go to Start

Windowsstart
Windowsstart

Click the Windows logo in the lower left corner.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 39
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 39

Step 3. Click Settings

Windowssettings
Windowssettings

located in the lower-left corner of the Start window.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 40
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 40

Step 4. Click Network & Internet

Windowsnetwork
Windowsnetwork

This option is in the Settings window.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 41
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 41

Step 5. Click the Status tab present at the top left side of the window

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 42
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 42

Step 6. Click Sharing options

This option is below the " Change your network settings " heading at the top of the page.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 43
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 43

Step 7. Open the Private option

Click

Android7expandmore
Android7expandmore

the one on the right Private.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 44
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 44

Step 8. Check the circle that says "Turn on file and printer sharing"

This option is located under the "File and printer sharing" heading.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 45
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 45

Step 9. Connect to the shared printer from another Windows computer on the network

The computer used to share the printer must be turned on.

Skip to the next step if you want to connect the printer from a Mac computer

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 46
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 46

Step 10. Connect to the shared printer from another Mac computer on the network

The computer used to share the printer must be turned on. To connect it:

  • Click menu Apple, then select System Preferences.
  • choose Print & Scan.
  • Click + which is at the bottom of the printer list.
  • Click tab Windows at the top of the new window.
  • choose printer name from the list.

Method 6 of 6: Sharing Printer to Network on Mac Computer

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 47
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 47

Step 1. Install the printer on the Mac computer you want to share

You can do this via a wired or wireless connection.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 48
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 48

Step 2. Click the Apple menu

Macapple1
Macapple1

Its icon is in the upper-left corner.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 49
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 49

Step 3. Click System Preferences

It's at the top of the drop-down menu.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 50
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 50

Step 4. Click Sharing

It's a folder-shaped icon in the System Preferences window.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 51
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 51

Step 5. Check the "Printer Sharing" box

The " Printer Sharing " box will be checked, indicating that the shared printer is now available for use.

If this box is checked, your Mac computer has shared a printer

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 52
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 52

Step 6. Check the box next to the printer you want to share

The shared printer that is currently connected will be selected.

Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 53
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 53

Step 7. Connect to the shared printer from another Mac computer on the network

The computer used to share the printer must be turned on. To connect it:

  • Click menu Apple, then select System Preferences.
  • choose Print & Scan.
  • Click + which is at the bottom of the list of printers.
  • Click tab Windows at the top of the new window.
  • choose printer name from the list.
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 54
Connect a Printer to Your Computer Step 54

Step 8. Connect to the shared printer from another Windows computer on the network

The Mac computer used to share the printer must be turned on. To connect it:

  • Visit

    https://support.apple.com/kb/dl999?locale=en_US

  • .
  • Download and install the "Bonjour Print Services for Windows" program.
  • Run the " Bonjour Print Wizard " after you have it installed.
  • Select the shared printer you want to connect to.
  • If prompted, select the correct driver from the list.
  • Click Finish.

Tips

Many modern printers provide a downloadable application to allow your printer to connect to your tablet or smartphone (smartphone)

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