This wikiHow teaches you how to install and set up a printer on your computer when you don't have the software installation disc. You can usually use the USB cable that came with the printer package. However, you may need to download the program directly from the manufacturer's website if the machine you are using is an older model.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a USB Cable on a Windows Computer
Step 1. Make sure the printer is close to the computer
Most printer products come with a short USB-to-Printer cable that allows you to connect the machine to a computer for direct communication or connection between devices. To connect the cable, the printer and computer must be quite close to each other.
Step 2. Connect the printer's USB cable to the computer
The cable can be plugged into one of the USB ports on the side of the computer (laptop) or the back or front of the CPU box (desktop).
- You may also need to connect the non-USB end of the cable to the printer.
- If the printer does not come with a USB cable, you will need to purchase a suitable cable for the machine before moving on to the next step. Look for the model number of the machine, then enter the model number followed by the phrase "USB cable" in an internet search engine. If no USB cable is available for the printer, you will need to install the program manually.
Step 3. Turn on the printer
Press the power button (“On”)
to start the engine. Make sure you wait for about a minute or so before moving on to the next step.
- Usually, the printer installation will be started by simply turning on the computer after connecting it to the computer via a USB cable. In this situation, follow the on-screen prompts until the printer is finished installing.
- If the installation process does not start after the machine is connected to the computer, continue to follow this method.
Step 4. Open the “Start” menu
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen. After that, the “Start” menu will be opened.
Step 5. Type printers & scanners into the “Start” menu
The “Printers & Scanners” segment of the computer will be searched after.
Step 6. Click Printers & scanners
It's at the top of the "Start" window.
Step 7. Click Add a printer or scanner
It's at the top of the “Printers & Scanners” window.
Step 8. Click the printer name
The machine name is in the window “ Add a printer or scanner Once clicked, the printer installation window will be displayed.
If the machine name is not displayed, click the link “ The printer that I want isn't listed ”, then select a search option and follow the prompts shown on the screen. You may need to download the printer program first before proceeding.
Step 9. Follow the installation steps shown on the screen
Each printer has a slightly different installation process. After the installation is complete, the machine can be used with the computer.
Method 2 of 3: Using a USB Cable on a Mac Computer
Step 1. Make sure the printer you are using is compatible with your Mac
Not all printers can be used on the Mac operating system. Before spending hours setting up the machine on your computer, look up the printer's name and model number online to find out if it's compatible with your operating system.
Step 2. Make sure the machine is close to the computer
Most printer products come with a short USB-to-Printer cable that allows you to connect the machine to a computer for direct communication or connection between devices. To connect the cable, the printer and computer must be quite close to each other.
Step 3. Make sure you have a USB adapter if needed
Most Mac computers don't have a regular USB port. Instead, the computer has a smaller USB-C port. In this situation, you will need to use a USB-to-USB-C adapter from Apple to connect the USB cable to your Mac computer.
Step 4. Connect the printer's USB cable to the computer
The cable can be plugged into one of the USB ports on the side of the laptop or the back of the iMac (desktop) screen.
If you need an adapter, plug the adapter into the USB-C port first, then connect the cable to the USB adapter
Step 5. Turn on the printer
Press the power button or “On”
to start the engine.
Step 6. Click Install when prompted
Mac computers will automatically detect the printer and determine if the software needs to be updated. If you have never installed a printer on your computer before, you will receive an update prompt.
Step 7. Follow the instructions shown on the screen
Click on the machine setup steps to install the latest programs and drivers on your Mac computer. After the process is complete, you can use the printer.
Method 3 of 3: Downloading Software
Step 1. Read the printer's manual
The manual may show a segment with specific instructions for your machine model on what needs to be done to install the machine without the installation disc. In this case, follow the instructions to locate and download the machine software/program.
Step 2. Visit the printer manufacturer's website
For example, for HP printers, visit https://www.hp.com/. Some other fairly popular printer manufacturer/manufacturer websites are:
- Canon -
- Epson -
- Brother -
Step 3. Click the Printers tab
Each manufacturer's website has a different look so you may want to look for this option at the top of the page.
If there is a search bar at the top of the website, type in the machine model name and skip the next step
Step 4. Find the printer model
Search for the displayed model or type the printer model name into the search bar if possible.
Step 5. Look for the “Software” download link
You may need to re-enter the engine name/number in the search bar to search for the required program/software.
Some websites display a link “ Download Software ” as very small text at the bottom of the page.
Step 6. Click the download link for the printer program
After that, the program will immediately be downloaded to the computer.
Step 7. Wait for the program to finish downloading
This process can take a few seconds to a few minutes.
If prompted, first select a location to save the download
Step 8. Extract the ZIP folder of the software if you are using a Windows computer
Double-click the folder, double-click the installation file, click “ OK ” when prompted, select a location, and click “ Extract Here… ” to extract the archive folder.
- Mac users can simply double-click a folder to open it.
- If the program is downloaded in a single extracted (unarchived) installation file, skip this step.
Step 9. Double-click the software installation file
On a Windows computer, first open the extracted folder and double-click the EXE file stored in it. Mac users can simply double-click the installation file (usually a DMG file) to run it.
If you are using a Mac computer with macOS Sierra operating system, you may need to verify the program first before proceeding
Step 10. Follow the instructions shown on the screen
The content displayed after double-clicking the program's installation file will vary depending on your operating system and printer. But usually, just follow the on-screen instructions until the installation process is complete.
Step 11. Try connecting the printer to the computer
If the machine is equipped with a USB cable, connect the machine to the computer via the cable to see if the computer can recognize the machine. If the machine can be connected via WiFi only, make sure the machine and computer are connected to the internet network. Now you can access the printer through the computer.
Tips
- The machine manufacturer may be willing to ship a replacement driver disc for a fee. Check the support page for more information.
- You may also be able to search for a printer program on a third-party site if the machine is an older model for support. However, be careful when downloading content from third-party sites.
