Windows 8 is very easy to recognize every hardware plugged in. To add a printer it is usually enough to turn on the printer and then connect it to a PC via a USB cable. Windows 8 will immediately detect and then automatically install the printer driver. This process usually only takes a few seconds. If your printer is having problems or you want to connect to a network printer, do a little configuration on your Windows 8.
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Method 1 of 3: Connecting the Printer Via USB
Step 1. Check printer compatibility if you are using Windows RT
Some devices are not compatible with Windows RT, namely the mobile version of Windows 8 (mainly found on Surface RT tablets). Look on the manufacturer's website. Enter your printer model online to see if Windows RT supports it.
Step 2. Read the printer documentation
Most printers simply plug into a computer's USB port, but some require driver installation before they can be plugged in. Refer to the printer's prompts or quick guide for recommended installation procedures.
You can obtain the necessary documentation and software from the printer manufacturer's support website if you can't find a physical copy
Step 3. Plug in the printer
In most cases Windows 8 will automatically detect the printer and install the correct drivers. Driver updates can be downloaded via Windows Update during the installation process.
Make sure you plug the printer into a USB port that is directly connected to the computer. Do not plug the printer into a USB hub, the printer may not be recognized by the computer
Step 4. Look for the printer
If the printer is connected but doesn't appear, you can add it manually. Older printers may not be automatically detected by Windows.
- Open Control Panel. You can access Control Panel by pressing Win+X and selecting Control Panel.
- Select "Devices and Printers". If you are in Category view, click the "View devices and printers" link. The window will show all your connected devices.
- Click Add a printer. It's located at the top of the window.
- Select a printer from the list. The list of available printers may take a while to finish loading.
- Make sure the unregistered printer is properly connected, has the correct software installed, and is compatible with the computer.
Method 2 of 3: Connecting the Printer to the Network
Step 1. Connect the printer to the router
When connecting the printer to a network, you must connect to the router, either via an ethernet cable or wireless. For older printers, you can use a print server to allow the printer to connect to the network.
- Ethernet - Many printers can be connected to a router via an ethernet cable. This is handy if the printer and router are in the same general location.
- Wireless - Most new printers have wireless built in to connect to a wireless network at home. See the printer documentation for specific instructions for connecting to a wireless network.
Step 2. Install the printer software on the computer (if necessary)
Some printers will ask you to install the software before adding the printer. Some other printers will be automatically detected and installed by Windows.
Step 3. Look for the printer
If the printer is connected but doesn't appear, you can add it manually. Older printers may not be automatically detected by Windows.
- Open Control Panel. You can access Control Panel by pressing Win+X and selecting Control Panel.
- Select "Devices and Printers". If you are in Category view, click the "View devices and printers" link. The window will show all your connected devices.
- Click Add a printer. This button is located at the top of the window.
- Select your printer from the list. The list of available printers may take a while to load.
- Make sure the unregistered printer is properly connected, has the correct software installed, and is compatible with the computer.
Method 3 of 3: Connecting to a HomeGroup Printer
Step 1. Open the HomeGroup menu
A HomeGroup is a collection of Windows computers on a network, and is designed to make it easier to share files and printers between these computers than on a regular network. Only Windows 7 and 8 computers can join a HomeGroup.
- Open the Charms menu. You can access it by swiping the right side of the screen with your finger or by moving the mouse to the lower right corner of the screen.
- Press or click "Settings". This option has a gear icon.
- Tap or click "Change PC settings". This option is at the bottom of the menu.
- Press or click "Network"
- Press or click "HomeGroup"
Step 2. Join an existing HomeGroup
Enter the HomeGroup password and then press or click "Join". The HomeGroup creator can find out the password in its HomeGroup menu. If no HomeGroup is detected, you may not be connecting to the network properly.
Step 3. Print to a shared printer
Once connected to the HomeGroup, you can print to a shared printer without having to physically attach the printer. The PC sharing the printer must be turned on to be able to print.
