Install a printer

Printing in Windows is easier now. When you connect a printer to your PC or add a new printer to your home network, you can start printing right away. For most people, that’s all there is to it. Printing is more straightforward because Windows supports most printers, without needing downloads or CDs. If you're using Windows 8, additional printer support is available online through Windows Update.

The manufacturer’s website is also a good place to learn more and get up-to-date software for your printer. Before you install a new printer, check the instructions that came with your printer.

To set up a printer

In Windows 8 and Windows RT, connecting your printer to your PC or network is usually all you need to do. Simply plug the USB cable from your printer into an available USB port on your computer. If your printer is a network or wireless printer that is already on your home network, no other work is required. Of course you should make sure the printer is plugged into an outlet and that it’s turned on.

Notes

Notes

  • If you have a new wireless printer that hasn’t been added to your home network, refer to the directions that came with your printer to learn more about how to add it to your home network. There are many different ways to add one.

  • If someone else in your home already has a printer installed, you can join a Homegroup and connect to other shared USB printers.

To see if the printer is already installed and working

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
    (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search.)

  2. Enter Devices in the search box, tap or click Settings, and then tap or click Devices.

If your printer was installed, it should appear in the list on the right side. If your printer isn’t in this list, click Add a device at the top of the device list. Select your printer from this list to install it.

Some older network printers might require additional info to complete setup, and won’t appear in the list when you choose Add a device. If you have trouble, double check the printer to make sure it’s on, and that all the cables are plugged in firmly. Check the manufacturer instructions for your device to see if there’s an option to turn on web services, which should automatically install your printer once it is turned on. If your printer doesn’t have that option, find the instructions to discover the printer’s IP address. You’ll need this for advanced printer setup.

Advanced printer setup

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.
    (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search.)

  2. Enter Advanced printer setup in the search box, tap or click Settings, and then tap or click Advanced printer setup.

  3. Follow the steps for additional printer installation options.

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