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Easily link a wired or wireless printer to your computer
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It’s easy to get the printer set up, but the steps vary depending on the type of printer and your operating system. Once connected, you can also share the printer on your home network, allowing other computers in your house to print from it. This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a wired or wireless printer to your Windows or Mac computer with expert tips from computer specialist Luigi Oppido.

Connecting Your Computer to a Printer

Connect your printer via a wired or wireless connection. On Windows, click Windows Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device and select your printer. On Mac, click Apple menu > System Settings > Printers & scanners and select your printer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Connecting a Printer on Windows

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  1. Press your printer's power button; it will likely have an icon on or next to it.
    • Your printer must be plugged into a power source.
  2. If you don't have your manual, you can find it on the manufacturer's support site.
    • Some printers need to be connected directly to your computer before they can be used wirelessly, while others allow you to complete the wireless setup process entirely on the printer itself.
    • If your printer supports wireless networks, then you will usually need to use the menu interface on the printer to search for your wireless network. Once you connect, you will need to enter your wireless password.
    • Some printer models also support WPS, which allows you to connect to a network by pressing the WPS button on the router, instead of entering the router password.
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  3. Use one of the following steps to do so:
    • Wired: Many printers connect with a USB-B or USB-C cable. They will come with a USB-B to USB-A cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable, or a USB-C to USB-C cable. Connect the USB-B or USB-C end of the cable to the printer, and then connect the USB-A or USB-C port to a free USB port on your computer.
      • For best results, connect to a high-speed USB 3.1 or USB-C port on your computer.
    • Ethernet: If your printer connects via a wired Ethernet cable, connect an Ethernet cable to your printer, and then connect it to a free Ethernet port on your modem or router.
    • Wi-Fi: Use your printer's screen to find the Wi-Fi setup menu, then enter your network's password. This must be the same network to which your computer is connected.
    • WPS: Select the WPS options in the printer’s network setup menu. Then select your router in the list.
    • Bluetooth: Press the "Pair" button, which will usually have the Bluetooth "B" icon on or next to it.
    EXPERT TIP

    Brandon Phipps

    Technology Specialist
    Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.
    Brandon Phipps
    Technology Specialist

    Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) enables wireless connectivity between your printer and router. This feature connects your printer to a wireless network without using a computer or network name and password. Instead, you will use the WPS button or the WPS pin (unique code used for device connection).

  4. 4
    Open the Settings menu on your computer. To do so, you can click the Windows Start menu, followed by the Setting/Gear icon. Alternatively, you can press Windows key + i to open the Settings menu
  5. 5
    Click Bluetooth & devices . It’s in the menu bar to the left.
    • If you are using Windows 10, click Devices near the top of the menu.
  6. 6
    Click Printers & scanners . It’s the second option in the menu. It has an icon that resembles a printer.
    • If you are using Windows 10, click Printers & scanners in the menu to the left.
  7. 7
    Click Add device next to "Printers & Scanners." It’s the blue button next to the "Printers & Scanners" option in the menu.
    • If you are using Windows 10, click Add a printer or scanner at the top of the page.
  8. This will typically be a combination of the printer's manufacturer (e.g., "HP"), the printer's model name, and the model number.
    • If you don't see your printer's name here, click the The printer that I want isn't listed link below the Add a printer or scanner button and follow the on-screen instructions.
  9. Depending on your printer, you may need to customize your settings before the printer is ready; once you're done, the printer will be available for use. [1]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Connecting a Printer on a Mac

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  1. . Before you connect a printer to your Mac, you'll need to make sure that all of the most recent drivers and patches are installed on your computer. [3]
  2. Press your printer's power button; it will likely have aicon on or next to it.
    • Your printer must be plugged into a power source.
  3. If you don't have your manual, you can find it on the manufacturer's support site.
    • Some printers need to be connected directly to your computer before they can be used wirelessly, while others allow you to complete the wireless setup process entirely on the printer itself.
    • If your printer supports wireless networks, then you will usually need to use the menu interface on the printer to search for your wireless network. Once you connect, you will need to enter in your wireless password.
    • Some printer models also support WPS, which allows you to connect to a network by pressing the WPS button on the router, instead of entering the router password.
  4. 4
    Connect your printer to the AirPort Utility (WPS printers only). If you have a WPS-compatible printer, you will need to connect it in the AirPort Utility. Use the following steps to do so:
    • Click the Magnifying glass/Spotlight icon in the upper-right corner.
    • Search "AirPort Utility" and open the AirPort Utility app.
    • Select your base station or router (you may need to enter the wireless password for it).
    • Select Add WPS printer.
    • Select how you want to add the printer.
      • You can either select the option to enter a PIN or select First attempt, which will allow the first printer that attempts to access your Mac through the network.
  5. Use one of the following steps to do so:
    • Wired - Many printers connect with a USB-B or USB-C cable. They will come with a USB-B to USB-A cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable, or a USB-C to USB-C cable. Connect the USB-B or USB-C end to the printer, and then connect the USB-A or USB-C port to a free USB port on your computer.
      • For best results, connect to a high-speed USB 3.1 or USB-C port on your Mac.
    • Ethernet - If your printer connects via a wired Ethernet cable, connect an Ethernet cable to your printer, and then connect it to a free Ethernet port on your modem or router.
    • Wi-Fi - Use your printer's screen to find the Wi-Fi setup page, then enter your network's password. This must be the same network to which your computer is connected.
    • WPS - Select the WPS options in the printer’s network setup menu. Then select your router in the list.
    • Bluetooth - Press the "Pair" button, which will usually have the Bluetooth "B" icon on or next to it.
    EXPERT TIP

    Brandon Phipps

    Technology Specialist
    Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.
    Brandon Phipps
    Technology Specialist

    Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) enables wireless connectivity between your printer and router. This feature connects your printer to a wireless network without using a computer or network name and password. Instead, you will use the WPS button or the WPS pin (unique code used for device connection).

  6. 6
    Install any software that came with your printer. Your printer may need Mac software in order to work with a Mac, go ahead and install any software that came with your printer, or download and install the software from your printer manufacturer’s website. You may need to use the printer’s software assistant to connect it to a Wi-Fi network. [4]
  7. 7
    Open the Printers & Scanners settings menu. Use the following steps to do so:
    • Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of the menu bar at the top.
    • Click System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions of macOS).
    • Click Printers & Scanners .
  8. 8
    Click your printer to add it. It’ll be listed in the window to the right. This will add your printer and allow your Mac to access it. [5]
    • If you don’t see your printer listed, click Add printers, scanners, or fax (or the plus (+) button on older versions of macOS) and select your printers. If the printer you want to connect to is connected to a Windows computer, click Windows and then click the printer. [6]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

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  1. 1
    Install the printer on the computer you want to share from. Once it is installed, you can share it on your network so that other devices on your network can access your printer. Make sure you have your printer installed and connected to your computer.
  2. 2
    Open Settings. To do so, press Windows Start and click the Settings/Gear icon. Alternatively, you can press Windows Key + i . [7]
  3. 3
    Go to Bluetooth & devices . It’s in the sidebar menu to the left.
  4. 4
    Click Printers & scanners . This displays a list of printers you have connected to your computer. [8]
  5. 5
    Click the name of the printer you want to share and click Printer properties . This opens the Printer Properties window.
  6. 6
    Select the Sharing tab. It’s the 2nd tab at the top of the printer properties window.
  7. 7
    Click Change Sharing Options . You’ll need to be logged in to a Windows administrator account to do so. This will unlock the ability to edit the sharing options for the selected printer.
  8. 8
    Click the checkbox next to "Share this printer". This allows you to share the printer on your network.
  9. 9
    Enter a name for the printer (optional). If you want, you can enter a name for the printer that everyone will recognize (i.e., "Office Printer").
  10. 10
    Click OK . This will confirm the sharing setting. You’re all set! Other computers on the network will now be able to print from the selected printer.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

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  1. 1
    Install the printer on the computer you want to share from. Once it is installed, you can share it on your network so that other devices on your network can access your printer. Make sure you have your printer installed and connected to your computer.
  2. 2
    Open Settings. To do so, press Windows Start and click the Settings/Gear icon. Alternatively, you can press Windows Key + i . [9]
  3. 3
    Click Devices . It’s in the top row of the Settings menu. It’s next to an icon that resembles a mobile phone and a keyboard.
  4. 4
    Click Printers & scanners . It’s in the menu bar to the left.
  5. 5
    Click the name of the printer you want to share and click Manage . This opens the "Manage your device" window.
  6. 6
    Click Printer Properties . This opens the Printer Properties window.
  7. 7
    Select the Sharing tab. It’s the 2nd tab at the top of the printer properties window.
  8. 8
    Click Change Sharing Options . You’ll need to be logged in to a Windows administrator account to do so. This will unlock the ability to edit the sharing options for the selected printer.
  9. 9
    Click the checkbox next to "Share this printer". This allows you to share the printer on your network.
  10. 10
    Enter a name for the printer (optional). If you want, you can enter a name for the printer that everyone will recognize (i.e., "Office Printer").
  11. 11
    Click OK . This will confirm the sharing setting. You’re all set! Other computers on the network will now be able to print from the selected printer.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

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  1. Once it is installed, you can share it on your network so that other devices on your network can access your printer. Make sure you have your printer installed and connected to your computer.
  2. Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner to open the Apple menu. https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/mac-help/mchlp2424/mac
    • If you are using an older version of macOS, click System Preferences instead.
  3. 3
    Click General . It’s in the menu bar to the left.
    • If you are using an older version of macOS, skip this step.
  4. It’s in the General Settings menu.
    • If you are using an older version of macOS, it’s a folder-shaped icon in the System Preferences menu.
  5. 5
    Click the info or "i" icon next to "Printer Sharing." This displays the printer sharing information and options.
  6. 6
    Select the printer you want to share. All connected printers will be listed below "Printers."
  7. 7
    Select how you want to share the printer and click Done . You can share the printer with everyone on your network, or you can select specific users you want to share it with. Use one of the following steps to do so:
    • To share a printer with everyone, click the pop-up menu next to "Can Print" and select Everyone .
    • To select users to share the printer with, click the plus (+) icon at the bottom of the Users list and select the users you want to share the printer with.
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Community Q&A

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Add New Question
  • Question
    Does this work for laptops also?
    Community Answer
    Yes, just search and download appropriate driver for the printer, then you are good to go. Though, don't forget, some companies just don't release drivers. Search, then buy.
  • Question
    My USB ports are not working. Can I connect my laptop to printer via HDMI port?
    Community Answer
    No. Only USB will work. If you have an old computer, you may want to replace it.
  • Question
    How can I connect to a wireless printer?
    Community Answer
    1. Make sure your computer and printer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. 2. Make sure everything is plugged in. 3. Try restarting both devices.
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      1. Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Plug your printer into a power source and turn it on.
      2. Enter the Wi-Fi settings on the printer.
      3. On your PC, go to Settings and select Devices .
      4. Click Printers & scanners and select Add a printer or scanner .
      5. Select your printer.

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,539,228 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Erin McDonald

        Jan 30, 2018

        "Was really helpful. I ended up finding out that the computer was already connected, but for some reason printing ..." more
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