How to Set Up a Printer

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Setting up any printer can be relatively simple these days, thanks to a variety of printer models that come with their own installation software or have websites for downloading printer software. This wikiHow shows you how to set up a printer using the various methods available for the process.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Windows Printer Setup

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    Before doing anything else, it's important to make sure your printer is plugged in and ready.
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    Connect your printer to your PC. Most printers have the option of connecting to a computer via USB or wirelessly (Bluetooth, installation CD, or a wireless detection setting), so be sure your printer is set to connect before proceeding with the rest of the steps.
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    Open the Start menu . Click the Start button in the taskbar at the bottom of your desktop screen to pull up system options.
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    It's the gear-shaped icon near the bottom-left corner of the menu.
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    This appears in the Settings menu and pulls up the options for connecting devices to your PC.
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    From this menu, you'll be able to pull up the different options for searching for the printer you want to set up.
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    This will bring up a dialog box that will alert you to Windows scanning for any nearby printers. Your printer should pop up after a few minutes of scanning.
    • If you don't see your printer, click The printer that I want isn't listed and follow the on-screen instructions for manually connecting your printer.
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    This will complete the process of setting up the connection between your PC and the printer.
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    To ensure the devices are connected properly and that your printer is operational, you should print a test page to see if there are any adjustments that need to be made to printing settings.
    • To do this, go into Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners , then right-click on your printer.
    • Click on Printer Properties or Manage and select Print a test page to pull up the dialog box for printing settings.
    • Adjust the settings for printing to your preferred options to ensure your prints don't use too much ink or print more clearly.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Mac Printer Setup

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    Before doing anything else, it's important to make sure your printer is plugged in and ready.
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    Connect your printer to your Mac . Most printers have the option of connecting to a computer via USB or wirelessly (Bluetooth, installation CD, or a wireless detection setting), so be sure your printer is set to connect before proceeding with the rest of the steps.
    • Make sure your Mac's software is up-to-date by going into the Apple menu, selecting System Preferences , and choosing Software Update to ensure your Mac is updated to the latest software.
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    Once you've connected your printer to your Mac, you may be prompted to download software that will help with installing the printer.
    • Once downloaded, follow the on-screen instructions to start the printer's installation process.
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    This will pull up system options, which you'll need to navigate through to complete the installation process for your printer.
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    This is where you'll find the settings for adding new printers or devices to your Mac's network.
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    This will pull up a dialog box for your Mac to search for the printer through USB or WiFi connection.
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    Once the scan is complete, you should see your printer in a list of available devices.
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    This will complete the process of setting up your printer with your Mac and will now let you connect to that printer on your Mac.
    • If prompted to install any software, do so and follow any on-screen instructions to finish the installation process.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

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    If your printer doesn't connect with your computer right away, it could mean that there's an important software update not installed in your system.
    • Going to the manufacturer's website and checking your printer model should pull up any software needed to set it up with your computer.
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    When a printer you want isn't listed in the menu for adding a printer on Mac, you may have to manually add it using the printer's IP address.
    • You can usually find this in the printer's manual or in the printer's settings in the Printers & Scanners menu.
    • Once you have the IP address, go into the Printers & Scanners menu in System Preferences and click on the plus sign (+), then select IP and enter the printer's IP address.
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    Connect your printer to your WiFi network . If you find yourself unable to access your printer's WiFi printing feature, double-check that the printer is connected with your network.
    • Most printers come with software that makes this process relatively straightforward and can be configured when the printer is connected to your computer via USB.
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      Things You'll Need

      • A printer (inkjet)
      • Your printer's installation CD or downloaded software
      • A computer (windows 7 compatible or current)



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