How to Connect to a Network Printer

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This wikiHow teaches you how to connect your Windows or Mac computer to a wireless printer that's on your Wi-Fi network.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

On Windows

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  1. Plug your printer into an electrical outlet if necessary, then press the printer's "Power"
    Windows Power
    button to turn on the printer if it isn't already on.
  2. In order to connect to your printer via a network, your printer must be connected to Wi-Fi.
    • The steps for connecting a printer to Wi-Fi will vary from printer to printer, so check your printer's manual or online documentation for model-specific instructions on connecting to Wi-Fi.
    • Some printers must be connected directly to your router via an Ethernet cable in order to connect to the Internet.
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  3. Most printers require you to be connected to the same network to which your printer is connected. If your computer is connected to a different network, do the following:
    • Click the "Wi-Fi"
      Windows Wifi
      icon on the right side of the taskbar.
    • Click the name of the Wi-Fi network to which your printer is connected.
    • Click Connect .
    • Enter the password and click Next if asked for a password.
  4. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  5. Click the gear-shaped icon in the lower-left side of the Start window.
  6. It's in the middle of the Settings window.
  7. This tab is on the left side of the window.
  8. It's at the top of the window. Doing so opens a list of available printers on your network.
  9. Click the name of the printer to which you want to connect. The printer's name will expand.
    • Your printer's name is usually a combination of the printer's manufacturer's name and the model number.
  10. It's below the expanded printers name. Your computer will begin connecting to the printer.
  11. Depending on your printer, it may need to install drivers or be verified by your computer. If so, click through any on-screen prompts as they appear.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

On Mac

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  1. Plug your printer into an electrical outlet if necessary, then press the printer's "Power"
    Windows Power
    button to turn on the printer if it isn't already on.
  2. In order to connect to your printer via a network, your printer must be connected to Wi-Fi.
    • The steps for connecting a printer to Wi-Fi will vary from printer to printer, so check your printer's manual or online documentation for model-specific instructions on connecting to Wi-Fi.
    • Some printers must be connected directly to your router via an Ethernet cable in order to connect to the Internet.
  3. Most printers require you to be connected to the same network to which your printer is connected. If your computer is connected to a different network, do the following:
    • Click the "Wi-Fi"
      Mac Wifi
      icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
    • Click the name of the Wi-Fi network to which your printer is connected.
    • Enter the password if prompted.
    • Click Join .
  4. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
  5. It's in the drop-down menu. The System Preferences window will open.
  6. This is on the right side of the System Preferences window.
  7. It's below the left-hand sidebar. Doing so brings up a list of available printers.
  8. Click the name of the printer to which you want to connect.
    • Your printer's name is usually a combination of the printer's manufacturer's name and the model number.
  9. It's at the bottom of the list. Your Mac will begin connecting to the printer.
  10. Depending on your printer, it may need to install drivers or be verified by your computer. If so, click through any on-screen prompts as they appear.
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  • Question
    How do I connect my tablet to a printer?
    Community Answer
    You will need a wireless internet connection between your tablet and printer. Your printer needs to be able to connect wirelessly and have a bluetooth capability.
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  • Question
    What is the difference between printer pool and printer spool?
    Community Answer
    'Printer Pooling' is a feature of several Windows versions that allows a group of printers to share the same ID and function as if they were a single printer. It is used for load balancing, i.e. task distribution to increase efficiency. A 'Print Spooler' is software that temporarily stores print jobs on the HDD or RAM until the printer is ready for them, like a waiting queue.
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  • Question
    What do you touch on the laptop to print?
    Community Answer
    You'll most likely be touching a pad to control the position of a mouse cursor, but on some newer laptops, you may be touching the screen. Either way, aim for the "print" button. On many computers, ctl+P will open the printing program.
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      Tips

      • Most wireless printers also have USB cables included in case you need to connect your computer directly to the printer.
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      • In some cases, you must connect your computer to a printer via a USB cable in order to allow your computer to install the drivers needed to run the printer. You usually only need to do this with older printers, and even then it's only necessary the first time you're connecting your computer to the printer in question.
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      Warnings

      • If you recently updated your computer's software to the newest available version, you may not be able to use old networked printers.
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