How to Install a Printer without the Installation Disk

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Get your printer-up-and-running in Windows or macOS
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Do you need to install a printer but don't have the installation disk? Maybe you've lost it or just bought a new printer and it didn't come with a disk. That's ok! Since many modern laptops and systems don't have built-in CD/DVD drives, the installation disk is downloadable online. Read on to learn more.

Quick Steps

  1. Open Printers & scanners (Windows or Mac).
  2. Select or add your printer.
  3. Download any necessary software.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Installing a Printer on Windows without a Disk

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  1. It should fit into one of the USB ports on the side of your computer (laptop) or on the back or front of the CPU box (desktop). [1]
    • If your printer doesn't have a USB cable, you may have to buy one for your printer before continuing. Look up the printer's model number followed by "USB cable". If there isn't a USB cable available for your printer, you'll need to install the software manually instead.

    You may also have to plug the non-USB end of the cable into the printer.

  2. Press the printer'sOn button to turn on the printer. Be sure to wait for a minute or so after doing this before proceeding. [2]
    • If plugging the printer into your computer doesn't prompt the installation process to start, continue with this method.

    In many cases, simply turning the printer on after connecting it to the computer will prompt the printer installation to begin. If so, follow the on-screen prompts until your printer is installed.

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  3. You can press Win + I and click through "Devices (Win 10) or Bluetooth & devices (Win 11) to find this option. Or you can press the Start key and enter printers & scanners to search for it. [3]
  4. It's at the top of the Printers & Scanners window. [4]
  5. It should be in the Add a printer or scanner window. Doing so will bring up the printer's installation window. [5]

    If your printer's name doesn't appear, click the the printer that I want isn't listed link, then select a search option and follow the on-screen prompts. You may end up downloading the printer's software before continuing.

  6. Each printer will have a distinct installation process. Once the installation process is complete, your printer should work.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Installing a Printer on Mac without a Disk

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  1. Not all printers can run on a Mac's operating system. Before you spend hours trying to install a printer on your Mac, look up the printer's model name and number to see if it is compatible with your Mac.
  2. Most printers come with relatively short USB-to-printer cables that allow you to connect your printer to your Mac for direct communication between the printer and your computer. To attach this cable, your printer and computer must be close to each other.
  3. Most modern Mac computers don't have traditional USB ports—instead, they have smaller USB-C ports. If this is the case, you will need a USB-to-USB-C adapter from Apple to attach a USB cable to your Mac. [6]
  4. It should fit into one of the USB ports on the side of your computer (laptop) or on the back of the iMac display (desktop). [7]

    If you need an adapter, plug the adapter into the USB-C port first, then plug the cable into the USB adapter.

  5. Press the printer'sOn button to turn on the printer.
  6. Macs will automatically detect your printer and determine whether or not it needs to be updated; if you've never installed the printer on your Mac, you will receive the update prompt. [8]
  7. Click through the printer's installation steps to install the latest software and drivers on your Mac. When the process is complete, you'll be able to use your printer. [9]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Installing Wirelessly without a Disk in Windows

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  1. For example, you would go to https://www.hp.com/ for an HP printer. Some other popular printer manufacturer's websites are:
  2. You can press ⊞ Win + I and click through Devices (Win 10) or Bluetooth & devices (Win 11) to find this option. Or you can press the Start key and enter printers & scanners to search for it. [10]
  3. It's at the top of the Printers & Scanners window. [11]
  4. It should be in the Add a printer or scanner window. Doing so will bring up the printer's installation window. [12]
  5. Each printer will have a distinct installation process. Once the installation process is complete, your printer should work.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Installing Wirelessly without a Disk in Mac

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  1. Use the manual that came with your printer to do this. Usually, you use the control panel on the front of your printer to connect to your network.
    • If there's a WPS button on your printer, press that and the router's WPS button to get the printer quickly on the network.
    • For some printers, you may need to connect with a USB cable first to set up a Wi-Fi connection.
  2. To get to this menu, click the Apple logo, then go to System Settings > Printers & Scanners .
  3. In many cases, your printer should be automatically ready for you to use once it's on the same network as your computer. If not, you can add it:
    • Check with your printer's manufacturer if there is software that you need to install. This doesn't apply to AirPrint printers.
    • Follow the instructions in the manual to set up your printer, like adding paper and turning it on.
    • Click the Add Printer… button in System Settings > Printers & Scanners window.
    • Click your printer. If you don't see the printer here, it either isn't on, isn't connected to your network, or isn't compatible with macOS. [13]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you set up a printer without the disc?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, you can usually set up a printer without the disc, provided you have the printer’s USB cable. Also, you may need to download software from the internet for older printers. The instructions for doing this are set out in the steps above.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Do you need a USB cable to connect a wireless printer?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    In many cases you will still need the USB cable for the initial set-up with the computer before the wireless component is enabled. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your printer or check the manufacturer’s website if the printer came without instructions.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    How do I install a printer with a disc?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    To install a printer without a disc, you’ll need a USB cable (either one for Windows or one for Mac) and in some cases, you may also need to download software from the manufacturer’s website. The instructions for installing without a disc are set out above.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Manufacturers may be willing to ship you a replacement driver disk for a fee. Check their support pages for more details.
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      • You may also be able to find your printer's software on a third-party site if the printer is too old to merit support. Be wary of downloading from third-party sites, however.
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      Warnings

      • Do NOT download and install software from sites that you do not trust. Doing so can expose your computer to malware.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/basic-computer-skills/how-to-set-up-a-new-printer/1/
      2. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/basic-computer-skills/how-to-set-up-a-new-printer/1/
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/install-a-printer-in-windows-cc0724cf-793e-3542-d1ff-727e4978638b
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/install-a-printer-in-windows-cc0724cf-793e-3542-d1ff-727e4978638b
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-a-printer-or-scanner-in-windows-14d9a442-0bcb-e11c-7a6c-63f00efae79f
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/add-a-printer-list-mac-mh14004/mac
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/add-a-printer-list-mac-mh14004/mac
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/add-a-printer-list-mac-mh14004/mac
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/add-a-printer-list-mac-mh14004/mac
      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/install-a-printer-in-windows-cc0724cf-793e-3542-d1ff-727e4978638b
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/install-a-printer-in-windows-cc0724cf-793e-3542-d1ff-727e4978638b
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-a-printer-or-scanner-in-windows-14d9a442-0bcb-e11c-7a6c-63f00efae79f
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-a-printer-to-your-mac-mh14004/mac

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you need to install a printer without an installation disk, you can use a USB cable. If you’re using a Windows computer, first, plug the printer’s USB cable into your computer’s USB port, which should be on the side of your computer if you have a laptop or on the front of your computer tower. Press the power button on the printer to turn it on. Then, click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen to open the Start menu. Type “Printers and Scanners” into Start, then click on the top result. Next, click “Add a printer or scanner,” which should open the printer installation window. Click on your printer, or, if the name of your printer doesn’t appear, click the “the printer that I want isn't listed” link to add it manually. Then, simply follow the on-screen installation steps. If you need to install a printer without an installation disk, you can use a USB cable. If you’re using a Windows computer, first, plug the printer’s USB cable into your computer’s USB port, which should be on the side of your computer if you have a laptop or on the front of your computer tower. Press the power button on the printer to turn it on. Then, click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen to open the Start menu. Type “Printers and Scanners” into Start, then click on the top result. Next, click “Add a printer or scanner,” which should open the printer installation window. Click on your printer, or, if the name of your printer doesn’t appear, click the “the printer that I want isn't listed” link to add it manually. Then, simply follow the on-screen installation steps. To learn how to install a printer on a Mac, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Altine Kyon

        Aug 12, 2016

        "I was able to install the printer, and it works. Thank you!"
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