Computer setup
How to connect a printer to a computer or laptop
Connect the printer and computer to the same Wi-Fi network—or attach a USB cable—then add the printer from Windows Printers & scanners or macOS Printers & Scanners.
What you need
- The printer powered on with no unresolved error on its display
- Either the same Wi-Fi network on both devices or a compatible USB printer cable
- Administrator access if the computer asks permission to install software
Connect the printer
- 1
Choose Wi-Fi or USB
Use Wi-Fi when several devices need the printer. Use USB for one nearby computer or as a temporary fallback. A wireless printer and computer must be on the same local network before automatic discovery can work.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows - 2
Prepare the connection
For Wi-Fi, connect the printer to the network using its control panel or official manufacturer app. For USB, connect the cable directly to the computer and turn on the printer; Windows normally attempts installation automatically.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows - 3
Add it on Windows 11 or Windows 10
Open Settings, then Printers & scanners. On Windows 11 this is under Bluetooth & devices; on Windows 10 it is under Devices. Choose Add device or Add a printer or scanner, wait for the list to populate, and select the printer.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows - 4
Or add it on a Mac
Open System Settings, choose Printers & Scanners, then Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax. Select the printer. macOS uses AirPrint when supported; otherwise use current software from the printer manufacturer.
Source: Apple Support — Add a printer to your printer list so you can use it on Mac - 5
Use only trusted driver sources
If more software is required, use Windows Update or the printer manufacturer’s official support site. Do not install a driver from a third-party download page.
Source: Microsoft Support — Download and install the latest printer drivers - 6
Print a one-page test
Print a test page or a simple one-page document. Confirm the job leaves the queue and the correct printer produces the page before considering setup complete.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows
How to confirm it worked
The printer appears in the computer’s printer list, reports ready or idle, and completes a test print without leaving the job stuck in the queue.
If it did not work
Choose the symptom that best matches what happened. These links lead to the existing diagnostic pages rather than repeating generic setup steps.
Documented from official support guidance. Last verified 2026-08-13.
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