Wired setup
How to connect a printer with USB
Connect the powered-on printer directly to the Windows PC with a compatible USB data cable; Windows normally installs it automatically, or you can add it in Printers & scanners.
What you need
- A compatible USB data cable for the printer and computer ports
- The printer powered on and free of errors
- A direct computer port rather than an unpowered hub for the first setup attempt
Connect the printer
- 1
Check the cable and ports
Use a cable that matches the printer and computer and supports data, not a charge-only cable or forced adapter. Inspect it for damage before connecting.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows - 2
Connect the printer directly
Turn on the printer and connect it directly to an available USB port on the PC. Windows normally detects and installs a supported local printer automatically.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows - 3
Check Printers & scanners
Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners and look for the printer. If it is absent, choose Add device and wait for the search to finish.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows - 4
Install updates when needed
Check Windows Update for a current driver. If Windows cannot supply it, use the official manufacturer support page for the exact printer model and Windows version.
Source: Microsoft Support — Download and install the latest printer drivers - 5
Avoid duplicate printer entries
Select the USB-installed printer for the test. If a wireless copy of the same model also appears, distinguish them before changing defaults or removing anything.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows - 6
Print a test page
Print one page and confirm the USB-connected printer receives it. If detection fails, reconnect the cable directly and try another compatible port before replacing hardware.
Source: Microsoft Support — Add or install a printer in Windows
How to confirm it worked
Windows lists the USB printer without a driver warning and it completes a one-page test print.
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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