Connecting your printer
If you're running Windows 10, see Fix printer problems in Windows 10.
When you connect a printer to your PC or add a new printer to your home network, you can usually start printing right away. Windows supports most printers, and you probably won't have to go out of your way to install special printer software. If you're using Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, additional printer support and drivers are available through Windows Update.
To install a printer
In most cases, all you have to do to set up a printer is to connect it to your PC. Simply plug the USB cable from your printer into an available USB port on your PC, and turn the printer on.
For wireless printers with Windows 8.1:
Note
If you have a new wireless printer that hasn’t been added to your home network, read the instructions that came with the printer to learn how to add it. Check the printer manufacturer’s website to learn more and to get up-to-date software for your printer.
- Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings. (If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)
- Tap or click PC and devices, and then tap or click Devices. If your printer is installed, it should appear under Printers.
- If your printer isn’t listed, tap or click Add a device, and then select your printer to install it.
To install (add) a local printer
- Click the Start button, and then, on the Start menu, click Devices and Printers.
- Click Add a printer.
- In the Add Printer wizard, click Add a local printer.
- On the Choose a printer port page, make sure that the Use an existing port button and the recommended printer port are selected, and then click Next.
- On the Install the printer driver page, select the printer manufacturer and model, and then click Next.
- If your printer isn't listed, click Windows Update, and then wait while Windows checks for additional drivers.
- If none are available and you have the installation CD, click Have Disk, and then browse to the folder where the printer driver is located. (For additional help, consult the printer manual.)
- Complete the additional steps in the wizard, and then click Finish.
Tip
You can print a test page to make sure the printer is working correctly. If you've installed the printer but it doesn't work, check the manufacturer's website for troubleshooting information or driver updates.
To install a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer
If you're trying to add a network printer at the office, you'll usually need the name of the printer. If you can't find it, contact your network administrator.
- Click the Start button, and then, on the Start menu, click Devices and Printers.
- Click Add a printer.
- In the Add Printer wizard, click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
- In the list of available printers, select the one you want to use, and then click Next. (If your computer is connected to a network, only printers listed in Active Directory for your domain are displayed in the list.)
- If prompted, install the printer driver on your computer by clicking Install driver. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- Complete the additional steps in the wizard, and then click Finish.
Tip
Available printers can include all printers on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless printers or printers that are plugged into another computer and shared on the network. You might need permission to install some printers. You can confirm the printer is working by printing a test page.
Note
After your printer is installed, you can keep it up to date with automatic Windows 7 driver updates.
Troubleshoot printer problems
Start by checking your hardware
Make sure that the printer's electrical cord is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power switch is turned on. If you're printing to a shared printer or a printer on a network, make sure that all necessary computers and routers are turned on too. If your printer or other equipment is plugged in to a surge protector or a backup power supply, make sure that hardware is plugged in and turned on as well.
If you’re using a wired printer, make sure that the printer cable is properly connected from the printer to your PC.
For wireless printers, check the wireless connection. Make sure the printer’s wireless option is turned on and available. Many printers have a button that displays a blue wireless icon when wireless is available.
Next, run the printer’s wireless connectivity test. Read the instructions that came with the printer or check the printer manufacturer’s website for instructions about how to do this.
Use a troubleshooter
A troubleshooter is an automated tool that can find and automatically fix some problems with your PC. The printing troubleshooter can fix problems with installing and connecting to a printer.
Update drivers
Most printers require driver software to work properly. If you recently upgraded from one version of Windows to another, it's possible that the current printer driver is for the previous version of Windows. If you've had recent power outages, viruses, or other computer problems, it's possible that the drivers have become damaged. Downloading and installing the latest driver for your printer can resolve these types of problems.
Three ways to find and install a driver:
- Use Windows Update. Windows Update might have an updated version of your printer driver.
- Install software from the printer manufacturer. If your printer came with a disc, that disc might contain software that installs a driver for the printer.
- Download and install the driver yourself . You can search for a driver on the manufacturer's website. Try this if Windows Update can't find a driver for your printer, and the printer didn't come with software that installs a driver.
For Windows 8.1
To print webpages using Internet Explorer, click the Tools button, select Print, and then select Print again. See what the printed page will look like by selecting Print Preview. Or, print pages by pressing Crtl + P.
To print only a picture from a page (and not the whole page), right-click on the picture, and select Print. In the Print dialog box, select Print again.
For Windows 7
To print webpages using Internet Explorer, press Crtl + P and choose which of your installed printers to print from.