How to connect a printer to a laptop or the vagaries of printers. How to properly connect a printer to a laptop without an installation disk How to connect a laser printer to an hp laptop

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Sometimes a computer owner needs to print some papers. There are often situations in which a person does not have a desktop computer. Therefore, the question of how to connect a printer to a Windows 8 laptop is once asked by every owner of this equipment. Depending on the brand: HP, Canon or another, to connect to a laptop you need a disk, a USB cable, or wireless Bluetooth or WiFi connections. In addition to having the resources, it is useful for the user to know how to carry out the installation correctly.

How to install a printer on a laptop

For example, the question often arises of how a printer is connected to a laptop based on Windows 7, 8, XP. The operating system is very easy to install; all you need is a USB cable and the included printing equipment. The OS automatically starts the process after detecting the device; this takes no more than a few seconds. It's another matter if the laptop does not see the printer. In this case, changes to Windows settings will be required.

How to connect a wireless printer to a laptop? Study the instructions and follow them strictly, because many modern devices operate in this mode.

A special disc may be provided for manual installation. The procedure, in this case, is as follows:

1. First, the user opens the start menu.
2. Finds the Printers and Faxes section.
3. Goes into the installation (top line on the left side of the screen).
4. The OS searches for the device and prompts the user to download the required driver.
5. Next, the disk is inserted.
6. In the menu, select the search for a program on external media.
7. Installation occurs automatically.
8. After reboot, the user can start printing.

Via WiFi

There are several well-known methods for connecting a WiFi printer to a laptop:

• manually;
• by installing a special program;
• via WPS.

Before you install your printer via WiFi, you should find out if it supports Smart Install (usually available on all HP devices). First, you will need a USB adapter to detect printing equipment. Next, in the installation menu, the user selects a connection via a WiFi network, following the recommendations of the system assistant. After Smart Install automatically completes the process, the cable is disconnected and work continues without it.

How to connect a device via WPS? This is the simplest method, but to implement it, the printing equipment and router must support the WiFi Protected Setup function. It is launched through the interface of any device, or by pressing the corresponding button. Detailed information is usually included in the accompanying instructions.

Manual installation is more secure than using WPS. To do this, you will need the name of the network and knowledge of the security password:

1. Printing equipment is connected.
2. Go to device settings.
3. Start searching for available networks.
4. Select the one you need and register in it.

Via USB

When purchasing, you will find a USB cable included with the device. After connecting printing equipment to the laptop using a cable, the operating system will automatically detect it and offer installation of the necessary drivers. This feature is provided for all types of Windows except the oldest ones, so problems should not arise, and if they do, the OS will offer a solution.

Without disk

Some people are concerned about the question: is it possible to connect a printer without a software disk? There are two ways to do this:

Over the past few years, a lot has changed in the field of computing: what previously seemed like something extraordinary is now considered quite ordinary and familiar. As an example, we can recall the history of the popularization of manipulators such as the “computer mouse”. It is quite possible that someone else remembers the heyday of the DOS system, when mice, if they existed, were fully supported by only a very small number of programs.

However, the Windows operating system appeared: first 3.1 (we do not list previous versions because of their low popularity), then 3.11 and, finally, the famous Win 95. Since that time, such an exotic device as a mouse has become, in fact, an integral part of any computer . Although it was quite possible to do without it. As you know, history develops in a spiral: now it is difficult to imagine a full-fledged electronic assistant without a printing device. It is not surprising that the Internet is replete with questions like “how to connect a printer to a laptop.” Anyone can buy the device itself, but setting it up may pose some difficulties. For example, one of the popular questions on forums is “how to connect a printer to a laptop.” This point is quite natural, especially considering the popularity of laptop computers.

Before we describe the procedure, we’ll immediately warn the reader that understanding the question “how to connect a printer to a laptop” is not at all easy... but rather elementary. Are you ready to become a little guru? Then, read on!

In fact, you should ask any owner of a computer equipped with a printing device about how to connect a printer to a laptop. There are no differences. All actions are identical.

The vast majority of modern printer models are connected to a computer via a USB interface cable. All connectors and plugs are standardized. So, after unpacking the printing device, you need to read the instructions for it, as preparatory steps may be required. Then we insert the CD that comes with the printer into the drive and begin installing the driver: when the Autorun function is active, everything starts automatically, otherwise you need to open the disk structure and run setup manually. During installation, the program will ask you to turn on the printer. To do this, connect the USB cable coming from the device to any free computer; insert sheets of paper and supply power (plug into socket and power button).

If everything is fine, the driver will report successful installation.

By the way, this method of connecting to a computer is also suitable for inkjet models. That is, for everything to work, you need to physically connect the interface, install the driver and supply power.

It’s a little more difficult to figure out how to connect a printer via wi-fi. If the printing device model contains a wireless communication module, then you need to configure the laptop and printer to work in point-to-point mode. For models with an Ethernet interface, you need to purchase an access point and connect the device to it. It will remain in the laptop (work by IP address). And, of course, one of the simplest (but not so cheap) solutions is to “share” the printer from another computer that has a Wi-Fi unit.

After purchasing a printer or MFP (multifunctional device), some owners of laptop PCs begin to look for an answer to the question of how to connect a printer to a laptop. In general, connecting a printer to a laptop is a relatively simple process; the main thing in this case is the sequence of actions to ensure truly reliable operation of the connected office equipment.

detailed instructions

To solve a problem like “how to connect a printer to a laptop,” you will need a reliable and functional USB cable and a current driver version. You cannot do without the latter, otherwise the laptop will not see the device connected to it. Therefore, you need to solve the issue of how to install a printer by searching for the latest version of the driver that fully matches the model of your device.

• So, at the first stage, install a driver on your laptop that will allow you to see your printing device. Typically, the corresponding software is recorded on a CD, which comes with the office equipment. If it is not included in the set or you are a fan of current versions, then you can find the latest version of the optimal driver on our website or on the official website of your printer manufacturer.
• If you have everything ready, then start installing special software. Once this process is complete, you can reboot your laptop just in case. As for the device, it must be turned off before connecting it to a laptop computer.
• Next, you have to connect the disconnected printer to the laptop using a high-quality USB cable. In this case, select in advance the port on the laptop to which it is most convenient to “cut” this cord. Otherwise, the installed cable may interfere with your work, for example, especially when flash drives are connected to the laptop. If you are uncomfortable, use a special USB splitter.
• After connecting the USB cable and connecting the device to be installed to a power source, turn it on. The laptop operating system will have to notify you about connecting new equipment using a characteristic sound and a message that will appear in a special system window. If this does not happen, you can find out about this by going to “Devices and Printers” through the “Start” menu and paying attention to the list of connected devices. If you notice there a picture icon of your device with its name, then problems like “how to connect a printer to a laptop” are completely solved. If there is no corresponding device there, then try reinstalling the drivers or changing the USB cable, and also connecting it to a different port on the laptop.
• Also, if the laptop does not recognize your hardware, try turning off both devices and turning them on again after a few minutes. If this and the recommendations listed above do not help you, then you will have to take the previously turned off printer to any reliable service center - perhaps the source of the problem is the device itself, which does not connect to the PC due to some mechanical internal damage.

Printing settings

After the installation has been completed, you still have to solve the following problem: how to configure the printer? To learn how to properly configure your printing office equipment, read the following instructions:

• Open the document that you plan to send for printing using the interface of the program through which you opened it or using the hotkey combination “Ctrl+P”. For example, in Microsoft Office Word you just need to click on the corresponding printer icon located on the top tab. But in Notepad software, you need to open the “File” menu and select “Print” from the drop-down list.
• In the window that opens, you can begin setting up document printing. For example, to print a multi-page file (an entire book), use the option to print only even/odd pages.
• The default “Enable” line is always “All pages in range”. To change this value and select the desired option, you just need to click on the arrow, which is located on the right side of this item. If you need to print only one sheet from the entire document, then open the required page and place the pointer on the “Current” value.
• If you are interested in the answer to the question of how to correctly set the page orientation, then you can find the corresponding function in the “Basic” tab of the “Properties” window. It usually defaults to Portrait, but if you want the text and image to appear horizontally, click on Landscape.
• Also make all the settings in the “Graphics” tab. There you can mark the operating mode of the device, which allows you to save the coloring matter of the device. By default, the toner/ink consumption is regulated by the office equipment itself.
• After this, do not forget to save all the settings made by clicking “Apply” and “OK”. At the end, you can make a test print to be satisfied with the quality of the printed texts and/or images.

Thus, connecting a printer to a laptop and setting it up with the right approach is very simple. If you have a question about whether it is possible to connect a printer to a laptop via a wireless connection, I can suggest reading more about this in this article: connecting a printer via a router.

A printer is a popular peripheral device that is widely used in offices, enterprises, government agencies and at home due to its ability to instantly print any documents. It is quite easy to use and does not require any special skills from the owner. However, sometimes owners of office equipment have problems setting it up.

How to connect a printer to a laptop?

Let's consider all the actions in more detail.

Connecting a printer

Installing a wired printer begins by connecting it to a power source, as well as to a laptop or computer. For these purposes, the device is equipped with two corresponding cables. Having established a connection with a computer via a USB port, turn on the printer by pressing the power button on the body.

In most cases, Windows automatically detects a new device in the system and installs the necessary software to work with it. However, if this does not happen, the owner of the laptop or PC needs to follow these steps:

INWindows 10:

• Open the Start menu, go to Settings and select the Devices section.

• Click on the line “Printers and scanners” and click the “Add a printer or scanner” button.

• Wait until the computer completes the search and select the appropriate option from the list provided. If the laptop cannot detect the printing device, you must click “Update” or “The required printer is not in the list” and follow further instructions from the system.

INWindows 7 and 8:

• Find the "Devices and Printers" section in the Start menu.

• Click the “Install Printer” button. Click on the “Add a local printer” option in the manager that opens.

• On the “Select a printer port” page, click “Use existing and recommended.”

Advice: check out the list if you haven't made your choice yet.

Installing drivers

Drivers are required for the printing device to work correctly. They are usually contained on a disk that is included with the printer upon purchase along with the cables. To install the drivers, you need to place the media in the disk drive of your laptop and wait for it to start automatically. If the disk does not open on its own, you should do it manually through “My Computer” by double-clicking on the name of the disk drive with the driver.

The installation program is launched through the file “Setup.exe”, “Install.exe” or “Autorun.exe”. Its interface differs among different printer manufacturers, but the general structure in most cases remains unchanged - the computer owner must carefully follow the system instructions to install drivers. The program will ask you to agree to the terms of use, select a printer connection method, and specify the folder to install the files.

Important: If you do not have a driver disk for your device, you can download them through Windows Update and on the manufacturer's website. These methods are described in more detail below.

Printing settings

After successfully connecting the printer to the laptop, all that remains is to configure the printing. This procedure is carried out through the computer control panel. The user is required to:

• Enter the “Control Panel” and select the “Devices and Printers” category.

• Find the name of your office equipment in the list, right-click on it and click “Printing Settings”.

• In the window that opens, set the appropriate parameters: paper size, page orientation, number of copies, image quality, paper source, etc. Click the “Apply” button for the changes to take effect. The specified settings will be used when printing documents from a laptop.

How to install a printer without an installation disk?

Printer owners often lose driver disks. In addition, not all modern laptops are equipped with CD drives, so even if you have the media, installation will not be possible. In this case, you must resort to alternative methods of installing drivers.

Using Windows Update:

• Enter the “Control Panel” and open the “Device Manager”.

• Expand the “Printers” section and find your model in the drop-down list. Right-click on the device name and click “Update Drivers”. Select the “Automatic search” option and follow further instructions.

Manually via the printing device manufacturer’s website:

• If Windows Update cannot detect the driver you are looking for, you should download it yourself.
• Current files are most often posted on the support page of the official website of the printer manufacturer. There, the user is provided with detailed installation and configuration instructions.
• Links to download drivers for printers from popular manufacturers:
  • Samsung - samsung.com/ru/support.

How to connect a printer to a laptop via Wi-Fi?

Many modern printers can be connected to a computer via a Wi-Fi network. Before installing such a device, you need to make sure that the wireless connection function is turned on and available. The button with the corresponding icon allows you to find out. On most models of office equipment, it is highlighted in blue if the connection is functioning correctly. Also, to use a wireless printer, you must have access to the Internet. After checking the connection, the user should add the printer to the system for further configuration:

• INWindows 10 (the algorithm is the same as with a wired printing device):
  • If the system does not automatically identify office equipment, open “Start”, go to “Settings”, in the “Devices” section select “Printers and scanners”.
  • Click on the “Add” button.
  • If the device is not found, click “The printer you need is not in the list” to proceed to manual setup.
• INWindows 7, 8 (the algorithm is the same as with a wired printing device):
  • Go to the Start menu and open Devices and Printers.
  • Click "Add a printer".
  • Select the "Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer" option.
  • Find the desired model in the list proposed by the system and click “Next”.
  • Confirm driver installation.
  • Follow the instructions of the installation wizard until the process is successfully completed.

Let's sum it up

Manually installing a printer on a laptop is carried out in three steps. It is necessary to connect office equipment to a power source and to a PC. Then install the latest version of drivers on your computer from a disk or from the Internet. The final stage is setting up printing parameters for future documents. On Windows 10, connecting wired and wireless printers follows a single algorithm. Minor differences are present in earlier versions of the operating system.