Which socket should I connect the printer to? Connecting a printer via Windows

People who have a computer often have situations when they need to print a file. It is indispensable in this matter and in order not to pay money every time for printing services in the store, then buy yourself this device. If you have already purchased it, then you are probably thinking about how to connect the printer to your computer. Believe me, you don't need to be a computer expert. Let's take a closer look at this issue.

Standard connection algorithm

Let's get to the heart of the matter of how to properly connect a printer to a computer. Certain steps need to be taken:

Plug the printer into a power outlet.
Connect the plug to a special connector on the PC. As soon as you insert the plug, a notification about connecting a new device will appear on the screen.
Run the installation disk and the drivers will be installed automatically.
Check the status. Go to the control panel, open the “Devices and Printers” folder, if the installation was successful, the name of your printer will appear in this section.

How to connect a device without a disk?

It’s a rather unpleasant situation when the device’s installation disk is incompatible with your PC or you didn’t find it in the kit at all. We will tell you how to connect a printer to a computer without a disk. You will need to complete the following steps:

Go to the manufacturer's website.
Select your printer model.
Download and install the software element.

After that, you can connect your printer and use it.

Connection via USB cable

Some printers connect to the computer via a USB cable, let's look at how to do this. To begin, plug the printer into a power outlet and plug the cord into the connector on your computer. Download the driver disk and install them. A notification about connecting a new device will appear on the screen, click on it. Find your printer name and activate it. Device recognition will begin immediately, and when completed, you will be able to use your printer to print.

How to connect a printer via WiFi?

Currently they produce printers that can connect to a computer via WiFi. Before buying a printing device, make sure that yours supports WPS technology, which is responsible for the wireless connection.

So, let's figure out how to connect a printer to a computer via WiFi:

Enable the WPS function on your router. There are models with a separate button for this. If you haven’t found one, then activate it manually through your computer. You can find out how to do this in the instructions for your device.
Launch WPS on your printer using the button or on your computer via Start – Control Panel – Network – Wireless Network – WiFi Protected Setup. The connection will happen automatically within two minutes.
After the connection has occurred, a window will pop up asking for a login and password for the printer. You can find this information in the instructions.

How to connect a printer to multiple computers?

This question mainly arises in work offices, where several workers may need a printer at the same time. To find out how to connect a printer to multiple For computers, do the following:

Establish connection between PCs. To do this, you either need a cable, or combine domains into a group and set up a connection via wireless networks. The second option is much more convenient.
Connect the printer via WiFi on one computer.
On the remaining computers, go to the “Devices and Printers” folder, which is located in the Control Panel. Click “install printer”.
Open “Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer”.
Select the name of the desired printer and click. The installation will complete within two minutes.

Today we will look at one of the pressing issues for novice computer users. Although, many experienced PC owners will find the information useful. Let's look at the detailed instructionsvia cord and using WiFi. These recommendations will be useful not only for users of the Windows operating system; there will also be a separate guide for Mac OS X owners.

First, let's figure out how to make connections in the standard, familiar way. The cord for connecting the PC and the printer is included with the latter. Therefore, there is no need to purchase additional elements.

Instructions for Windows

It would seem that the process is purely technical in nature, and there should be no difference between the operating systems. However, in addition to purely mechanical actions, small system settings are required that will differ. Therefore, the connection algorithms will be slightly different.

After this, your printer will be ready for use and you can send documents for printing.

Connection in Mac OS X

This instruction is for those who prefer Apple products. In this case, the algorithm will be slightly different.

Now the setup is complete, you can start printing.

How to connect a printer to a computer via WiFi

Another convenient option for connecting a printer is. Today there are routers in almost every home, so we will consider the instructions for connecting via a wireless network as a separate block. In order for the operation to be successful, prepare instructions from the printing device. In it you need to read which module the printer uses to connect: WiFi or Bluetooth.

Connecting to Windows OS

In order to resolve the issue,it is enough to execute the following algorithm.

After this, you can use the printing device. It is important that the printer is located closer to the router so that there are no interruptions in the signal.

Recommendations for Mac OS X

Now let's figure it outvia a wireless network in Mac OS X. The essence is almost the same as in the previous case. First you need to find out which module the printer is equipped with and whether a PC or Internet cable is required for connection.

Install the printer where the signal from the router is best.
Turn on the output device and computer, wait until it boots completely.
Follow the instructions in your specific model's user manual to connect to your network. Using the printer menu, find the network you want and enter the security key. You need to select the same access point as the PC. If using Bluetooth, press the pairing button.
Then on your PC, open the menu (apple icon in the top left corner) and go to system settings.
Open the "Printers and Scanners" section. Click on “+” and by clicking on the name of your printer, add the device following the system prompts. Often the printer automatically appears in the list of available devices, in which case no action is required from the user.

That's all, the connection is complete, the printer is available for printing.

Following the instructions provided, ask questionsHow to connect a printer to a computerwill not arise again. If you encounter difficulties, write in the comments, we will try to help you. Share the article with your friends and stay with us. We will tell you a lot of useful and interesting things.

If you are interested in connecting the printer via a network cable, then first purchase the appropriate cord, which must be crimped. Try to buy it from a reliable retail outlet, so that after you have connected the MFP to your computer, you will not have any problems transferring data from one device to another. Otherwise, printing may be very slow or may not be reproduced at all. You can also buy a cable and connectors and crimp the cable to the required length yourself.

First stage

Connect one end of the crimped wire into the printer, and the other directly into the computer system unit. After this, press the button on the office equipment that is responsible for printing the device configuration. Thanks to this, you will receive an IP address printed on a piece of paper.
Next, you will need to open the Start menu and go to Control Panel. There, open the section with devices and printers that are connected to the computer.
On the top panel, click on “Add a device”, after which the Printer Installation Wizard window will open in front of you. In it you should select the first item, i.e. “Add a local printer”, next to which it says that this option can only be used if there is no USB printer. Click on “Next”.
Now a window should open in front of you asking you to select a port for the printer. You should check the second point, i.e. "Create a new port." Select this option from the drop-down list: “Standard TCP/IP Port”. Having solved this problem, click “Next”. In the request that appears, you need to enter the IP address, and then click on “Ok”.
Then a window will appear prompting you to install the office equipment driver. Specify where to get it from by clicking on the “Browse” button. If necessary, click on “Windows Update”, which will allow the system to download the appropriate software for the printer connected to your computer. But keep in mind that the Internet connection in this case must be active.
In addition, it is advisable to change the IP from automatic to manual. To do this, you will need to log into the web interface of your printer by first opening any web browser and entering the current IP address of the device there, for example, “http://192.168.1.2/”. Then you should go to the settings (“Printer Settings”) and find the tab with the corresponding item and line. But keep in mind that there is no need to change the IP address itself; the main thing is to change the value “automatic” to “manual”.
Open the properties of your device and go to the access tab. There you should check the box that implies sharing access to this device.

Second phase

Most likely, you will probably need to set up the PC from which you will print. Those. If you previously installed a local printer and created a new port, now in the “Devices and Printers” panel, when adding a device, you need to click on the “Add network, wireless...” item. Those. now you connect the network device.
In the next window, the system will try to search for the necessary equipment on the network, but you don’t have to wait for this procedure to complete and assign it manually.
The OS will ask you how to find a new printer. You just need to click on “Browse” and select from the list of devices included in the configured network (in your case there will be only one device) and select the one that is physically connected to your PC.
Having opened the desired computer, you will see the necessary printing office equipment. If Windows itself can find the appropriate drivers, then no more questions will arise and you will see a message that the process has come to an end.

After making the settings, try connecting. In general, a device connected to a computer via a network cable must be visible to the operating system and at the same time be in a fully operational state.

An MFP or multifunction device can print, scan, and make copies of documents simultaneously. This is possible because this device combines a printer, built-in scanner and fax. Many users encounter various problems associated with setting up and connecting such equipment. The methods for connecting an MFP to a laptop or computer are no different from the methods for connecting conventional printers. If the MFP will be used to work over a network of several computers, then it is worth purchasing network MFPs, because all functions of both the printer and the scanner will be available on all computers. Such devices should have WiFi connectors, this will make setting up a wireless connection easier.

Connecting an MFP via WiFi

Typically, this device is connected via WiFi only through a special access point. Especially when connected to a laptop. You can connect a printer or MFP via Wi-Fi directly to a laptop only using a USB cable.

Before connecting the MFP via WiFi, you first need to set up an access point.
After that, you need to configure WiFi on the device itself and then connect to the access point. Next, drivers for the MFP or printer are installed on the computer and the printer or MFP is connected to the network.
You need to turn on the MFP and enter a number of parameters. After that, you need to select the next item to connect the MFP via a WiFi wireless network and click “YES” in the dialog box.
Next, you need to select “Quick setup”.
When the device detects a suitable network, you will need to enter the encrypted Wi-Fi network code, which is set in the Wifi router settings.
Then you need to check and confirm the entered network code. When the multifunction device is connected to a Wi-Fi access point, the indicator should turn blue.

Connecting the MFP to a computer

When connecting the printer to a computer, you must use specially installed drivers. Before you connect the MFP to your computer, you need to install drivers for the fax and scanner. Otherwise, installing a printer and MFP is similar.

Before installing the device, it must be connected to the electrical network and, accordingly, to the computer. Then the device driver is installed. If the printer or MFP is new, then, according to the instructions, it is necessary to remove the yellow or orange transport tapes; they are clearly visible.
Then you need to turn off the device and connect it to the computer’s USB port using a USB cable. After that, turn on the device.
The computer will detect the MFP or printer, and the operating system at the bottom right will display the message “New hardware found” in a new window, with the specified device name. Then the New Hardware Installation window will open - “Found New Hardware Wizard”, which will further indicate how to install the MFP. Namely, you need to click the “Next” button, naturally after inserting the driver disk into the drive.
After you install all the necessary drivers, you need to open the Start menu. There you need to go to the “Printers and Faxes” tab. This can also be done in the “Control Panel”, where in the “Printers and Faxes” window you will see whether the MFP is installed. If there is a problem, the device will not appear at all.
If the installation was successful, you need to check the print quality. To do this, right-click on the name of the device or printer and call “Properties”, which opens from the drop-down list. Then, in the dialog box, click the “Test Print” button.
It is possible to install the software and MFP driver directly from the disk included with the device. To do this, you need to insert the disk with the driver software into the drive. After the disk autoruns, a menu should open where you need to activate the installation of programs and drivers by clicking on the inscription or the corresponding button.
In addition, device drivers can also be installed from the “Printers and Faxes” section. To do this, double-click on “Install a printer.” After this, the Device Installation Wizard starts and the corresponding dialog box opens. In this window, you must click “Next” and in another dialog box, click “Local printer connected to this computer.” If you want the OS to find the connected device on its own, then you need to check the box next to the item “Automatically detect and install a PnP printer.” After this, the search for the device and installation of its drivers begins. The driver disk is in the drive.
If there are no drivers suitable for the device, then you need to visit the website of the MFP manufacturers and from there download the driver corresponding to your OS or version of Windows. To do this, you need to type the name of the equipment manufacturer in the address bar of your browser, preferably in English, indicate after the dot “ru” and then press “Enter”. Thus, you will be taken to the Russian-language version of the manufacturer’s website. Drivers for download are usually presented in the form of a self-extracting archive that automatically starts the installation. Thanks to this, there will be no difficulties during installation.

Setting up the MFP

Before setting up the MFP, you need to familiarize yourself with the operating parameters.

You need to open the device settings and go to the “Fax Settings” menu, where you need to fill out all the fields. You must specify the number and disable the “Error Correction” option.
Then you need to configure the settings for copying and saving pages.
If the multifunctional device is used in the office, and there is a PBX, then you need to update the device software. This is done on the official website of the manufacturer of this device. After downloading the firmware file, you need to run it by first selecting your device and specifying the file.

Now you know everything about how to connect an MFP to a personal computer, as well as a wireless device using WiFi. This will help you quickly set up work if you move or buy a new device. In this case, you don’t have to wait for a specialist or spend money on calling him.

It often happens that you have a computer and a printer, but no matter how you connect them, they do not want to work in pairs. There are several reasons for this. Let's look at them to know how to connect a printer to a computer.

The simplest case

Let's start with the simplest situation, when you have one computer and one printer. In this case, you connect them to each other via one cable without “intermediaries” in the form of network routers and other things. There is no need to tell you how to connect the printer to your computer via USB. You just need to take the cable that comes from the printer and has a plug at its end for connecting to the USB port of the computer, and plug it directly into the appropriate connector on the computer. Depending on what kind of computer you have and where it is located, the methods for connecting the printer may differ. If you have a large stationary home computer, consisting of separate parts in the form of a system unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse and external acoustics, and you purchased a printer for home use in order to connect it and leave it as is, then it is more logical to connect the printer to a system unit with a rear sides and forget. It doesn’t matter where the system unit itself is located - on the table or under it. If the printer's USB cable allows you to connect it without using additional extension cables, then it is best to connect it directly.

Universal connection

There is no need to wonder how to connect a printer to a computer if you have a different type of computer. Whether it is a monoblock (when the system unit and the monitor are one whole), a laptop or something else, the connection method does not change much. You just need to connect the printer to the USB socket of your computer. Home printers today almost never use other types of ports in their kit. The USB bus is quite convenient and versatile for this - through it you can connect both data storage devices and input/output devices (computer mice, keyboards, printers, scanners, MFPs, etc.). However, there are situations when the computer writes that the printer is not connected.

What to do

In those cases when you connect the printer to your computer for the first time, in order for the operating system to correctly recognize the printer and be able to use all its power, you may need a set of drivers for your printer. Most often it comes with a CD. To install them, you need to insert the storage medium into the computer's CD/DVD drive and run the program. While this program is transferring the necessary data to your computer, you may need to turn the printer on/off so that the operating system can determine its address in the device manager. Once the driver installation is complete, the printer can be used. Today, restarting the computer is usually not required for correct operation.

If there is no disk

It happens that the driver media is not at hand or was not included in the package. Then the question arises of how to connect a printer without a disk. To do this, you will need an active Internet connection on your computer and the exact name of the printer, that is, not only its brand, but also its series. You can usually find this data on its body. Then just run a search in your Internet browser with the name of the printer series and the operating system of your computer. Drivers can usually be found on the website of the manufacturer of your equipment.

If there is a problem

Sometimes the question arises: “Why doesn’t the computer see the printer even after installing the drivers?” There are usually several problems leading to this. The most banal and funny thing is that it can simply be turned off for you. Check to see if the lights are on, if the power plug is plugged in, and if the devices are connected to each other. If all these conditions are met, but the printer for the computer is still not detected, then try disconnecting them from each other, turning off the printer and restarting the computer. Then connect again, if nothing happens, then a technical breakdown is possible. There are two options: either there is a malfunction in the computer - the USB port may be broken; or there is a problem with the printer - the USB cable may be damaged. If in the first option you can connect the device to another PC port, then in the second it is better to contact a repairman so that he can identify and fix the problem. This may require a simple cable replacement, or it may require a good repair. In any case, it is necessary to resolve the issue of why the computer does not see the printer.

Multi-user approach

If you use several computers to access one device (you have more than one in your family at home, or you work in an office), then to do this you need to know how to connect a network printer. In this case, you may need to use a network router, because one USB cable is not enough for everyone. We already know how to connect a printer to a computer via a USB cable. But a network device requires a different sequence and slightly different tools.

Important points

First of all, we will consider the option when the printer is connected to one computer using the same USB cable. Next, we need a configured network (office or home) for free data transfer between several machines. We need to remember that the computer to which our desired printer is directly connected must always be turned on and not be heavily loaded, since other machines on the network will connect to the device through it. If it is heavily loaded, then any request for print access from third-party machines may not make it through the flow of processed data. If it is turned off, the printer will not be visible on the network at all, since the computer in this case will act as a network access. The next step is to add the existing device on the first computer to the “local devices” section by clicking the “add” button. After selecting the appropriate USB port into which you need to plug the cable from the printer, you need to specify the drivers for this model. If they are on disk, you must specify the disk. If they are on the Internet, then you need to download them. Then select a name and name the printer; by this name you will find it on the network. You can then optionally specify comments on the use of the printer by other machines or users and open it publicly on the local network. After these operations, the printer should be detected by all computers on your local network (office or home). It happens that to access this device you may need the user login of the first machine. To resolve this issue on other computers, you need to follow simple procedures. First, you need to enable discovery and file sharing in your network access settings. You may also need to disable password protected logins. Then in the printer control panel, select “install a new device”. Next, select the desired printer that was previously added to the network environment. Allow installation of drivers for it. The system may ask you whether you trust this network device on the network. Click the "install driver" button. Next, the operating system will notify you that the network printer has been successfully connected and will offer to use it as the default. By selecting the option you need and completing the installation, you will add the device you are looking for to access on this computer. On other machines with a similar problem, the same procedure is performed.

Remote access

Sometimes a problem may arise that the printer cannot be placed next to any machine, and it is vital to open access to it. When it comes to the question of how to connect a printer to a computer over a network, a router with a USB port will save you. It is also very important to know whether the router you choose supports connecting a printer of this brand. If everything is fine, then we next need to connect the printer to the router via a USB port (they must be connected in the off state). Then, by logging into the router’s web interface through your local computer on the main tab in the network map, you can find out whether this device was detected and successfully connected to the router. If the printer is supported by the router and everything is done in the correct sequence, then the router should detect the device and connect it itself. Next, we need to open the “printer installation” window on the computer and select “add”. Then select the access type by specifying the port type by IP address. Then you need to enter the router address and disable the printer request for availability and automatic configuration of drivers. You will be redirected to a window asking for additional information about the port; in the devices tab, select Generic Network Card.

Location

Next you will see a window with a choice of drivers: install them from disk or via the Internet. You will then be asked to select a name for the printer. Since you won't be accessing it through this machine from other computers, you don't need to share it on the next page. Then specify its use as the default and complete the printer installation. After all operations, you can select a test print in the properties. Now you know how to connect a network printer.