In Windows, how do I install my printer?

Most new printers, especially USB printers, come with installer programs. If you have neither installation instructions nor an installation program, you can use one of the following procedures to install most printers:

USB printers (Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP only)

1. Make sure that the USB cable is unplugged from your computer and your printer. USB devices work differently from older devices and usually need to have the drivers installed before you connect the device.
   
   
2. If you have an installation disk, insert it into the drive. If there is an installer provided, it should run or be executed here. Follow its instructions, and it should take care of installing your printer in a few moments.
   
   
3. If you don't have an installation program, plug the USB cable into your computer and your printer. This should trigger the Add New Hardware Wizard.
   
   
4. Click Next, and then select Search for the best driver for your device. Click Next.
   
   
5. Uncheck all options except Specify a Location. Click Browse. Browse to the disk, CD, or directory where your printer drivers are located. Click OK, and then click Next twice.

   Note: You can download some drivers from the web. Consult the web site of your printer's manufacturer, or see Where can I find driver updates for my Windows computer?

6. When all the files are copied, click Finish.
   
   
7. Turn on your printer. Windows should detect the printer's presence and finish the installation. If the option to print a test page is offered, do so. This will confirm the installation. Click Finish.

Parallel port printers

Windows 2000 and XP

1. In Windows XP default view, from the Start menu, select Printers and Faxes, and then double-click Add Printer. In Windows XP Classic view, or in Windows 2000, from the Start menu, select Settings, then Printers, and then double-click Add Printer.

   This will start the Add Printer Wizard. Click Next.

2. Select Local printer or Local printer attached to this computer. Click Next.
   
   
3. Select the LPT port.
   
   
4. Select the manufacturer and model for the printer you are installing. If you would rather use the driver disk that came with the printer, insert that disk and click Have Disk, and then browse to the driver disk and the proper folder. Click Open, then OK.

   Sometimes at this point, you will be asked if you print from MS-DOS programs. Most people can safely answer No here, but if you print from any DOS-based programs, answer Yes.

5. Windows will offer a name for the printer that you may change if you like. If this is your only printer, or you wish to use this printer most of the time, select Yes to make this the default printer.
   
   
6. You will be given the option to share this printer on the network. Unless you specifically want to do this, select Do not share this printer. Click Next.
   
   
7. Make sure the printer is connected and turned on, and then answer Yes to print a test page. This will ensure that your printer is working. After the page has printed, click Finish. Your printer should be ready to use.

Windows NT

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, then Printers, and then double-click Add Printer.
   
   
2. Select My Computer, and then click Next.
   
   
3. Select the LPT port.
   
   
4. Select the manufacturer and model for your printer. If you would rather use the driver disk that came with the printer, insert that disk and click Have Disk, and then browse to the driver disk and the proper folder. Click OK, then OK again.
   
   
5. Windows will offer a name for the printer that you may change if you like. If this is your only printer, or you wish to use this printer most of the time, select Yes to make this the default printer. Click Next.
   
   
6. You will be given the option to share this printer on the network. Unless you specifically want to do this, select Not Shared. Click Next.
   
   
7. Make sure the printer is connected and turned on, and then answer Yes to print a test page. This will ensure that your printer is working. After the page has printed, click Finish. Your printer should be ready to use.

Windows 95, 98, and Me

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, then Printers, and then double-click Add Printer. This will start the Add Printer Wizard. Click Next.
   
   
2. Select Local Printer, and then click Next.
   
   
3. Select the manufacturer and model for your printer. If you would rather use the driver disk that came with the printer, insert that disk and click Have Disk, and then browse to the driver disk and the proper folder. Click OK, then OK again.
   
   
4. Select the LPT port, and then click Next.

   Sometimes at this point, you will be asked if you print from MS-DOS programs. Most people can safely answer No here, but if you print from any DOS-based programs, answer Yes.

5. Windows will offer a name for the printer that you may change if you like. If this is your only printer, or you wish to use this printer most of the time, select Yes to make this the default printer.
   
   
6. Make sure the printer is connected and turned on, and then answer Yes to print a test page. This will ensure that your printer is working. After the page has printed, click Finish. Your printer should be ready to use.

Also see:

• Printer troubleshooting guide
• Where can I find driver updates for my Windows computer?