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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Click
Next, and then selectSearch for the best driver for your device. ClickNext.
- Uncheck all options except
Specify a Location. ClickBrowse. Browse to the disk, CD, or directory where your printer drivers are located. ClickOK, and then clickNexttwice.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?
- When all the files are copied, click
Finish.
- 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
- In Windows XP default view, from the
Startmenu, selectPrinters and Faxes, and then double-clickAdd Printer. In Windows XP Classic view, or in Windows 2000, from theStartmenu, selectSettings, thenPrinters, and then double-clickAdd Printer.This will start the Add Printer Wizard. Click
Next. - Select
Local printerorLocal printer attached to this computer. ClickNext.
- Select the
LPTport.
- 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. ClickOpen, thenOK.Sometimes at this point, you will be asked if you print from MS-DOS programs. Most people can safely answer
Nohere, but if you print from any DOS-based programs, answerYes. - 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
Yesto make this the default printer.
- 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. ClickNext.
- Make sure the printer is connected and turned on, and then answer
Yesto print a test page. This will ensure that your printer is working. After the page has printed, clickFinish. Your printer should be ready to use.
Windows NT
- From the
Startmenu, selectSettings, thenPrinters, and then double-clickAdd Printer.
- Select
My Computer, and then clickNext.
- Select the
LPTport.
- 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. ClickOK, thenOKagain.
- 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
Yesto make this the default printer. ClickNext.
- You will be given the option to share this printer on the
network. Unless you specifically want to do this, select
Not Shared. ClickNext.
- Make sure the printer is connected and turned on, and then answer
Yesto print a test page. This will ensure that your printer is working. After the page has printed, clickFinish. Your printer should be ready to use.
Windows 95, 98, and Me
- From the
Startmenu, selectSettings, thenPrinters, and then double-clickAdd Printer. This will start the Add Printer Wizard. ClickNext.
- Select
Local Printer, and then clickNext.
- 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. ClickOK, thenOKagain.
- Select the
LPTport, and then clickNext.Sometimes at this point, you will be asked if you print from MS-DOS programs. Most people can safely answer
Nohere, but if you print from any DOS-based programs, answerYes. - 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
Yesto make this the default printer.
- Make sure the printer is connected and turned on, and then answer
Yesto print a test page. This will ensure that your printer is working. After the page has printed, clickFinish. Your printer should be ready to use.
Also see:
Last modified on June 25, 2008.






