Connecting a printer is a fairly simple procedure, not deprived, however, certain nuances. In this article, we will try to give the most complete overview of the process of properly configuring the printer when synchronizing with a laptop. The same tips are quite applicable in the case of desktop computers - there are no significant differences in the rules of configuration.
connection process
The process of installing and configuring the printer can be divided into several stages:
- device connection;
- installation and configuration of drivers;
- print reservation.
Initially, it is better to perform the procedure of connecting the printer to the laptop with the power off of both devices. You need to choose the right place, where the printer will be located. Better, if it will be space, which does not require permanent release after the end of the paperback procedure. a printer, usually, quite a massive device, and to move it from place to place is inconvenient and fraught with consequences, associated with accidental damage to the device.
Most printers are connected via USB ports, so make sure your laptop has free ports in advance, in order to, again, there was no need to constantly pull out the wires of other application equipment in those cases, when you need to print something.
The problem of lack of free connectors these days is easily solved by purchasing a USB hub.
With the correct connection of wires and equipment, the message New network appears on the screen, accompanied by a characteristic sound signal. If this does not happen, then, in the first place, once again carefully inspect all wires for integrity and tightness of the plugs to the connectors. In parallel, you can do the following: call the "Devices and Printers" window via the "Start" menu. The printer icon should be visible in the window.
driver installation
The greatest difficulty, usually, represents the procedure for properly installing and configuring drivers. If the printer was purchased recently, then in the factory box you can probably find the installation disk with the necessary information and a list of necessary programs for proper operation. Using the installation disc for the initial connection is the simplest procedure, which is also the fastest setup option. But what to do in that case, if you are unlucky, and the disk in the box was not found? Or maybe, there is no box itself, because the printer was bought a long time ago or was given away unnecessarily by someone you know.
To "get" the necessary drivers for a printer without a disk, you will need 10-15 minutes of time, a small amount of intelligence and focus on the result. There are two ways to search:
- via Windows;
- through software downloads on manufacturers' websites.
Using Windows
This option, usually, is relevant for the simplest models, the functionality of which provides basic procedures for standard printing and scanning (if we are talking about BFP), without the possibility of applying advanced settings. Windows Update includes drivers for the most popular models in their simplest version and can search for the necessary programs when connecting the printer.
If this does not happen within a few minutes after joining, it is recommended to follow this path:
- open Control Panel;
- select the menu item "Equipment and sound";
- to Find Devices and Printers;
- In the window that appears on the screen, right-click the image and click "Windows Update";
- in the window click the line "Check for updates" and during 15-35 minutes to complete the search for all available updates, as well as their downloads;
- restart the computer and verify that the printer is working properly.
The settings for the correct automatic installation of drivers using Windows are as follows.
- In the "Devices and Printers" menu, select "Computer" with the right mouse button.
- In the window, click on "Device Installation Options".
- In the next window, select the menu item "Yes (recommended)»And confirm the selection with the" Save "button.
From this moment, in the presence of a stable Internet, all necessary driver updates and other software updates will be downloaded and installed on your computer without your direct participation.
Using the resources of manufacturers
This method involves self-installation of drivers from the sites of equipment manufacturers, that connects. Access the official websites of well-known brands via computer, such as Canon or HP, completely safe in terms of the possibility of obtaining malicious software.
To find the right driver, it is enough to know the model of the available printer. Exact specifications can be found in the attached documentation, or on the case. After, as the model name is detected, you can start searching through a browser. Usually, when specifying the exact name in the search bar of any browser, the list includes options for different sites, offering programs, on the first position will be the manufacturer's website. Usually, but not always. So, to eliminate potential threats to your computer, pay close attention to that site, where you hit when you click on the link. The manufacturer's website is difficult to confuse with any other: Firstly, its name, usually, speak for myself, secondly, such a site is usually clearly structured and free of any unnecessary information, not directly related to the maintenance of branded equipment.
Drivers should be downloaded only from official sites, because it is safe, and you are guaranteed to get the latest software.
Example, you need drivers for the HP printer.
- We go to the site http://www8.hp.com.
- Through the menu "Support" find the item "Drivers and programs".
- Enter the product name or serial number in the search bar.
- We find a list of software offered in our case.
- We choose the necessary (perhaps, you will need information about the version of your OS, be prepared for that).
- We are waiting for the download of the package and, by running the file, install the driver, following the wizard's tips.
Connect the printer to the laptop via wi-fi
With the advent of wi-fi in everyday life, there is no need to use countless wires, connecting gadgets. The use of a router when connecting the printer to a laptop allows you to use a mobile computer anywhere in the apartment without the need to connect it with wires to the printing machine in that case, when you need to print text or pictures on paper.
WPS connection
The simplest option for synchronization, a necessary condition of which is the presence of the very possibility of "Wi-Fi Protected Setup" in the functionality of both devices. Find the WPS icon on the bottom of the router, in the immediate vicinity of which you can find the PIN code, required when setting up. The next step is to configure the router through the system menu.
- To do this, go to the web interface through any browser, typing the path in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 depending on the device model, and find the Device PIN string, where to enter the PIN code, mentioned a little above.
- We make sure there is protection like WPA / WPA2 and disable MAC filtering.
- If there is a button on the printer, activating WPS, click it and wait for the wi-fi system search process to complete.
- Through "Printers and Faxes" we find the device we need and open the context menu, where we put a check mark in front of the line "Use by default".
Using the connection setup wizard
The connection wizard is built into the printer's operating system and allows you to quickly and easily connect via wifi. Prerequisite will be support for WPA or WEP protocols. To configure it, you will need information about the SSID of the network and the password to access it.
Via the printer control panel, go to the "Settings" menu item and select "Network". After that, the wizard without your participation will start working on finding all available wi-fi networks in the immediate vicinity, and a complete list of them will appear on the screen. If in the offered list the necessary network did not appear, try to find it by manually entering the name. If the network is found, it remains only for security purposes to change the password to access it. Everything, you can start using the device in run mode.
Network printer settings
Set up laptop access to the printer, which is already connected to another computer, allows the network printer configuration function. When selecting driver properties, you need to enable network access, and from the laptop to print through the connection to the equipment via the network.
The wizard starts through the Computer Control Panel. In the window, you need to add a printer via the "Add network" context menu item, in a few minutes or seconds, depending on the speed of the OS, the necessary equipment will be found. Then go to the printer settings due to the shortcut that appeared and enter the IP address of the device (it can be found in the instructions). After the manipulations, the laptop needs to be rebooted, and, if done correctly, the printer will start working.
Print settings
By setting up the printer to access the laptop via a regular wired connection or using a wi-fi access point, you have the opportunity to use it. Directly print the document itself, pictures or photos can be taken in different ways, depending on, which information processing program you use.
The simplest way to print a file is to use the Ctrl and P key combination. This method can be used to print "Word" documents, and for printing pictures. This way you can print only one copy of the file and in its original format.
The most commonly used MS Office editors offer users a wide range of printing options. The settings include the ability to select the number of copies required, page orientation, which allows you to conveniently place the text in the desired format, other useful features. You can change the size of the document margins, and set the toner save mode. Having set all the necessary parameters, through the "Preview" can be seen, how the file will be presented in the final version, make adjustments if necessary and print the final copy.
Connecting a printer to a laptop is quite a feasible task, which can handle even a novice user. If you take into account all the nuances, described above, and read the instructions in a timely manner, that comes with the printer, many problems can be avoided, associated with incorrect settings. Modern technology is provided with the maximum of possibilities, that facilitate synchronization processes, but even if you use outdated models, Remember, there are no unsolvable problems!