How to Connect an Inkjet Printer to a Laptop

Connecting an inkjet printer to a laptop is relatively easy and there are many ways to do it. Follow these steps to connect an inkjet printer to a laptop using a cable (USB, serial or parallel cables) or a wireless network.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Inkjet printer
• Cable to connect the printer to the laptop
• Laptop

1. Plug one end of the USB cable into the laptop and the other end into the printer. Follow the onscreen instructions.

2. If you are using a serial or parallel cable, you may have to use screws to secure the connection. Also, these cables sometimes necessitate the installation of additional software before the printer will function correctly.

3. Connecting through a wireless network is a little more involved. You have to configure the laptop as well as the printer.

4. First, connect the printer to the laptop with a cable so that they can communicate. Then go to “Network Neighborhood” on your computer. Then go to “Properties” and choose to share the printer.

5. Go to the Control Panel and “Add a Printer.” This will bring up onscreen instructions for you to follow. When you see the option to select a “Network Printer,” select it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you’re connecting using a USB cable, opt for the second generation: USB 2.0. It is much faster than the first generation.
• Longer cables are slower and more prone to errors. If possible, connect wirelessly.
• Double-check that you chose a cable that it is compatible with both your laptop and the inkjet printer.
• Long cables can become unwieldy and tangled. Buy a cable that is just long enough to travel from your computer to the inkjet printer.