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
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1
Plug one end of the USB cable into the laptop and the other end into the printer. Follow the onscreen instructions.
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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.
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3
Connecting through a wireless network is a little more involved. You have to configure the laptop as well as the printer.
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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.
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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.
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1
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.
