How to Connect a Printer to a PC With a USB Cord
Modern printers offer a variety of ways to connect to computers. Network printers can connect a wired or wireless network of computers and print documents from each one, and wireless printers can use standards, such as Bluetooth, to connect to a computer and transmit information. Many printers and all-in-one units will connect using the Universal Serial Bus, or USB, standard, ensuring compatibility with most personal computers. These USB printers connect to a computer using a data cable.
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Instructions
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Manufacturers often include a software disc with their printers. Install the required software on your computer. Typically, this software comes on a CD included with the printer. Insert the CD into the CD drive of your PC and follow the installation instructions that will appear on your screen. If you do not have this CD or your printer did not come with one, search the manufacturer's website for your printer's specific model number to download and install the software.
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Plug one end of the cable into the printer and the other end into a USB port on the computer. Turn on the printer.
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Set up the printer on your computer. A "Found New Hardware Wizard" will appear to walk you through the printer's installation. When prompted, have Windows search for the device software automatically.
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Tips & Warnings
If you need to change settings after your printer has been connected, navigate to "Printers and Faxes" in your Control Panel, right click on your printer and select "Properties" from the menu.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dun cat - printer image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com cd on cd image by Stephen Kirkby from Fotolia.com
