The most complete printer installation guide on the internet. Covers every method of installing any printer on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Mac—USB, WiFi, Ethernet, and network printers. Includes troubleshooting when installation fails.

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How to Install a Printer on Windows 11? Complete Setup Guide (Every Brand)

You just bought a brand new printer. It's still in the box. The cables are tangled. There's a setup guide that looks like it was written by someone who never actually used a printer. And somewhere in there, a USB cable, a power cord, and a piece of paper that says "Quick Start" but takes 47 steps.

You plug it in. Nothing happens. You try downloading something from the website. The installer crashes. Now you're 45 minutes deep into a "simple" setup and your printer is just sitting there, judging you.

"How to install a printer" is one of the most-searched printer questions on Google. Every single day, millions of people unbox a brand new printer and have absolutely no idea how to get it working.

And honestly? It shouldn't be this hard.

I've been setting up printers professionally for 13 years.
I've installed over 4,000 printers across Windows, Mac, USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, and network connections.
I know every trick, every shortcut, and every problem that can go wrong during installation.
This guide is the ONLY installation resource you'll ever need.

Whether you have a brand new HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother printer—wired or wireless—this step-by-step guide will get it working in under 10 minutes.

No confusing manuals. No guessing. Just clear, simple steps that actually work.

Before You Start: What You Need (30 Seconds)

Before touching anything, gather these items:

Physical items:

• Your new printer (unboxed)
• Power cable (usually included in box)
• USB cable (included for wired setup, NOT needed for WiFi)
• Your WiFi password (written down—you'll need it for wireless setup)

On your computer:

• Know your operating system: Windows 11, Windows 10, or Mac
• Internet connection working
• Know your computer's password (needed for installations)

Find these on your printer:

• Model number (printed on front/top of printer—example: HP DeskJet 2700)
• Serial number (sticker on back/bottom—10-digit code)

Remove from printer:

• ALL packaging tape (inside AND outside)
• Plastic wrapping around every part
• Protective foam pieces
• Orange/blue protective clips on ink cartridges
• Cardboard pieces holding components in place
• The plastic sheet covering the display screen

Pro tip: Manufacturers tape/clip/wrap EVERYTHING. Spend 2 minutes removing all packaging before starting. Hidden packaging is the #1 reason new printers won't work.

Install Ink Cartridges First (Before Anything Else)

This step happens BEFORE plugging anything in.

For Inkjet Printers:

• Open the ink cartridge access door (usually top or front)

• Cartridge holder should move to center automatically when door opens

• Remove cartridge packaging completely

CRITICAL: Remove ALL protective tape and orange pull-tabs from cartridge

• Hold cartridge with copper/gold contacts facing down

• Align cartridge with correct slot:

• Black cartridge = usually LEFT slot

• Color cartridge = usually RIGHT slot

• Check inside printer for color-coded labels matching cartridges

• Push cartridge firmly into slot until it CLICKS

• Repeat for all cartridges

• Close the access door completely

For Laser Printers:

• Open the front door/panel
• Remove toner cartridge from packaging
• CRITICAL: Pull the orange/yellow seal strip completely out (pull firmly until entire strip removed)
• Shake toner cartridge gently side-to-side (5-6 times) to distribute toner
• Slide cartridge into printer following the arrow guides
• Push in until it clicks and seats fully
• Close the front door completely

If ink/toner isn't installed: Printer won't work at all during setup. Install FIRST.

Method 1: How to Install a USB Printer (Wired Connection)

Best for: Simplest setup, most reliable connection, single computer

Time: 5-8 minutes

Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Position Your Printer

• Place printer on flat, stable surface
• Within 5 feet of your computer
• Near a power outlet
• Make sure USB cable can reach from printer to computer

Step 2: Connect Power Cable

• Plug power cable into back of printer
• Plug other end into wall outlet or power strip
• Make sure power strip is turned ON
• Press power button on printer
• Wait for printer to fully initialize (30-60 seconds)
• All lights should stop blinking and stabilize

Step 3: Connect USB Cable

• Take USB cable from box
• Plug the SQUARE end into the back of the printer (USB-B port)
• Plug the RECTANGULAR end into your computer (USB-A port)
• Make sure both ends click in firmly
• Avoid USB hubs—plug directly into computer

Step 4: Wait for Windows to Detect (Windows 11/10)

• Windows should automatically detect new printer
• You may see notification: "Setting up new device"
• Windows installs basic driver automatically
• Wait 1-2 minutes for installation to complete
• Check if printer appears in Settings → Printers

Step 5: Verify Installation

• Press Windows key + I (Settings)
• Click "Bluetooth & devices" (Windows 11) or "Devices" (Windows 10)
• Click "Printers & scanners"
• Your new printer should appear in the list
• If it appears → Installation successful!

Step 6: Print Test Page

• Click on your printer in the list
• Click "Printer properties" or "More options"
• Click "Print test page"
• Check that test page prints correctly
• If test page prints → You're done!

If Windows doesn't detect printer automatically:

Skip to "Installing Printer Driver Manually" section below

Method 2: How to Install a WiFi Wireless Printer
Best for: Printing from multiple devices, no cables, modern setup
Time: 8-12 minutes
You will need: Your WiFi network name and password
Option A: Using the Printer's Wireless Setup Wizard (Recommended)
Step 1: Power On Printer

Plug in power cable
Press power button
Wait for full initialization
Display should light up and show home screen

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Method 2: How to Install a WiFi Wireless Printer

Best for: Printing from multiple devices, no cables, modern setup

Time: 8-12 minutes

You will need: Your WiFi network name and password

Option A: Using the Printer's Wireless Setup Wizard (Recommended)

Step 1: Power On Printer

• Plug in power cable
• Press power button
• Wait for full initialization
• Display should light up and show home screen

Step 2: Access WiFi Setup on Printer

HP Printers:

• Touchscreen: Tap WiFi icon → Wireless Setup Wizard
• Button printer: Press and hold WiFi button for 3 seconds

Canon Printers:

• Press WiFi button on printer
• Select "Wireless LAN Setup" → "Easy Setup"

Epson Printers:

• Press Home button → WiFi Setup icon → WiFi Setup Wizard

Brother Printers:

• Press Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard → Yes

Step 3: Select Your WiFi Network

• Printer displays list of nearby WiFi networks

• Find YOUR network name (the one your computer uses)

• IMPORTANT: Select the 2.4GHz version (NOT 5GHz)

• If two networks with same name exist, pick the one WITHOUT "5G" in the name

• Tap/select your network

Step 4: Enter WiFi Password

• Printer asks for WiFi password
• Use on-screen keyboard or arrow keys to type password
• Password is CASE SENSITIVE—capitals matter
• Double-check before confirming
• Press Enter/OK/Connect

Step 5: Wait for Connection

• Printer connects to WiFi (10-30 seconds)
• WiFi light should turn solid (not blinking)
• Display should confirm "Connected" or show WiFi bars
• If failed → Check password and try again

Step 6: Install Printer on Your Computer

Windows 11:

• Press Windows key + I → Settings
• Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
• Click "Add a printer or scanner"
• Wait for Windows to search
• Your new printer should appear in results
• Click on printer name → "Add device"
• Follow prompts to complete installation

Windows 10:

• Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners
• Click "Add a printer or scanner"
• Click on your printer when it appears
• Click "Add device"
• Follow installation prompts

If printer doesn't appear automatically:

• Click "The printer that I want isn't listed"
• Select "Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname"
• Find printer's IP address (print network config page from printer)
• Enter IP address and follow prompts

Step 7: Print Test Page

• Click your printer in the list
• Printer properties → Print test page
• Confirm test page prints correctly
• Setup complete!

Option B: Using WPS Button (Fastest Method—30 Seconds)

Requirements: Router must have WPS button (usually on back)

• Press WPS button on your router
• Within 2 minutes, press WiFi button on printer for 3 seconds
• Wait 30 seconds
• Printer connects automatically—no password needed
• Install on computer using Step 6 above

Option C: Using Manufacturer's App (Easiest for Beginners)

• HP: Download "HP Smart" app

• Canon: Download "Canon PRINT" app

• Epson: Download "Epson iPrint" app

• Brother: Download "Brother iPrint&Scan" app

• Download app on your phone or computer

• Open app → "Add Printer" or "Setup New Printer"

• App automatically finds your printer

• Follow app instructions to connect to WiFi

• App handles everything automatically

• Test print from app to verify

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Method 4: Installing Printer Driver Manually (When Auto-Install Fails)

When to use: Windows didn't automatically install printer, or printer isn't working after connection

Time: 5-10 minutes

Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Find Your Printer's Model Number

Look on front or top of printer

Example: HP DeskJet 2755, Canon PIXMA MG3620, Epson WorkForce WF-3620

Step 2: Download Driver from Manufacturer Website

HP:

• Go to support.hp.com
• Enter your printer model number
• Click "Software & Drivers"
• Select your operating system (Windows 11 64-bit, etc.)
• Download the FULL driver package (not just basic driver)

Canon:

• Go to usa.canon.com/support
• Search your printer model
• Click "Drivers"
• Select OS version
• Download driver

Epson:

• Go to epson.com/support
• Search model number
• Click "Drivers & Downloads"
• Download full driver/utility package

Brother:

• Go to support.brother.com
• Enter model number
• Click "Downloads"
• Select OS and download driver

Step 3: Run the Downloaded Installer

• Find downloaded file (usually in Downloads folder)
• Double-click to run installer
• Accept terms and conditions
• Choose "Express Install" or "Recommended"
• Connect printer when installer asks (if not already connected)
• Follow all on-screen prompts
• Click Install/Next at each step
• Wait for installation to complete (2-5 minutes)
• Restart computer when prompted

Step 4: Verify Installation

• After restart, check Printers & scanners
• Your printer should appear
• Print test page
• Installation complete!

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How to Install Printer on Mac

Mac installation is usually simpler than Windows.

Method A: USB Connection (Mac)

• Connect USB cable from printer to Mac
• Power on printer
• Mac automatically detects and installs printer
• Check: System Settings → Printers & Scanners
• Printer should appear automatically
• Print test page to verify

Method B: WiFi Connection (Mac)

• Connect printer to WiFi using printer's setup wizard (see Method 2 above)
• On Mac: System Settings → Printers & Scanners
• Click "+" button to add printer
• Your printer should appear in the list
• Select printer and click "Add"
• Mac downloads and installs driver automatically
• Print test page

Method C: If Printer Doesn't Appear on Mac

• Download driver from manufacturer website
• Run installer on Mac
• Follow on-screen instructions
• Restart Mac
• Check Printers & Scanners again

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Brand-Specific Installation Tips

Installing HP Printer

Fastest method: HP Smart App

• Download HP Smart from Microsoft Store or hp.com
• Open app → Add Printer
• App guides entire setup process automatically
• Works for both USB and WiFi

HP-specific tips:

• HP printers usually auto-install on Windows with basic driver
• For FULL features (scanning, fax), install complete driver from hp.com
• If HP Smart app won't install printer, try manual WiFi setup on printer first
• HP printers need WiFi connected BEFORE adding to computer

Installing Canon Printer

Fastest method: Canon PRINT app or setup CD (if included)

• Download Canon PRINT from app store
• Follow app setup instructions
• Connect to WiFi through app

Canon-specific tips:

• Canon often includes setup CD in box—use it if available
• Canon WiFi setup requires pressing WiFi button on printer first
• For scanning features, install Canon IJ Scan Utility separately
• Canon printers are picky about WiFi password—double-check capitals

Installing Epson Printer

Fastest method: Epson iPrint app

• Download Epson iPrint
• Open → Add Printer → Follow steps
• App handles WiFi and driver installation

Epson-specific tips:

• Epson usually includes setup CD—use it for complete installation
• Epson Connect setup required for cloud printing features
• Download Epson Event Manager for scan-to-computer
• WiFi setup on Epson requires navigating menu with arrow buttons

Installing Brother Printer

Fastest method: Brother iPrint&Scan app

• Download Brother iPrint&Scan
• Follow app setup wizard
• App connects printer to WiFi and installs drivers

Brother-specific tips:

• Brother WiFi setup uses arrow keys (not touchscreen on most models)
• Brother laser printers need toner seal removed before setup
• Install Brother ControlCenter for full scan/fax features
• Brother requires WiFi connected on printer BEFORE computer setup

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Troubleshooting: When Installation Fails

Problem 1: "Printer Not Found" During Setup

Why it happens: Printer not connected, not powered on, or on different network

Fix:

• Verify printer is powered on (lights visible)
• Check cable connections are secure
• For WiFi: Verify printer connected to YOUR network
• Restart printer, computer, and router
• Try adding printer manually using IP address

Problem 2: Driver Installation Fails or Crashes

Why it happens: Corrupted download, incompatible driver, or conflicting software

Fix:

• Re-download driver from manufacturer website
• Make sure you selected correct OS version (32-bit vs 64-bit matters)
• Temporarily disable antivirus during installation
• Close all other programs before running installer
• Run installer as Administrator (right-click → Run as Administrator)
• If still failing, try basic Windows driver instead of manufacturer driver

Problem 3: Printer Installs But Won't Print

Why it happens: Wrong driver installed, incomplete installation, or connection issue

Fix:

• Uninstall and reinstall driver completely
• Verify printer is set as default printer
• Check "Use Printer Offline" is unchecked
• Clear print spooler (Services → Print Spooler → Restart)
• Try printing test page from printer properties

Problem 4: Installation Works on One Computer But Not Another

Why it happens: Different OS version, missing driver, or network issue

Fix:

• Install driver on second computer from manufacturer website
• Make sure both computers are on same WiFi network
• Check printer is shared (if using shared printer setup)
• Verify second computer has same OS version driver installed

Problem 5: Printer Shows "Offline" After Installation

Why it happens: See our complete guide on fixing printer offline issues

Quick fix:

• Settings → Printers → Open print queue
• Printer menu → Uncheck "Use Printer Offline"
• Restart printer and computer

Problem 6: Scanner Won't Install or Work

Why it happens: Basic driver installed instead of full driver package

Fix:

• Uninstall current printer software completely
• Download FULL driver/utility package from manufacturer
• Not just "printer driver"—install the complete package
• Reinstall following all prompts
• Scanner features require full installation

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Setting Your New Printer as Default

After installation, make your new printer the default:

Windows 11:

• Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners
• Click your new printer
• Click "Set as default"
• Turn OFF "Let Windows manage my default printer"

Windows 10:

• Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners
• Click printer → "Manage"
• Click "Set as default"

Mac:

• System Settings → Printers & Scanners
• Select your printer
• Set as default in dropdown menu

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Quick Setup Checklist (Print This Out)

Before starting:

• Remove ALL packaging from printer
• Install ink/toner cartridges
• Remove protective tape from cartridges
• Know your WiFi password
• Know your printer model number

USB Setup:

• Connect power cable
• Power on printer
• Connect USB cable
• Wait for Windows to detect
• Print test page

WiFi Setup:

• Connect power cable and power on
• Run WiFi setup on printer
• Select 2.4GHz network
• Enter WiFi password
• Add printer on computer
• Print test page

After Setup:

• Set as default printer
• Print test page successfully
• Test scanning (if applicable)
• Bookmark this page for future reference