Install hardware for printer

You can check by following the steps below:. After the check is complete, select Advanced options, then select Optional updates. Select a checkbox next to a driver that's associated with the device you're attempting to install. Most printers require that you install the latest printer driver so that the printer will work well. If you recently upgraded from an earlier version of Windows, your printer driver might work with the previous version but might not work well or at all with Windows Also, if you've experienced power outages, computer viruses, or other problems, your printer driver might be damaged.

If your printer came with a disc, it might contain software that can help you install drivers for your printer or check for driver updates. After you download them, double-click or double-tap the file to begin installing it. After removing your printer, add it back by selecting Add a printer or scanner. Wait for your device to find nearby printers, select the one you want, and then select Add device. On the right, scroll down to Related Settings and select Print server properties. Select the Drivers tab, and see if your printer listed.

On the left, select your printer manufacturer, and on the right, select your printer driver. Select Next , select Finish , and follow the instructions to add your driver. Make sure you download the right drivers for your architecture 32 or 64 bit. Proceed to download the appropriate drivers after selecting your version of Windows. The manufacturer might list two versions of the driver, always choose the latest. Again, the procedures will vary, but as long as you can find the drivers and download section, normally available within Support, you should be able to get to the drivers.

If you are reading this before upgrading, try having the essential drivers in advance. If your driver was not detected or installed by Windows Update, you can try installing the driver manually if you have a compatible version. Windows 10 and previous versions of Windows such as Windows 7 share the same driver model, so it should work. Here I have selected to use an existing driver, browse to where the driver is located on your computer, whether that is a partition, network share, thumbdrvie or install disc.

Make sure the option to Include subfolders is checked. If both Windows Update and driver update prove unsuccessful, the next option is Troubleshoot Compatibility. Troubleshoot Compatibility provides a simple way to make older drivers work under modern versions of Windows by making the driver believe it is being installed on a supported version of Windows. The first thing you need to do is point where the setup files are located. Right click the setup file for the program, this can be designated as setup.

Click Troubleshoot Compatibility. Depending on the problems you are experiencing when attempting to install or use the software, check off the problems. In my case:. Select a version of Windows the program is known to work in. I notice the program works great in Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 , so I will select that option.

Click Next. Proceed to run the through the programs setup routine by clicking Test the program…. If you have a driver such as your video card automatically installing upon completion of installation and checking for Windows Update, try disabling automatic driver installation using the instructions in the following thread:. How to block automatic reinstall of a driver. Go to the hardware developers website, download the appropriate driver for your model then install in compatibility mode using the instructions above.

How to install and Configure a Printer in Windows Was this article helpful? Yes No. Sorry this didn't help. Thanks for your feedback. Was this comment helpful? Visit our Get Started resource page to help you get going. We're here when you need us. Message our social care experts on Twitter , Facebook or visit our community for quick support. QuickBooksHelp Intuit. Important : QuickBooks Desktop Point of Sale must first be installed on your computer to avoid conflicts when you install the hardware and its drivers.

Ensure your Windows Operating System is up-to-date. A computer printer does not work until you install the included drivers and software. If you have lost the CD for your printer, you can download the drivers for your printer and use them to install your printer. A listing of printer manufacturers and links to their associated driver download pages are on our printer drivers page. Although not all printers are the same, this page helps with all printer brands e. This page can also help you whether you have an inkjet printer and laser printer.

Connect the printer to the computer either using a USB cable , parallel port cable , or SCSI cable , and then connect the power plug to a power outlet. Today, most home computer printers are using a USB cable similar to the example picture. If this is a network printer, connect the printer to a wireless network or the RJ connection. A laptop computer works the same way as a desktop and can use any of the above connections if they are available.

Smartphone and tablet users must have a printer that connects to devices wirelessly or over the Internet to print. After connecting the printer to the computer, it can be turned on using the power button on the front of the printer.