How Do I Add a Printer to My Computer?

By Ryan Casima

A wireless printer allows printing from a computer in a different room.
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Printers are useful tools; they allow you to print documents, including Web pages, from your computer. Printers are usually included when you purchase a complete computer system. The Windows operating system installed on most computers includes a printer setup wizard that guides you through the installation process.

Step 1

Plug one end of a USB printer cable into the back of the printer. Insert the other end into your computer. Make sure the printer and the computer are turned on.

Step 2

Click the Windows "Start" menu in the bottom-left corner of the desktop. Click "Control Panel."

Step 3

Click "Devices and Printers." Click "Add a Printer." The "Add Printer Wizard" will now open. Click "Next" on the first page.

Step 4

Choose "Local printer attached to this computer" in the next screen if the printer is connected directly to your computer. Otherwise, if your printer is already connected to a network, such as a home or office network, select "A network printer or a printer attached to another computer." Click "Next."

Step 5

Click the printer you want to use in the next screen. If you are using a regular printer, you will only see one printer. You might see more than one printer if connected to a network. Click "Next."

Step 6

Click "Finish" to save the changes. You can now use the printer to print documents from your computer.

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