How to Get a New Laptop to Recognize a Printer

By A.J. Andrews

Several users can share the same printer when connected on the same network.
i Jack Hollingsworth/Photodisc/Getty Images

Laptop computers provide small businesses with the functionality and mobility required for an optimal, effective work environment. Printers require a standard installation technique that uses the Universal Serial Bus (USB) cables, connectors and ports available on your new laptop. Most new laptops prepare the device for new hardware installations after the initial full power up.

Power on your laptop computer. Power off your printer.

Connect one end of a USB cable to the printer's USB port and the other end to an open USB port on your laptop.

Power up your printer. If your laptop runs a Windows operating system, it automatically recognizes the printer and begins installation of its driver software after opening the New Hardware Installation Wizard dialog box. If not, or if prompted to insert a driver disc, place the printer’s supplied driver disc in the optical drive tray of your laptop. The New Hardware Installation Wizard dialog box opens.

Follow the steps of the New Hardware Installation Wizard. Finish printer recognition and installation by clicking “Finish” when prompted.

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