How to Install a Printer on a Laptop Without a Disc Drive

Many printer drivers are bundled with your operating system allowing you to simply plug in the printer and have it install automatically. If the driver isn't present, you may be able to get it by downloading an update for your computer. You can use the Windows Update utility on your computer to download and install new updates. Once the updates are complete connect your computer to the printer again to see if it installs.

If you don't get the drivers automatically through Windows Update you can browse to the website of the printer manufacturer and download them. You will need to enter the model of your printer to search for the correct drivers. Once you've downloaded the driver file run it on your computer and follow the instructions on the screen. Typically you should not have the printer connected when you install the printer drivers, but comply with the instructions from the printer manufacturer for best results.

If you can't connect your computer to the Internet, you can download the printer drivers to a computer that is online and then save the file to a USB drive. Connect the drive to the computer where you want to install the printer and run the installation file. Be sure that you download the correct driver files for the computer where you will install the printer, and not the computer from where you are downloading the file.

You can use Windows sharing to allow your computer without a drive to use the drive of another computer on the network. On the computer with the drive, open the Computer window, right-click on the drive you want to share and click on "Sharing." From there you can define which computers on the network have access to the drive. When you've set up the Sharing feature, put the installation disc for the printer into the drive on the computer with the shared drive and access the disc from the computer where you want to install the printer.