How to Set Up a New Printer on Windows

New printer in the box? Here's the full setup for Windows 10 and 11, whether you're going Wi-Fi or USB.

Step 1: Unpack the printer

1. Remove ALL tape, plastic, and packing material (often inside the cartridge area too)
2. Install ink or toner that came with the printer
3. Load paper in the tray
4. Plug in power. Turn on
5. If prompted, choose language and country

Step 2: Choose your connection

• USB cable: simplest. Only works for the one PC you plug it into
• Wi-Fi: any PC on your network can print. More setup involved
• Ethernet: for offices, hardwired to router

USB setup (easiest)

1. Connect USB cable to printer and PC
2. Windows detects, installs basic driver
3. For full features, install the manufacturer's software from their website (search "HP DeskJet 4155 driver" for example)
4. Test print: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > your printer > Print test page

Wi-Fi setup (more common)

Method A: Use the manufacturer's mobile app (recommended)

This is much easier than navigating the printer's screen.

1. Download the app:
   • HP: HP Smart
   • Canon: Canon PRINT
   • Epson: Epson Smart Panel
   • Brother: Brother Mobile Connect
2. Make sure your phone is on the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (printer requires it)
3. Open the app, follow prompts to add a printer
4. App detects nearby printer (often via Bluetooth)
5. App sends your Wi-Fi credentials to the printer
6. Wait while printer connects

Method B: WPS (push-button setup)

1. On the printer's screen, navigate to Wireless > Setup > WPS
2. On your router, press the WPS button
3. Within 2 minutes, printer connects automatically

Method C: Manual Wi-Fi setup on printer

1. Use printer's menu to navigate to Wireless settings
2. Choose Wi-Fi Setup Wizard
3. Select your Wi-Fi network from list
4. Enter password (use printer's touchscreen or arrow keys)
5. Wait for connection confirmation

Step 3: Add the printer in Windows

1. Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
2. Tap Add device
3. Windows scans for printers (takes 30-60 seconds)
4. Your printer appears. Click Add device next to it
5. Windows downloads and installs drivers
6. When done, you can set as Default

Step 4: Test it

1. Settings > Printers & scanners > click your printer
2. Click Printer properties
3. Click Print Test Page

If Windows doesn't find the printer

1. Make sure printer is on Wi-Fi (print a network configuration page from printer's menu)
2. Make sure your PC and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network
3. If your router broadcasts 2.4 and 5 GHz separately, the printer might be on 2.4 and your PC on 5. Connect PC to 2.4 to test, or merge the networks
4. Restart printer and router
5. If still not found, click "The printer I want isn't listed" and use the IP address from the network config page

Add by IP address (advanced)

1. Print a network config page from the printer (varies by brand; usually Settings > Reports)
2. Note the IP address (looks like 192.168.1.150)
3. Settings > Printers & scanners > Add device > "The printer I want isn't listed"
4. "Add a printer using IP address or hostname"
5. Enter the IP, click Next
6. Windows finds the printer, installs drivers

Set up as default

Settings > Printers & scanners > your printer > Set as default.

Note: by default, Windows 10 manages your default printer. Settings > Printers & scanners > turn off "Allow Windows to manage my default printer" if you want to lock yours in.

Install full features (recommended)

Windows installs a basic driver but for full features (scanning, ink levels, deeper settings), install the manufacturer's full software:

• HP: hp.com/support
• Canon: canon.com/support
• Epson: epson.com/support
• Brother: brother-usa.com/support