In order to Print Documents from computer to Printer, you need to Add the Printer to your computer by going through the process of Installing or Adding the printer to your computer.
The actual process of adding the Printer to a Windows 10 computer varies, depending on whether you are connecting to a Local or Network Printer.
As the name suggests, Local Printer is directly connected to the computer using a USB Cable, while a Network printer is connected to the computer via Wi-Fi or Ethernet Network.
With this understanding, let us go ahead and take a look at the steps to Add both Local and Wireless Printers to Windows 10 computer.
1. Steps to Add Network or Wireless Printer in Windows 10
If your Printer can connect to the internet using Wi-Fi, you can follow the steps below to add the wireless or network printer to your Windows 10 computer.
1. Plug the wireless printer to power supply source and start the printer by pressing its Power button.
2. Allow the Printer enough time to scan nearby Wi-Fi Networks.
3. Go to the LCD Panel of the Printer and open its Settings Menu.
4. On the Printer’s Settings Menu, find the section for Wireless Settings and select your Wi-Fi Network.
5. When prompted, enter your Wi-Fi Network Password and this will connect the Printer to your Wi-Fi Network.
6. Once the Printer is connected to Wi-Fi, open the Settings menu on your computer and click on the Devices Icon.
7. On the next screen, select Printers and Scanners in the left-pane. In the right-pane, click on Add a Printer or Scanner option.
8. Dismiss Sign-in to Microsoft Account pop-up and wait for your computer to detect the Wireless Printer. When the Printer appears, click on the Printer and then click on Add Device button.
9. On the next screen, enter the WPS PIN for your printer and click on the Next button.
10. Follow the remaining onscreen instructions to complete the setup process.
Note: Printers without LCD panel need to be connected to the computer in order to complete the setup process.
2. Add Local USB Printer in Windows 10
If your Printer is only designed to connect to computer using a USB Cable, you can follow the steps below to connect USB Printer to Windows 10 computer.
1. Plug the Printer to computer using its supplied USB cable.
2. Connect the Printer to Power Supply Source and press the Power button to switch ON the Printer.
3. Wait for the Printer to initialize and establish connection with the computer.
4. Next, open Settings on your computer and click on the Devices Icon.
5. On the next screen, select Printers & Scanners in the left-pane. In the right-pane, click on Add a Printer or Scanner option.
6. Dismiss Sign-in to Microsoft Account pop-up and wait for the computer to scan the connected Printer.
7. Once the printer is listed, select the Printer > click on Add Device button and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation process.
If Windows 10 is unable to detect the printer, click on The printer that I want isn’t listed link.
8. On the next screen, select “My Printer is a little older, Help me find it” option and click Next.
9. On the next screen, select your printer and click on Next to Install the printer driver.
10. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation of Printer.
On the next screens, you will be asked to provide a Name for the printer, select whether you want to share the printer with others and Print a test page (optional).
Note: If the printer does not appear in the list of printers, visit the website of the manufacturer and download the driver.