Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

This article shows you how to install a printer on your computer when there is no software installation disc for the printer. Usually you can do this using the USB cable that came with the printer, but you will need to download the software directly from the printer manufacturer's website if the printer is older.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Use a USB cable on Windows

1. 

   of the printer to turn on the printer. Remember to wait about a minute after this action before continuing.
   • If connecting the printer to your computer did not start the installation, follow these additional steps.

   In many cases, turning on the printer after it connects to the computer starts the installation process. If so, follow the on-screen instructions until the printer is installed.

   
   

2. 

   . Click the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen. The Start menu will display.

3. 

   of the printer to turn on the printer.

4. 

   
   
   Click Install (Install) when asked. Your Mac automatically searches for the printer and determines if an update is needed; If you have the printer installed on your Mac, you will receive an update request.

5. 

   
   
   Follow the instructions on the screen. You'll need to go through the printer setup process to install the latest software and drivers on your Mac. When the installation is complete, you can use the printer. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Download the software

1. 

   Refer to the printer's instruction manual. The user manual will contain detailed instructions on how to set up the printer without the software. In this case, simply follow the instructions to find and download the printer's software.

2. 

   Visit the printer manufacturer's website. For example, you will go to http://www.hp.com/ if you have an HP printer. The following are popular printer manufacturer websites:
   • Canon - https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support
   • Epson - https://epson.com/
   • Brother - http://www.brother-usa.com/printer/

3. 

   Click the card Printers (Printer). Each manufacturer's website will have a different interface; you will probably find this option in the menu section at the top of the page.

   If you see the search bar at the top of the web page, enter your printer's model number there and skip to the next step.

4. 

   Search for your printer type. You can drag the scroll bar to see the printer models listed on the web page, or enter the printer's model number in the search bar if possible.

5. 

   Find the "Software" download link. You will have to re-enter your printer's model number in the search bar to find the right software here.
   • Some websites place links Download Software (Download software) with very small font size at the bottom of the page.

6. 

   Click the download link to download the printer software. This is the operation of downloading the software to your computer.

7. 

   Wait for the printer's software download to finish. This can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
   • Please select a folder to save the file first if you are asked.

8. 

   Extract the folder containing the software if you use Windows. You just need to double-click the folder, double-click the installation file, choose OK when prompted, select a folder and click Extract Here ... (Extract here…) to unzip the folder.
   • Mac users just need to double click to open the folder.
   • Skip this step if the software was downloaded as an unzipped installation file.

9. 

   Double-click the software installation file. On a Windows computer, you will first have to open the newly extracted folder and double-click the EXE file in it. Mac users simply need to double-click on the setup file (usually a DMG file) to open it.
   • If your Mac is running MacOS Sierra, you'll need to verify your software before proceeding.

10. 

    
    
    Follow the instructions on the screen. What you see after double clicking on the software installation file differs depending on the operating system and printer in use; so, just follow the on-screen instructions until the installation is complete.

11. 

    
    
    Connect with printer. If your printer has a USB cable, try connecting the printer to the computer to see if the computer recognizes the printer. If the printer has only Wi-Fi connection, make sure the printer and computer both have network connection. Now you can use the printer. advertisement

Advice

• Manufacturers are often happy to send the driver installation disc to your home for a fee. Check out their support page for details.
• You can also find the printer's software on a third-party website if the printer is too old and is no longer supported by the manufacturer. However, you should exercise caution when downloading software from third-party websites.

Warning

• DO NOT download and install software from untrusted sites. This can cause your computer to become infected with malicious code.