How to Configure a Printer in Windows

setting up and configuring a printer in Windows 7 or Vista is straightforward. Follow the instructions that came with your printer's software on an installation CD, or download that information from the printer manufacturer's Website. If you can't find the information there, follow this guide to set up a printer manually on your PC. We show the steps to add a local and network printer in Windows 7. The process is very similar in Windows Vista.

Step by Step: Configuring a Printer in Windows 7

Step 1 Click Start, Devices and Printers.
Step 2 In the window that pops up, click the Add a Printer button on the toolbar near the top.

Step 3 In the next window, select how you will connect to your printer. If you are trying to connect your printer directly to your PC with a cord, click Add a local printer. If you are trying to connect your printer wirelessly (over a network or over Bluetooth) or you wish to connect to a printer wired to your network, click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.

For Local Printers

Step 4 Be sure that Use an existing port is selected, and click Next.

Step 5 Choose your printer manufacturer from the left list, followed by the model in the right list, and then click Next. You may need to click the Windows Update button to have Windows search an expanded list. Or, if you have the disk that was packaged with your printer, click Have Disk...

Step 6 Windows will lead you through some additional steps to complete the installation.

For Network and Wireless Printers

Step 4 Windows will attempt to locate your printer.
Step 5 Select your printer from the list and click Next. Follow the additional prompts to complete the installation.
Step 6 If your printer is not set as the default printer and you want it to be, click Start, Devices and Printers. Right-click the printer you wish to make the default, and select Set as default printer from the context menu. You can also delete the printer by clicking Remove device from this context menu.