A wireless printer is very different from a normal printer and offers you some serious advantages. Unlike a wired model, the wireless printer does not need to be installed in a fixed location and can connect to all computers and laptops wirelessly. You can also read this post on how to get printer ink off hands
This is how a wireless printer works
In order to be able to use a wireless printer at all, you need a wireless router. Additional cables or specific accessories are not necessary.
If you have opted for a wireless printer, you will enjoy a very simple and wireless use. Unlike a regular printer, the wireless printer only requires a single cable for power connection and does not need to be connected to every single computer in your home or office.
Modern WLAN printers enable you to set them up very easily and can be configured with your existing WLAN network in just a few minutes.
In order for this process to go as quickly as possible, you should first set up your WLAN network so that a DHCP server is available. All new devices are recognized by your router via this useful service and are automatically given a free address in your network.
The setup and use in detail
- In order for your new WiFi printer to be used for printing, it must first be connected to your existing WiFi network. To perform these simple steps you will need the security code and the name of your network.
- The first thing to do is plug the wireless printer into a power socket and it is best to choose a central location. If you only want to use a single computer with this printer, you can of course set it up directly at your computer station. If several people use your WLAN printer, a central place that everyone can easily reach is of course an advantage.
- Every modern WiFi printer has an easy-to-use touchscreen display. Regardless of the model, the menus you need to breach the wireless printer are definitely in the printer’s settings.
- Look for these settings in the menu and select WLAN from there. Next, use the search function on your wireless printer and select your own network.
- Finally, you only have to confirm the security code (e.g. for WEP encryption) that you have set up on your router on your WLAN printer.
- Your new wireless printer is only connected to your network and can be used with all other connected devices in the future.
Connect the printer with a cable
The printer cable is the connection between the printer and the computer through which data exchange takes place. The cable is therefore also called a data cable. The printer cable is not always included with a new printer and you have to get one separately.
Nowadays, the printer cable is usually a USB cable that easily fits into the USB ports on the PC. Other cables were also used in the past, you can find out more about this in the printer cable guide if you are more interested in the topic. The linked guide also shows how to find the right printer cable if you need a new one. The various USB standards are also taken up, which can possibly cause a connection problem.
The most stable connection between the PC and the printer is with a cable. Cables are usually preferred when:
- the printer is used by one person
- The printer and computer are close together
- the device is used privately at home or in the home office
- at workplaces where only one person needs access to the device
Below we explain how to connect your printer and your computer with a USB cable under the Windows and macOS operating systems.
Connect the printer via USB – Windows
- Make sure the USB cable is long enough to fit loosely between the computer and the device. Make sure that it cannot be run over by an office chair or damaged in any other way.
- Plug one end of the printer cable into the printer and the other end into a matching USB port on your computer.
- Connect the printer to the mains with the power cable.
- Your PC or laptop should be switched on and booted up. Now turn on the printer. Attention: Some printers also have the main power switch, which is usually located on the back of the device. Especially with multifunction devices and laser printers you will find such an on/off main switch in addition to the “normal” on/off button.
- In most cases, the installation of the printer, i.e. the installation of the printer driver, will now start automatically. Follow the instructions on your screen.
The most stable connection between the PC and the printer is with a cable. Cables are usually preferred when:
the printer is used by one person
- The printer and computer are close together
- the device is used privately at home or in the home office
- at workplaces where only one person needs access to the device
Below we explain how to connect your printer and your computer with a USB cable under the Windows and macOS operating systems.
You can also read How can I troubleshoot my website’s SEO problems?
