How to connect computer to printer wireless
In most cases, setting up a wired printer is simple. Select the appropriate cable, then insert one end into the printer and the other into a network or computer. On the other hand, setting up a wireless printer setup is, well, not necessarily that simple. It’s still more difficult than just plugging in a cable, even under ideal circumstances.
A few years ago, most people thought of wireless printers as 802.11-compatible devices, but these days, Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth devices are also something to take into account. The steps for each of the three techniques differ based on the specific printer model you own, which further complicates matters. Naturally, this means that it is difficult to cover every variety that exists.
The good news is that your contemporary desktop and mobile operating system automates a large portion of these processes. Your OS will often just guide you through the procedure. However, the process for setting up a wireless connection to a printer varies depending on the method you choose, the kind of printer you have, and the kind of router you have.
Check Settings
Most of this process is automatic, unless your network employs some other protocol (like static IP addresses) in addition to DHCP. Typically, printers locate your router, connect to it using the credentials you supply, and then connect to your computer. (Note that we advise getting in touch with your system administrator and/or setting up a static IP address if your network is not using DHCP.)
It’s important to be aware of any other settings you may have adjusted outside of the default options. For Printer Technical Support you would need to manually assign an IP address to the printer if you disabled DHCP, which assigns IP addresses automatically. Likewise, you must include the printer’s MAC address in the list prior to installation if you have configured the access point to only connect to devices that have certain MAC addresses.
Infrastructure, ad hoc, and Wi-Fi Direct are the three main Wi-Fi modes that every Wi-Fi device, including a printer, can support. An infrastructure mode Wi-Fi access point is needed; these are typically included into routers. The access point serves as a conduit for connections between all of the Wi-Fi devices on your network. Every Wi-Fi device connected to your network, including access points, should be configured in infrastructure mode by default. Almost all Wi-Fi printers are compatible with this setting.
Connect printer via access point
Most often, it is not necessary to install drivers on your computer. The operating systems in use today are able to select and connect to new printers on the network.
Steps to follow:
Windows 10: Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners> Add a printer or scanner
Windows 11: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners> Add device
Windows will look for a new printer on your network. Double-click the printer in the list to carry out the installation if it can be located. Modern installation options, like an onboard wizard, manual setup that requires only the network SSID and password, or Wi-Fi Easy Connect, which uses a QR Code that you can scan with your phone to complete the setup process, should be included with your relatively new printer.
Some printers might require you to locate and select particular menu options. These days, it’s less common; the driver installation program you get from the manufacturer’s support website will handle inputting the data into the printer; occasionally, it will instruct you to connect via USB cable in order to transmit the printer’s settings.
The method you employ depends on which setup instructions you have for your printer. You should be able to download copies of the original documentation from the manufacturer’s support website if you can’t find it. Whichever method you use, as soon as you provide the data the printer requires, it ought to connect.
To check whether it resolves the problem, try reverting any network settings you may have altered if Windows is unable to locate your printer for some reason. If not, you might have to install it by hand. To carry out this action, click When it shows up after Windows finished searching, the printer I want isn’t shown.
