Can you imagine a full-fledged work on a computer without connecting to a printer? Perhaps, being a gamer, the answer to this question can be given in the affirmative. Say what you like, but the lack of the ability to print documents does not affect the quality of games. Nevertheless, for those who like to work in Word, Excel and other text programs, having a working printing device at hand is not just important, but vital. Fortunately, such a pleasure is inexpensive today. However, it's not enough just to buy the right model, you still need to know how to install it correctly on your Windows 7 PC.
Overview of connection methods
Depending on the location of the printer and the user's actual access to it, there are 2 options for installing this device on a computer with Windows 7, namely:
- connect it directly to the PC (local method);
- install via network (network method).
Is it worth explaining when and what method should be used to connect? Is that so? Well then, let's explain it, it's a simple matter. In principle, already from the name of such methods, it becomes clear that the local method involves using the device for printing on only one computer, while the network method makes it possible to print documents on one device to users of several PCs.
Have you sorted it out? Fine! Then it only remains to figure out how to proceed with the local and network installation method on Windows 7.
Option # 1: Local connection
How do I install a printer using the local method on Windows 7? Very simple! It is enough to connect it via the USB bus to the computer. Note that if the Windows settings are correct, have not changed since the installation of the operating system, the connected equipment is recognized and installed on the PC automatically.
However, this trick is not always successful. What if, for example, an HP LaserJet 1010 printer is not installed on my computer? In this case, we act like this.
Step # 1: Connect to PC.
First, we connect the printer with a USB cable to the computer and turn it on to the network. Next, open the "Start" menu and select the "Devices and Printers" tab:
In the window that appears, find and click the "Printer Installation" tab:
Then we decide on the connection option. Want to install it locally? Have you changed your mind? Then we click the item "Add a local printer":
Next, select the printer port. In principle, it is better to leave everything as it is, unchanged, since the LPT1 port fully meets the installation requirements. This completes the connection. It remains only to make settings for its work. To do this, click on the "Next" button and go to the next step.
Step number 2: We make settings for the printer.
What is the first thing to be done? First, install the driver. This can be done in three ways:
- using the installation disc;
- using the hardware installation wizard;
- through the center Windows updates:
Suppose that at the time of installing the HP LaserJet 1010 we did not have a disk with a driver for it, it cannot be installed, or we are using a computer without a drive. What do we do in this case? It would seem that everything is simple: you can install it from Windows Update. But it was not there.
On Windows 7 official driver for HP LaserJet 1010 no. In this case, there are 2 options:
- install it by downloading it from the Internet;
- select the driver for the HP LaserJet 3055 PCL5 in the installation wizard.
We will choose the latter option, as despite the difference in name, it is fully compatible with the HP LaserJet 1010:
Now all that remains is to decide on the parameters of access to the printer from other PCs. In this case, we either limit it (clause "No general access... "), or let us print on it (" Allow sharing ... "):
This completes the device configuration. It remains to check its work.
Step # 3: Checking the seal.
So, if all the steps for connecting and configuring were performed correctly, after selecting the parameters for accessing the printer, a window will appear with a message about its successful installation. Whether this is really so, we still need to check. How to do it? Click the "Print test page" button:
Everything works? Prints flawlessly? Then you can safely praise yourself! We did our best!
Option # 2: Network connection
Dealt with local connection? Then install network printer in Windows 7 is absolutely no problem.
Step # 1: Connect and configure a network printer.
What are we doing? Through "Start" go to "Devices and Printers", click "Add Printer" and select the item "Add network ..." in the window that appears:
As a result, Windows 7 will automatically search for all printers connected to the network. What do we need? First, find out the name of the network printing device to which we are going to connect. Learned? Then select the appropriate option and click "Next":
As a result, the computer will connect to the device and automatically install the drivers for it. What if it is not installed? Pay attention to system messages. Sometimes this process requires manual setting... In particular, the "Install driver" button may appear in the window for setting up a network printer. By clicking on it, the problem will be eliminated by itself and the corresponding message will be displayed on the screen about the successful installation of the network printer:
Step # 2: Verify Operation
How can I check if my network printer is working? Print any document. It seems that everyone should cope with this, right? But what if the document was sent to print and did not print? This, we note, happens quite often. How to solve the problem? First, check the following settings:
- determine if the equipment is connected to the host computer;
- determine if there are any restrictions for such a network printer;
- check if it is connected to the network;
In most cases, the printer can be set up by plugging it into a laptop. To do this, plug the printer USB cable into the laptop USB port and turn on the printer. Be sure to also connect the printer itself to the network.
By connecting a modern printer to your computer, you can immediately start printing, because Windows supports most of the popular printer models, so you hardly have to waste time installing a special driver. It is easy to choose the right one in our catalog.
You can check if your printer was automatically detected in Windows 8 or 8.1 like this:
Call side panel on the right side of the screen (move your mouse to the lower-right corner of the screen, then up), select Settings> Change Computer Settings. Select Computer and Devices> Devices. If your printer model is familiar to Windows, it should appear under Printers. If the printer is not listed, tap or click Add Device, and then select the printer you want to install. In Windows 7, you can easily find the section you need through the Start> Devices and Printers menu. If the printer does not appear at all, make sure it is turned on and all cables are connected.
If after these Windows actions and could not determine the appropriate driver for the printer, you should first contact the website of the manufacturer of your printer. In the vast majority of cases, the manufacturer allows you to download the software you need from their page - refer to the "Support" section of the site.
Drivers are often provided by the manufacturer as a .zip archive. In this case, you should unpack the archive and look for the installer file with the extension .exe, .bat or .cab. If the archive contains only the .inf file, go to the "Devices and Printers" section ("Printers" in Windows 8), select the "Update driver" item in the context menu and manually specify the path to the .inf file - this can also be done from "Device Manager" under "System". If your printer is not listed, select the Add Printer menu option and follow the instructions. Difficulties can arise only with old or rare models of printers. Make sure to select a driver suitable for your operating system when loading - the manufacturer can provide both universal driver as well as separate ones for Windows XP, 7, 8 or 10.
For modern equipment, install a printer without installation disk- a simpler task than the outdated one. There are two main ways to solve it in the operating room. Windows system... The first is to automatically download the files necessary for the device to work through the system Windows utilities... The second method will require more user involvement, since the files must be downloaded from the device manufacturer's website, and then installed on their own.
Printer connection
Before installing the equipment in the system, you need to properly connect it to the computer. New printers use for this purpose USB interfaces, Ethernet or wireless connection via Wi-Fi. It may be difficult to connect old devices, since the motherboards modern computers the required connectors are not always available. For connection via outdated LPT or COM ports, special adapters to USB are used.
Note! Quick connect instructions are often included with your printer. It can be printed at the beginning of the basic user guide or as a separate insert.
How to automatically install a printer without an installation disc
After the device is connected, Windows will automatically start the software installation process. You just have to select the automatic program search in the dialog box that appears on the screen. Typically, the installation files for modern printers can be found and run without any problems. If difficulties still arise, make sure that the search for programs on the Internet function is not disabled on your PC. To do this, open the properties of the computer and in the left menu go to advanced options, then select the "Hardware" tab.
On this tab, click the "Device Installation Options" item. An additional window will open in which you can specify the desired order of downloading drivers and icons of the connected equipment. It is recommended to select the first item, as it will allow you to:
- Install a printer without an installation disc;
- Automatically load drivers for other connected equipment;
- Download device icons displayed in the "Devices and Printers" menu.
Important! To save the settings, you will need to confirm that you have administrative privileges. This is done by clicking the "Yes" button in the opened User Account Control (UAC) window. Depending on your UAC settings, you may also need to enter your system administrator password.
After changing the settings, disconnect the printer and then reconnect it. Repeat selection automatic search installation files in the dialog box. Wait until the end of the process, and if the result is positive, print a test page. If your search doesn't find the software, go to download. You can install the downloaded files yourself without a disk.
Manual driver installation
Find the official website of your printer manufacturer. This can be done using any of the following methods:
- Enter company name in search engine(Google, Yandex or another convenient search engine);
- Clarify the URL in the instructions;
- Check the presence of the address on the box;
- Take the address on the sticker from technical information on the back or bottom of the body.
Open this site in any browser, then find the section with programs. The most common possible names are: "Downloads", "Drivers", "Support". Select your hardware model and download the installation files for it. If they come in an archive, unpack it. Next, you need to install the software on your computer. To do this, run the installation utility (it has the extension .exe) and follow the instructions on the screen.
Important advice! Use the latest version software compatible with your operating system. Unlike the disc, the site contains latest versions ON.
Read also:
Coffee printer: Types and features of machines for printing on coffee foam
How to connect a printer to a computer: An overview of how to connect home devices
Has it ever happened that it was necessary to urgently install the printer, and the installation disc was not at hand? Then here are some tips for you, how to install a printer without an installation disc.
Most people assume a CD is required to install the printer. But this is not the case. It is easy and simple to install your printing device with or without a disk. There are two ways to install a printer without an installation disc, here they are:
Method one
- Click on the "Start" button.
In Windows XP, in the window that opens, click "Control Panel" and select "Printers and Other Hardware" or "Printers and Faxes".
In Windows Vista or Windows 7, select Printers or Devices and Printers from the right side of the Start menu.
- Click the Add Printer button.
In Windows XP, it is located in the "Printing Tasks" column. The Add Printer Wizard will open.
When Windows Vista or Windows 7 the Add Printer button is on the toolbar. The Add Printer window opens.
- Click Next to start the wizard in Windows XP.
On all operating systems, select “Add a local printer” if you are installing a printer that is connected directly to the computer.
Or select “Add a network printer” to add a printer connected to your home or office network.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 also provide connectivity wireless connection printer with a computer WiFi networks or using Bluetuth.
Select the printer connection port from the drop-down menu (most likely it will be USB001). Click Next. List the printer manufacturer in the Manufacturer list. Select your printer model from the Printers list. Press "Next".
In the next window, enter the name of the printer you come up with, or leave the default printer name. Click Next. Windows will install the printer on your computer.
To check the functionality in the window that opens, you can click the "Print test page" button. When finished, click “Finish”. Printer installation is complete.
Method two
If you don't have a driver disc for your printer, don't worry, just visit the manufacturer's website (HP, Dell, Epson, Canon, etc.).
Go to the support page, where you can find all the drivers for the products of this company. I posted the addresses of these pages for some manufacturers at the end of the article.
Find and download drivers for your printer model, and note if they are compatible with your operating system.
Usually the downloaded file is an archive. Unzip it.
If as a result of unzipping you received a folder with files different types- find and run the SETUP file. If the downloaded drivers represent one or more executable (extension .exe) files, run the one that is most suitable for your operating system (usually the OS type is indicated in the file name, for example: Dell_AAY_Vista_x64_PS_sys_en).
Follow the instructions in the installer window and in a few minutes the printer drivers will be successfully installed on your operating system... Note that some models require the printer to be disabled during driver installation.
Using one of these methods, you can install the printer yourself without an installation disc. Here are the addresses of the support pages on the websites of some printer manufacturers, where you can find and download the drivers you need:
- Brother
http://welcome.solutions.brother.com/bsc/Public/CountryTop.aspx?reg=eu&c=ru&lang=ru - Canon
http://software.canon-europe.com/ - Dell
http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/ru/ru/rudhs1/ProductSelector/Select?rquery=fkey-e-Drivers_PS - Epson
http://support.epson.ru/ - HP
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/siteHome?lc=ru&dlc=ru&cc=ru&lang=ru&product=top - Lexmark
http://support.lexmark.com/index?page=productSelection&channel=supportAndDownloads&locale=RU&userlocale=RU_RU - Samsung
http://www.samsung.com/ru/support/download/supportDownloadMain.do - Xerox
http://www.xerox.ru/ru/service/
In this article, we will figure out how to install a printer without an installation disc.
There are two options:
Windows Update;
Download the driver yourself.
Windows Update installs basic drivers. They only allow printing and / or scanning. Additional functions such as image processing before printing, adjusting colors and others will not be available.
The advantages of the second method are that we will download the latest software for the device and all specific functions will be available.
Windows Update
Under Windows there is huge base software for almost all peripheral devices, including printers. We use it.
We connect the printer or MFP to the computer and wait a couple of minutes. The device will be identified or detected and Windows will try to install the driver. Since you are reading this article, then most likely this method did not work. Let's start the update manually.
We go along the way:
Control Panel> Hardware and Sound> Devices and Printer
or
Control Panel> Hardware and Sound> Devices and Printers
Click on the computer icon with the right mouse button and select - Windows Update.
In the window that opens, click "Check for updates".
This will search for software for your devices. If something is found, it will either be downloaded and installed automatically, or you will need to give permission. In my case, everything is done automatically.
You may need to restart your computer. Run and see if the printer is installed. If the device is installed, but does not print, then I would connect it to a different USB port.
To make the operating system always automatically load drivers and pictures for connected devices, you can do the following.
We call the context menu with the right mouse button on the computer icon and select Device installation settings.
Now, when a new device is connected, Windows will automatically search for a driver in its database.
How to install the driver from the update center (for example, HP 1015)
1. Disconnect the HP 1015 from the computer.
2. Start Menu> Devices and Printers.
3. "Printer Installation".
4. "Add a local printer"
6. "Windows Update"
7. We are waiting for the list of available drivers to load.
8. Choose "HP"> "HP LaserJet 1015"> click "Next".
12. HP 1015 is installed.
13. Remove the installed device
We don't need the printer itself. We need software that installs with it.
14. We connect the HP 1015 to the computer and wait until the unit "grabs" the already installed driver.
Download and install manually
Take the HP DeskJet F380 for example. If you do not know the model of your printer or MFP, then carefully study the identification labels on the case. You can also find the model on the sticker on the back or bottom of the device.
We open a browser and in Google or Yandex we write "HP DeskJet F380 driver". You substitute your model.
In most cases, in the first place, or on the first page of the issue, there will be a link to the equipment support page on the manufacturer's official website.
You can understand that this is the official site at.
It is more convenient to download from the official website for two reasons:
- No malicious code;
- There is the freshest software.
If there is no link to the official website on the first page of the issue, then you can find it yourself. We set "HP" and immediately select "Drivers" or "Support and drivers".
In the section "Drivers and downloads" set your model (for example, "F380") and click "Go".
Or, you can click Find Now on the right side of the Define Product section and follow the instructions in the wizard. (This option is still available for Windows XP / Vista / 7 with browsers: Internet Explorer(IE) 6.0+; Firefox 3.6.x, 12.0+; Google Chrome).
We select our device from the search results.
Select your operating system from the drop-down list and click "Send".
In the "Driver" section, click "Download".
There may be several software options here. For example, full featured software and basic driver. If you need advanced capabilities of the device and image processing - download the full-featured software.
Run the downloaded file.
The files will be unpacked and the installation wizard will start. We press "Install" and follow the further instructions.
