Windows 8 is very plug-and-play friendly, and adding a printer usually involves nothing more than turning on your printer and connecting it to the PC via a cable.Windows 8 should detect it immediately and install the drivers for you automatically, a process that usually only takes a few seconds.If you want to connect to a network printer or if you are having trouble with your printer, you may need to set Windows 8 up a little.
Step 1: If using Windows RT, make sure it's compatible.
Some devices are not compatible with Windows RT, the mobile version of Windows 8.You can check the manufacturer's website.You can enter your printer model online to see if Windows RT supports it.
Step 2: The documentation should be read.
Most printers can be plugged into your computer'susb port and you're good to go, but some require the installation of drivers before the printer is plugged in.The recommended installation procedure can be found in the manual or quick start guide.If you can't find the physical copies, the manufacturer's support website can be used to get the documentation and necessary software.
Step 3: Plug in the printer.
In most cases, Windows 8 will detect the printer and install the correct drivers.During the installation process, drivers may be downloaded through Windows Update.If you want to connect the printer to your computer, you need to plug it in.It may not work if you plug it into a hub.
Step 4: Find a printer.
If the printer isn't showing up, you can manually add it.Older printers that aren't automatically detected by Windows may need this.The control panel can be opened.The Control Panel can be accessed by pressing Win+X and selecting it."Devices and Printers" should be selected.Click the "view devices and printers" link if you are in the Category view.All of your connected devices will be shown in the window.Click to add a printer.At the top of the window is where this is located.From the list, select your printer.The list of printers may take a while to load.The unlisted printer needs to be connected, has the correct software installed, and is compatible with your computer.
Step 5: Attach the printer to your computer.
If you want to connect a printer to the network, you will need to use either a wireless or wired connection.If you use an older printer, you can use a print server to connect to the network.Many printers can be connected via the internet.It's possible that the printer and router can be in the same general location.Most new printers have built-in wireless, which allows them to connect to your wireless home network.The instructions for connecting to the wireless network should be found in the documentation for your printer.
Step 6: If necessary, install the printer software on your computer.
You have to install the software before you add the printer.Windows will detect other printers and install them.
Step 7: Find a printer.
If the printer is not showing up, you can manually add it.This is required for older printers that are not automatically detected by Windows.The Control Panel can be opened.The Control Panel can be accessed by pressing Win+X and selecting it."Devices and Printers" should be selected.Click the "view devices and printers" link if you are in Category view.All of your connected devices will be displayed in the window.Click to add a printer.At the top of the window is where this is located.From the list, choose your printer.The list may take a while to load.The unlisted printer needs to be connected, has the correct software installed, and is compatible with your computer.
Step 8: You can open the HomeGroup menu.
A Home Group is a collection of Windows computers on a network and is designed to make sharing files and printers easier than a traditional network.Only Windows 7 and 8 computers are allowed.The Charms menu is open.You can access this by moving your mouse to the lower-right corner of the screen or by using your finger.Click "Settings" if you want to tap.This option has an icon.Click "Change PC settings".This is at the bottom of the menu.Click "Network" or "Home Group" if you want to.
Step 9: Become a member of the existing Home Group.
Click " Join" if you want to enter the Home Group password.The password for the Home Group can be found on the menu.You may not be connected to the network if HomeGroup is not detected.
Step 10: You can print from the shared printer.
You don't have to install the printer when you are connected to the Home Group.To print from the PC that is sharing the printer, you must turn it on.