Windows 8 is an operating system extremely oriented to "plug-and-play", ie focused on making it as easy as possible to connect external devices to the computer. For this reason, normally installing a printer on a computer running Windows 8 requires nothing more than turning on the printer and connecting it to the PC via USB cable. In this scenario, Windows 8 should immediately detect the printing device and automatically install the necessary drivers. This stage should only take a few seconds to complete. However, if problems arise or if you are trying to connect a network printer to your PC, you may need to perform a few more steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Connect a USB Printer
Step 1. If you are using Windows RT, check that it is compatible
Some printers are not compatible with Windows RT, which is the version of Windows 8 dedicated to portable devices (found mainly on tablets in the Surface range). In this case, please check the printer manufacturer's website or search online using the model to make sure it is compatible with the Windows RT operating system.
Step 2. Read the documentation
Most printers can be installed on a PC simply by connecting via USB cable. However, in some cases, drivers need to be installed before the printer is physically connected to the PC. Refer to your printer documentation to find out how to connect and install.
You can download the documentation and software required for installation directly from the printer manufacturer's website if you do not have the physical copies that were sold to you with the device
Step 3. Connect the printer to the computer
In most cases, Windows 8 will automatically detect the printer and install the necessary drivers by itself. Updated drivers may be downloaded directly through the Windows Update service during the installation process.
Make sure you connect the printer to a USB port on your computer. Do not use a USB hub, otherwise the printer may not function properly
Step 4. Manually install the printer
If the device is connected to your computer but is not detected correctly, try installing it manually. This procedure may be necessary for older printers that cannot be automatically detected by Windows.
- Access the control panel". Press the key combination ⊞ Win + X and select the Control Panel item.
- Select the "Devices and Printers" link. If the "Category" view mode is active, click on the "View devices and printers" link. A list of all devices connected to the computer will be displayed.
- Click on the Add a printer option. It is located at the top of the window.
- Select your printer from the list. After a few moments, a list of all available printers should appear.
- If your printer is not listed, check that it is properly connected to your PC, that the related software has been installed on your computer, and that the printing device is compatible with your system.
Method 2 of 3: Install a Network Printer
Step 1. Connect the printer to the network router
When connecting a printer to a LAN, the first step is to connect it to the network router via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi connection. If you are using an older printer, you will need to use a print server in order for the device to communicate with the network.
- Ethernet connection - many printers can be connected to the network router using an Ethernet cable. This type of connection is functional and practical only if the network device and the printer are physically in the same room.
- Wireless connection - most modern printers are equipped with a Wi-Fi connection that allows connection to the home network without having to use cables. Review your printer documentation to find out what instructions you need to follow to be able to connect wirelessly to your network.
Step 2. Install the printer software on your computer (if needed)
Some printers require installation of the supplied software before they can be used. Other printer models are automatically detected and installed by Windows.
Step 3. Manually install the printer
If the print device has been connected correctly but is not detected correctly, try installing it manually. This procedure may be necessary for older printers that cannot be automatically detected by Windows.
- Access the control panel". Press the key combination ⊞ Win + X and select the Control Panel item.
- Select the "Devices and Printers" link. If the "Category" view mode is active, click on the "View devices and printers" link. A list of all devices connected to the computer will be displayed.
- Click on the Add a printer option. It is located at the top of the window.
- Select your printer from the list. After a few moments the list of all available printers should appear.
- If your printer is not listed, check that it is properly connected to your PC, that the related software has been installed on your computer, and that the printing device is compatible with your system.
Method 3 of 3: Install a Homegroup Printer
Step 1. Enter the "HomeGroup" menu
The "Home Group" represents a set of Windows computers connected to the same home network in which it is possible to share files and printers in a simpler way than within a traditional LAN network. Only PCs running Windows 7 and Windows 8 can use the "Homegroup".
- Open the charms bar. You can do this by sliding your finger across the screen to the left from the right side (in the case of a touch device) or by moving the mouse pointer to the lower right corner of the screen.
- Click on the "Settings" icon. It is characterized by a gear;
- Click on the "Change PC Settings" link. It is displayed at the bottom of the appeared menu;
- Click on the "Network" tab;
- Click on "Home Group".
Step 2. Join the existing "Homegroup"
Enter the login password of the existing group, then click the "Join Now" button. The user who created the "Homegroup" will find the password to access the group in the appropriate "Homegroup" menu. If no active "Homegroup" is detected, it means that you are not properly connected to the LAN.
Step 3. Print using a shared printer
After you have joined the "Homegroup" you will be able to use one of the shared printers present within the group without having to install it on your computer. It should be noted that in this scenario the PC to which the shared printer is physically connected within the "Home Group" must be switched on and connected to the network in order to print.
