How to add a printer to your computer

Owned by Margie Athol
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024 by Kyle KimVersion comment
3 min read

This wiki page includes instructions on how to add a networked printer to a Mac or Windows, as well as instructions for downloading and installing drivers.

What you need:

  • Mac or PC Computer
  • Printer
  • Printer's IP Address
  • Paper (for a print test)

Finding and Installing Drivers

If the driver is not automatically installed, it can be downloaded from the printer manufacturer’s website:

  1. Check your printer manufacturer’s support site. To find it, search the internet for the name of your printer manufacturer plus the word “support,” such as “HP support.” Listed below are the links to the most common printer brands. Search for your printer model number directly. Locate and download the latest driver for your printer model, then follow the installation instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

Brother - https://www.brother-usa.com/brother-support/driver-downloads

Epson - https://epson.com/Support/sl/s

Canon - https://www.usa.canon.com/support/software-and-drivers

Kyocera - https://www.kyoceradocumentsolutions.us/en/support/downloads.html

HP - https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers

Xerox - https://www.support.xerox.com/

Dell - https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us?app=drivers

Mac

1. Go to Apple Menu (  ) > System Settings > Printers & Scanners 

2. Click the "Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax..." button and complete the printer setup wizard: 

3. Choose the IP tab (Globe icon) and enter the printer's settings: 

4. Address: the printer's IP address or network name.

5. Protocol: Internet Printing Protocol - IPP.

6. Name: a descriptive name of your choice, we recommend including the printer's IP.

7. If you have the printer-specific driver installed: the correct driver typically auto-selects.

  • If it doesn't, click the dropdown, choose Select Software, then pick the driver for the printer's model.
  • If you don't have the printer-specific driver installed, you can use the Generic PostScript Driver.

8. Click Add.

9. Send a test print job.

PC

1.  Using the search bar in the bottom left corner of your screen, type "Printers & Scanners".


2. Click "Add a printer or scanner" and then click "The printer I want isn't listed".

3. Click "Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname" and then click "Next".

4. Under Device Type, choose "IPP Device".

5. For Hostname or IP address, type your IP address or network name.

7. Make sure "Query the printer and automatically select driver to use" is checked and click "Next".

8. Windows should automatically detect the correct driver. If not, use the instructions above for "Finding and Installing Drivers". Click "Next" after this step.

9. Fill in the box for "Printer name:" and click "Next".

10. Windows will prompt you to share the printer with others on your network if desired. Select your chosen option and click "Next".

11. Your printer should be added, and a test print may be sent if desired. Click "Finish" once this is done. 


Contact Us

If you need assistance or have questions that aren't answered on this page, contact CNS IT by calling 512-232-1077 or creating a ticket.



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