A printer is an essential piece of equipment for most businesses – even those who have gone digital will still likely need to print out important documents every once in a while. If you’ve recently leased or bought a new office printer, from multi-functional printers ideal for big businesses or simple, desktop printers for startups, you’ll need to spend some time getting it set up and ready for your employees to use smoothly.
New technology can often be a bit of a hassle to set up, which is why we’ve created this guide to help. Here, we’ll explain how to set up and connect a wireless printer to your network and also how to set up a traditional wired printer.
How to Set Up a Wireless Printer
It’s important to note beforehand that most, if not all, printers will come with a set of instructions to walk you through the setting up process. Every printer brand uses different steps to set up their printers, either through WiFi, Bluetooth or a USB connection, and each printer setup may vary from product to product.
Setting up a printer may also differ depending on whether you’re using a Windows or Mac computer.
Below, we’ve listed the general steps of setting up a wireless printer that you should be able to follow easily.
1. Place the Printer near your Router and Switch it On
As most modern printers have WiFi, you’ll be able to connect it to your computer without needing a USB cable. Ensure it’s nearby your router in order to connect it and switch the printer on. If you need a USB cable to connect it, plug it into your laptop or computer and let it automatically search for the printer. Some models may need additional software to get the printer online, and you can check the manual for more information on this. Typically, you’ll find the software needed on the manufacturer’s website.
2. Connect the Printer to your Network
To connect your printer to your network, all you’ll need to know is the WiFi network name and password. Many printers, especially those used for modern offices, will have a built-in menu display which you can use to connect. The printer to the network. Ideally, you. Should be able to follow the instructions on-screen or refer to the manual to set this up.
If both your printer and router support a WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) button, simply push this on the printer and the router to instantly connect the two.
3. Add the Printer to a Windows Computer
When the printer has been successfully connected to the network, it’s time to add it to your office computers. For Windows devices, click on the start menu and then go to settings. In the settings, you’ll find a devices section where the printers and scanners are. From there, click ‘add a printer or scanner’, and your computer will start scanning for any new devices on the network. When the new printer is discovered, click ‘add device’, and it’ll be added to your computer.
4. Add the Printer to a Mac Computer
To connect your printer to your Mac computer, you’ll first need to make sure that both the printer and Mac are on the same wireless network. After this, update your Mac to ensure it has all the latest printer information needed. Click the Apple menu and head to system preferences. Here, a menu will be brought up on the screen, so click the ‘printers and scanners’ icon to display a list of connected printers. Click the ‘+’ button to add your new printer to the wireless network.
How to Set Up a Wired Printer
Though wireless printers are more convenient thanks to their flexibility to print anywhere from your phone, tablet or laptop, wired printers are still commonly used in offices and are slightly easier and quicker to set up.
1. Plug in the Power Cable and Switch the Printer On
Choosing the location for a wired printer may be a little tricky as it’ll need to be plugged in at all times for it to work while also being near your computer. So, take some time to find and prepare the optimal space and then plug it in and press the power button.
2. Connect the USB Cable
With both devices turned on, plug in the included USB cable from the printer to the computer. With some printers, plugging it into the computer this way will automatically set up and install the device, so you won’t need to do any more, and it’ll be ready to use.
3. Add the Printer
If connecting the USB from the printer to the computer doesn’t automatically add the device, you’ll need to do it manually through the settings. This step would be the same as adding a wireless printer to the computer. So, follow the steps above for both Windows and Mac devices and any instructions that may pop up on your screen to install and customise your printer, making it ready to use.
If you’re considering upgrading your office printer, take a look at our office printer range for inspiration and get in touch for help in finding the best printer for your business needs.