This wikiHow teaches you how to connect your Windows or Mac computer to a wireless printer that's on your Wi-Fi network.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

On Windows

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    Make sure your printer is connected to Wi-Fi. In order to connect to your printer via a network, your printer must be connected to Wi-Fi.
    • The steps for connecting a printer to Wi-Fi will vary from printer to printer, so check your printer's manual or online documentation for model-specific instructions on connecting to Wi-Fi.
    • Some printers must be connected directly to your router via an Ethernet cable in order to connect to the Internet.
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    Connect your computer to your printer's Wi-Fi network if necessary. Most printers require you to be connected to the same network to which your printer is connected. If your computer is connected to a different network, do the following:
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    Click Devices. It's in the middle of the Settings window.
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    Click Printers & scanners. This tab is on the left side of the window.
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    Click Add a printer or scanner. It's at the top of the window. Doing so opens a list of available printers on your network.
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    Select your printer's name. Click the name of the printer to which you want to connect. The printer's name will expand.
    • Your printer's name is usually a combination of the printer's manufacturer's name and the model number.
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    Click Add device. It's below the expanded printers name. Your computer will begin connecting to the printer.
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    Follow any on-screen prompts. Depending on your printer, it may need to install drivers or be verified by your computer. If so, click through any on-screen prompts as they appear.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

On Mac

  1. 1
  2. 2
    Make sure your printer is connected to Wi-Fi. In order to connect to your printer via a network, your printer must be connected to Wi-Fi.
    • The steps for connecting a printer to Wi-Fi will vary from printer to printer, so check your printer's manual or online documentation for model-specific instructions on connecting to Wi-Fi.
    • Some printers must be connected directly to your router via an Ethernet cable in order to connect to the Internet.
  3. 3
    Connect your computer to your printer's Wi-Fi network if necessary. Most printers require you to be connected to the same network to which your printer is connected. If your computer is connected to a different network, do the following:
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    Click System Preferences…. It's in the drop-down menu. The System Preferences window will open.
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    Click Printers & Scanners. This is on the right side of the System Preferences window.
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    Click . It's below the left-hand sidebar. Doing so brings up a list of available printers.
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    Select your printer's name. Click the name of the printer to which you want to connect.
    • Your printer's name is usually a combination of the printer's manufacturer's name and the model number.
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    Click Add. It's at the bottom of the list. Your Mac will begin connecting to the printer.
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    Follow any on-screen prompts. Depending on your printer, it may need to install drivers or be verified by your computer. If so, click through any on-screen prompts as they appear.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I connect my tablet to a printer?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You will need a wireless internet connection between your tablet and printer. Your printer needs to be able to connect wirelessly and have a bluetooth capability.
  • Question
    What is the difference between printer pool and printer spool?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    'Printer Pooling' is a feature of several Windows versions that allows a group of printers to share the same ID and function as if they were a single printer. It is used for load balancing, i.e. task distribution to increase efficiency. A 'Print Spooler' is software that temporarily stores print jobs on the HDD or RAM until the printer is ready for them, like a waiting queue.
  • Question
    What do you touch on the laptop to print?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You'll most likely be touching a pad to control the position of a mouse cursor, but on some newer laptops, you may be touching the screen. Either way, aim for the "print" button. On many computers, ctl+P will open the printing program.
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Warnings

  • If you recently updated your computer's software to the newest available version, you may not be able to use old networked printers.
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About This Article

Jack Lloyd
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been viewed 425,457 times.
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Co-authors: 11
Updated: January 31, 2023
Views: 425,457
Categories: Printers
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