Get the right Driver
Installing a printer can be daunting at first however it’s actually quite simple. Microsoft directly supports most common printers and just plugging a printer in with a USB cable will get you basic printing functions very quickly.
However, basic functions are usually not enough and your printer might randomly stop working. We recommend using the full drivers from the manufacturer.
The full driver package will unlock all the features of your printer such as scan to email and advanced printing options.
You can download the full drivers directly from the manufacturers websites. You will need to know your printer model number and what operating system you are using such as Windows 7, 10 or 11 or Apple mac version.
Just navigate to the printer model page under drivers and downloads and download the full driver directly from the manufacturer.
Your can use the links below to find the drivers for the most common printer brands.
Brother: https://support.brother.com/g/b/productsearch.aspx?c=au&lang=en
HP: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/printers
Epson: http://tech.epson.com.au/downloads/index.asp
Canon: https://www.canon.com.au/support
Most driver installers have a wizard which will guide you through the process. If you need help with this feel free to give us a call and we can set it up for you.
How do I connect my Printer to my Devices?
The two most common methods for connecting your printer are directly to a computer with a USB cable (Which cable do I need?) or you can connect the printer to your network.
A direct USB connection is best if you’re only going to be printing from one computer.
A network connection is best if you’d like to print from multiple devices.
A direct USB connection is the simplest and most reliable way to get your printer up and running but it will only work on the computer the cable is plugged into. In this case plug the USB cable (Which cable do I need?) into the port at the back of the printer and the other end into the computer you want to print from and that’s it. After installing the drivers you’re ready to go. This method is great but will only allow you to print from one computer.
If you used this method select “Direct Connection” if the driver installation wizard asks for your connection type.
Setting up a printer as a network printer is the best way to print from multiple devices. There are two ways to connect your printer to your network.
Connecting a network/ethernet cable from the port on the back of your printer to one of the available “LAN” ports on the back of your WIFI modem is the most reliable way to get your printer connected to the network.
If your printer is configured this way select “Network” if your Driver installation wizard asks you to specify the connection type.
Depending on the layout of your space, this method may mean running an ugly cable across the room. If this is the case we recommend using your wireless network (WIFI)
When configuring your printer using WIFI it is best to begin running the driver installation wizard as it will guide you through the process of adding your WIFI network to the printer.
If you choose to connect your printer wirelessly select “wireless” for your connection type if prompted by your driver installation wizard.
Which Cable do I need?
Some printers come with an included USB cable that allows you to connect the printer to your computer.
To connect a printer to your computer over USB you will need a USB type-A male to USB type-B male cable.
The back of your printer will have a port matching one of the highlighted ports below:
If your printer has the port on the LEFT you need a:
USB type-A to type-B 2.0 Cable
If your printer has the port on the RIGHT you need a:
USB type-A to type-B 3.0 Cable
How do I know which Printers are Installed?
You can check which printers are installed on your computer by using the “Printers & scanners” settings page.
Use the search bar on your taskbar to search for “Printers & scanners”
Open up the printers and scanners setting page and you will reach a page similar to this one:
Here you can see a list of all the printers installed on your computer, your list will have different printers.
It’s a good idea to keep this list as tidy as possible by removing any old printers you’re not using anymore.
To do this left click on the printer you want to remove and press “Remove Device”
Some items in the list like “OneNote (desktop)” or “Microsoft Print to PDF” can be left in the list as they support additional features on your computer.
If you have a printer that is not working:
- Remove the printer from the list
- Restart your computer
- Download and install the full driver by following the instructions from the top of this page
Or feel free to give us a call on 9016 5383 and we will be more than happy to give you a hand.
