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- Solving Printer Problems
- September 15, 2025
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Install Printer Without Installation Disk Guide
Table of Contents
ToggleLost your printer’s installation CD? Anyway, here’s how to make it work.
Don’t worry if that little installation disk is long gone. These days, most computers don’t even have a CD drive to go with it! Setting up your printer without anyone is usually a straightforward process, whether you’re on a Windows PC or a Mac.
Let’s get your printer up and running.
Quick version:
- Go to your computer’s “Printers and Scanners” settings.
- Ask your computer to add a new printer.
- It will often automatically find what it needs, but you may need to quickly download software (called “drivers”) from the printer company’s website.
For Windows users: Wired connection
- Connect and power up.
Connect your printer to your computer using a USB cable. If your printer doesn’t come with one, you may need to purchase one that fits your specific model. After it’s connected, turn on the printer and give it a moment to wake up.
Sometimes, Windows will immediately recognize the new device and start the setup for you. If this happens, just follow the prompts on the screen! If nothing happens, no problem — just go to the next step.
- Open your settings.
Go to your settings menu (you can press Windows Key + I). From there, search for “Devices” (Windows 10) or “Bluetooth and devices” (Windows 11), and then click Printers and scanners. - Add your printer.
Click the “Add a printer or scanner” button (or the + sign). Windows will start searching for nearby printers. - Select and install.
If your printer appears in the list, click its name. Windows will then guide you through the rest of the installation. If your printer is not listed, click the option that says “The printer I want is not listed.” This will help Windows look for it, which may include pointing it to the driver software you downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
For Mac users: Wired connection
- First, check compatibility.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to do a quick online search to make sure your printer model works well with Macs. Most modern people do, but it’s best to check! - Connect (you may need an adapter)
Plug your printer into your Mac using a USB cable. Remember: newer Macs only have USB-C ports, so you may need a simple USB-to-USB-C adapter to make the connection. - Turn it on and follow the prompts.
Turn on your printer. Your Mac is pretty good at this – it will usually detect the printer automatically and pop up a message asking if you want to install the necessary software. Just click “Install” and follow the instructions. It handles most of the hard work for you.
Setting up a wireless printer
The process is the same for both Windows and Mac, and it often starts at the printer itself.
- Connect the printer to your Wi-Fi.
First, you need to get your printer on your home Wi-Fi network. The easiest way is to use your printer’s menu screen to find your network name and enter the password, just like you would for your phone or laptop.
- Helpful tip: Some printers and routers have a WPS button. If you do, you can simply press the WPS button on your router and then press the button on your printer to connect without a password within a two-minute window.
- Download the software (if needed)
For some older or more modern printers, you may need to download driver software first. Simply go to the manufacturer’s website (such as HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother), search for the “Support” or “Downloads” section, and search for your specific printer model. - Add the printer to your settings.
Now, go back to your computer’s Printers and Scanners settings menu.
- On a Mac, your printer may appear in the list once it’s on the same network. If it doesn’t, click the “Add a printer…” button to find it.
- On Windows, click “Add a printer or scanner.” It should find a wireless printer on your network, and you can select it to complete the setup.
And that’s it! You should be all set to print. If you run into any problems, the printer manufacturer’s website is always the best place to find troubleshooting guides specific to your model.