Printer Connectivity

How to Connect a Printer to a Computer: USB, Wi-Fi and More

Last reviewed · General guidance — steps vary by model and operating system

Before a computer can print, there has to be a working link between the two devices. That link can be a cable or a network connection, and the right choice depends on how many devices will print and where the printer sits.

This guide compares the connection types and explains how to make each one. Once the link is in place, the final step of telling your operating system about the printer is covered in how to add a printer to a computer.

When this guide applies

  • You are deciding how to connect a new printer.
  • You want more than one computer to share the same printer.
  • Your current connection is unreliable and you want to try another one.

Possible causes

Missing or wrong cable
Printers commonly use a USB-B socket, which needs a USB-A to USB-B or USB-C to USB-B cable. These are not always supplied in the box.
Printer not on the network
A network printer that has not joined your Wi-Fi or router cannot be reached by any computer.
Unsupported connection type
Not every printer has Ethernet, Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth; check your model’s specifications.
Hubs and long cables
Unpowered USB hubs, docks and long or damaged cables can cause intermittent connections.

Safety first

  • Turn the printer off before plugging in or removing an Ethernet cable if your manual advises it, and never force a plug into a socket it does not fit.

1. Compare the connection types

  1. USB cable

    Direct cable from the printer to one computer. Simple and usually reliable. Best for a single computer next to the printer. The printer is only available when that computer is connected.

  2. Ethernet (wired network)

    A network cable from the printer to your router or network switch. Very stable, and every device on the network can print. Requires a printer with an Ethernet port and a router within cable reach. Common on office and laser printers.

  3. Wi-Fi (wireless network)

    The printer joins your wireless network. Flexible placement, and phones and tablets can print too. Depends on a good signal where the printer sits.

  4. Wi-Fi Direct

    The printer creates its own wireless connection for a device to join, with no router needed. Useful for occasional printing or where there is no network. Names and availability vary by model.

  5. Bluetooth

    Found on some portable and photo printers, but uncommon on standard home and office printers. Usually aimed at phones.

2. Choose the right connection

  1. One computer, printer on the same desk

    USB is the simplest choice.

  2. Several computers, phones or tablets

    Use a network connection. Choose Ethernet if the printer can be cabled to the router, otherwise Wi-Fi.

  3. No router, or a temporary setup

    Use Wi-Fi Direct if your printer supports it, or USB.

  4. You can use more than one

    Many printers accept USB and network connections at the same time, so you can keep a USB cable to one computer and still print from other devices over the network.

3. Connect with USB

  1. Get the right cable

    Check the socket on the printer (often the square-ish USB-B type) and the port on your computer (USB-A or USB-C), and use a matching cable. Shorter, good-quality cables are more reliable.

  2. Follow the software’s timing

    If you are installing the manufacturer’s official software, connect the cable when it asks you to. Otherwise, plug in with the printer switched on.

  3. Connect directly

    Plug into a port on the computer itself rather than a hub, dock or keyboard port, at least until you know it works.

4. Connect with Ethernet

  1. Cable the printer to the router

    Plug a network cable into the printer’s Ethernet port and a spare port on your router or network switch.

  2. Check the link lights

    The lights on the port usually show when a link is established. Most printers obtain an address automatically.

  3. Print a network report

    Print the network configuration report from the printer’s menu to confirm it has an IP address.

5. Connect with Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct

  1. Wi-Fi

    Join the printer to your wireless network using its control panel, WPS or the manufacturer’s app. Full steps are in how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.

  2. Wi-Fi Direct

    Turn on Wi-Fi Direct in the printer’s network menu, then join the printer’s network from your computer using the name and password the printer shows. Laptop-specific tips are in how to connect a printer to a laptop.

6. Add the printer to your computer

  1. Finish in your operating system

    With the link in place, add the printer in Windows, macOS or ChromeOS. USB printers are often added automatically. See how to add a printer to a computer.

If it still isn’t working

USB printer not detected. Try another port and another cable, avoid hubs, and restart both devices. If the computer still cannot find a driver, use the official driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Network printer not found. Make sure the printer and computer are on the same network and any VPN is disconnected. See wireless printer connection problems.

Connected but not printing. See printer not printing.

Frequently asked questions

What cable do I need to connect a printer to a computer?

Many printers use a USB-B socket, so you need a USB-A to USB-B cable for a computer with standard USB ports, or a USB-C to USB-B cable for a USB-C computer. Check your printer’s manual to confirm the socket type.

Is USB or Wi-Fi better for a printer?

USB is simple and dependable for one nearby computer. Wi-Fi or Ethernet is better when several devices need to print. Ethernet is generally the most stable network option if the printer has a port.

Can I use USB and Wi-Fi at the same time?

Many printers support both at once. Your computer may then list the printer twice, once for each connection, so choose the one you want when printing.