Printer Setup

How to Connect a Printer to a Laptop

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

Connecting a printer to a laptop works the same way as connecting one to a desktop computer, with a few differences that catch people out: many laptops no longer have the USB port a printer cable needs, laptops move between networks, and docks and power-saving settings can get in the way.

This guide focuses on those laptop-specific points. For the general options, see how to connect a printer to a computer, and for the operating-system steps see how to add a printer to a computer.

When this guide applies

  • Your laptop only has USB-C or Thunderbolt ports and the printer cable will not fit.
  • You want to print wirelessly from a laptop to a printer at home.
  • You need to print with no Wi-Fi router available.
  • Printing works at home but not at the office (or the other way round).
  • Printing works when the laptop is plugged into a dock, but not otherwise.

Possible causes

Port mismatch
Printer USB cables commonly end in a USB-A plug, which does not fit a USB-C-only laptop without an adapter or a different cable.
Different network
A wireless printer can only be reached when the laptop is on the same network, so it may appear offline when you are elsewhere or on a guest network.
Printer added through a dock
A printer connected to a dock or USB hub is only available while the laptop is docked.
VPN or work security software
Company VPNs and security tools often block access to devices on the local network.
Power saving
Battery-saver modes and sleep can interrupt Wi-Fi or pause printing.

1. Connect by USB (including USB-C laptops)

  1. Check which ports you have

    Look at the laptop’s ports and the printer cable. Printer cables commonly have a squarish USB-B plug at the printer end and a rectangular USB-A plug at the computer end. If your laptop only has small oval USB-C ports, you need a solution for the computer end.

  2. Use a suitable cable or adapter

    Either a USB-C to USB-B cable, or a USB-C to USB-A adapter used with your existing cable, is a common approach. Choose one from a reputable maker. Plug it directly into the laptop where possible.

  3. Let the laptop add the printer

    Windows and macOS usually detect a USB printer and add it automatically. If not, follow how to add a printer to a computer.

2. Connect wirelessly over your home Wi-Fi

  1. Put the printer on your Wi-Fi first

    The printer needs to join your network before the laptop can find it. See how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.

  2. Connect the laptop to the same network

    Check that the laptop is on the same network name as the printer, and not a guest network. On dual-band routers that show two network names, being on a different band is usually fine, but a guest network often blocks access to other devices.

  3. Add the printer

    Open your printer settings and add the printer when it appears. Many current printers support AirPrint (Mac) and Mopria or built-in Windows drivers, so no extra software may be needed.

3. Print with no router: Wi-Fi Direct

Many wireless printers can create their own small wireless connection, often called Wi-Fi Direct (some brands use other names). This is useful when there is no router, for example when travelling or setting up in a new space. Availability and menu names vary by model.

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer

    Look in the printer’s wireless or network menu. The printer shows or prints a network name and password for the direct connection.

  2. Join it from the laptop

    Open the laptop’s Wi-Fi list, choose the printer’s direct network and enter the password. Note that while connected, the laptop may lose internet access unless it also has a wired connection.

  3. Add the printer and print

    Add the printer as normal. When finished, reconnect the laptop to your usual Wi-Fi.

4. Laptops that move between home and work

  1. Expect network printers to be location-specific

    A home printer shows as offline at work and vice versa. This is normal. Choose the right printer in the print dialog before printing.

  2. Stop the default printer changing unexpectedly (Windows)

    In Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer if you prefer to choose your own default.

  3. Work laptops

    If your laptop is managed by an employer, its VPN or security settings may block home printers, and you may not have permission to add printers. Check your organisation’s IT policy rather than changing security settings yourself.

5. Docks, hubs and power saving

  1. Docked USB printers

    If the printer is plugged into a dock, it is only available while the laptop is docked. For printing away from the desk, connect the printer to your network instead.

  2. Battery saver and sleep

    Long print jobs can stop if the laptop sleeps. Keep the laptop awake and, if possible, plugged in until the job finishes.

If it still isn’t working

The laptop cannot find the wireless printer. Disconnect any VPN, confirm both devices are on the same network, then see wireless printer connection problems.

The printer shows as offline. Follow printer offline.

Try a different method. If Wi-Fi is unreliable, a USB connection is a simple way to check that the printer and laptop work together.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect a printer to a laptop that only has USB-C ports?

Yes, usually with a USB-C to USB-B printer cable or a USB-C to USB-A adapter. Alternatively, connect the printer wirelessly and avoid cables altogether.

Can I print from a laptop without Wi-Fi?

Yes. Use a USB cable, or, if your printer supports it, a direct wireless connection such as Wi-Fi Direct, which does not need a router.

Why does my laptop print at home but not at work?

A network printer is only reachable from the network it is on. At work your laptop is on a different network, and work VPNs or security settings may also block local devices.