The printers are part of what is known as hardwareThat is, an external device that can be included in the computer to perform certain functions. These devices are located in the output peripherals category, because they allow the output of the information resulting from the operations carried out on the computer.
The way to use this type of equipment varies slightly according to the operating system with which you are working. Therefore, we want to give you a detailed explanation regarding how to install and configure a printer on your Windows 7 computer.
Apart from that, there are certain important aspects that you should keep in mind when you go to configure this device. Read on to get a deep understanding of the subject.
What should I consider when setting up a printer on W7?
Usually, Windows allows users start printing as soon as you connect the printer to your computers or as soon as they connect it to the home network. Notably W7 It is compatible with most equipment of this type and, in case you want to install special printer software, you may not have to do anything out of the ordinary to get it.
However, there are a number of recommendations from the Microsoft team for the procedure to flow smoothly:
Check the hardware
This first point may seem very evident, but some people do not take it into account, which sometimes causes problems. Therefore, it is necessary that check that the printer's power cord is properly connected to an electrical outlet. Also, make sure the on / off button is on. In case of using a shared printer or network printer, you should check that all the routers and other equipment are turned on.
If the printer or any other equipment remains connected to a surge protector or some backup power supply, you should also check that the hardware is connected and powered on. In case you use a wired printer, check that the cable of this device is correctly connected from the printer to the computer. You should pay special attention to this, because many times the connections are not in place. For those wireless printers, you have to check the connection.
Take a look at the wireless connection is kept available and activated. In some cases, there are printers that include a button that displays a blue wireless connection when available. After checking all the mentioned aspects, run a connectivity test wireless printer. To do this, follow the specific instructions included on your computer or through the website of the printer manufacturer.
Use a troubleshooter
This is a very effective tool that It will help you detect any type of inconvenience in terms of installation and connection.. Through it, not only will you be shown the problem presented, but many times it allows you to automatically solve it.
Update drivers
Currently, most of the printers they need the driver software work properly. In case you recently updated your version of Windows To another, your current printer driver may correspond to the previous version.
Drivers may also experience problems if you have experienced virus, problems with your equipment or even power outages. If you want to solve those kinds of problems, you can do it downloading and installing the latest available driver the printer.
There are three ways to achieve this:
- Using Windows Update: It may offer you an updated version of your printer driver.
- Installing the printer manufacturer software: If this computer came with a disk, you may get software that can install the driver for it.
- Downloading and installing the driver by yourself: You can search for this controller on the manufacturer's website. It is recommended to go to this method as a last option, that is, if Windows Update You cannot find the printer driver or it did not come with software capable of doing so.
Learn step by step how to install and configure a printer in Windows 7
Install and configure a printer in Windows 7 It is a fairly simple procedure, because in most cases all you have to do is connect it to the computer using the USB cable and turn it on. However, you may need to do some configuration.
Therefore, we explain the step by step so that you can install a printer in W7 correctly:
Install and configure local printer
- Connect the printer to your computer and make sure it's on.
- Enter the Windows Start and click right, specifically on Devices and printers.
- Click on Add a printer.
- Within the Add Printer Wizard, select the option to Add a local printer.
- Go to Choose a printer port and make sure the button is selected Use an existing port and the printer port. Then tap on Following.
- Once you are in the section of Install the printer driver, choose the manufacturer and the model. Then go to Following.
- In case the printer does not appearclick on Windows Update and wait while the system Windows Check for additional drivers.
- In case none are available, but have the installation CD, select Use disk and then find the folder where the printer driver is located. If you have questions, you can always rely on the printed manual or on the manufacturer's website.
- Apply the additional steps of the wizard and finally select on Finalize.
Install network, Bluetooth or wireless printer
- Enter the Start Menu and then in Devices and printers.
- Go to the option of Add a printer.
- Within the Add Printer Wizard, you must select in Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer.
- When the list of available printers, choose the one you are going to use. Then press Following. (Note that if the computer is connected to a network, only the printers shown in Active Directory for the domain are included in the list).
- If requested, install the printer driver in the team. To do so, click Install driver. Type or confirm the administrator password if asked.
- Continue with the other additional steps of the wizard and finally click Finalize.