How do I add networked office printers in Windows?

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For assistance setting up networked office printers in other operating systems, see our other articles:

Installing Printer Drivers from Software Center:

  1. Search for Software Center in the Taskbar, then click it to open.
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  2. Install the Driver that matches the brand of printer that you are trying to add. This example is for an HP printer.
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  3. Click Install. Once installed, the printer driver is ready to be used for HP printers. 
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Adding a Networked Office Printer in Windows:

  1. Ensure that you are connected to a University of Idaho network or the VPN.
  2. Open your settings application. Go to Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & scanners.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  3. Click Add device. Wait around 5 seconds until The printer that I want isn't listed appears. Click Add manually.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  4. The Add printer wizard should appear. Select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname radio button, then click Next.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  5. In the next section, change the Device type to TCP/IP Device. Change the Hostname or IP address to the address of the printer. Check the checkbox next to Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use, as it may perform the next step automatically. Click Next.
    Note: do not use the IP address of the printer, as this could change at a later point, causing your computer's connection to the printer to break.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  6. If you see a window that says Additional port information required, then this means that your computer could not find the printer. Press the back arrow and make sure that the address is exact.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  7. If your computer is unable to find a driver automatically by querying the printer, select the model that matches your printer, then select the generic driver of that printer. You may see several entries for the generic driver. Any of these should work. Click Next.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  8. Select the Use the driver that is currently installed (recommended) radio button, then click Next.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  9. Name the printer. The name is arbitrary, so pick whatever is easiest for you to remember. Click Next.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  10. In the next section, click Do not share this printer, then click Next.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  11. Print a test page to make sure the printer is working. Close the Add Printer wizard and your settings application.
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