How to Print From a Laptop (Wireless or USB)

Printing from a laptop should be easy, but wireless printers can be stubborn. Here’s how to connect any HP, Canon, Epson or Brother printer to a Windows or Mac laptop, and fix “printer offline”.

Connect a wireless printer (Windows 11)

1. Turn on the printer and connect it to your Wi-Fi using its screen or setup button. Check the printer’s manual or the maker’s setup app.
2. On your laptop, go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
3. Click Add device, wait for your printer to appear, then click Add device next to it.
4. Print a test page: click the printer → Print test page.

Printer not listed? Click Add manually and choose “Add a printer using an IP address” (find the IP on the printer’s network settings page or a printed network report).

Using the printer maker’s app

• HP: HP Smart (Microsoft Store or App Store) handles setup, scanning and ink levels. Some HP features require an HP account.
• Canon: Canon PRINT / Canon IJ Network setup tools.
• Epson: Epson Smart Panel / Epson Connect.
• Brother: Brother iPrint&Scan.

These apps are optional for basic printing. Windows’ built-in drivers (Mopria/IPP) handle most modern printers without them.

Connect with a USB cable

Plug the printer into your laptop with its USB cable. Windows installs it automatically within a minute. Check Printers & scanners if it doesn’t appear. Laptops with only USB-C ports need a USB-C to USB-B cable or a USB-C hub.

Print from a Mac

1. Connect the printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. System Settings → Printers & Scanners → Add Printer, Scanner or Fax.
3. Select the printer. Most modern printers support AirPrint and need no extra software.

Fix “printer offline” or nothing prints

1. Restart the printer, laptop and Wi-Fi router.
2. Check the printer is still on the same network. Router changes and power outages can knock it off.
3. Windows: Printers & scanners → your printer → Open print queue → cancel stuck jobs.
4. Restart the print spooler: press Win + R, type services.msc, find Print Spooler → Restart.
5. Make sure the right printer is the default (Printers & scanners → turn off “Let Windows manage my default printer” and choose yours).
6. Remove the printer and add it again.
7. Give the printer a reserved IP address in your router’s settings so it doesn’t change.

FAQ

Can I print from my laptop without Wi-Fi?

Yes. Use a USB cable, or Wi-Fi Direct if your printer supports it (connect your laptop to the printer’s own Wi-Fi network).

Do I need to install drivers?

Usually not for printers made in the last several years. Windows and macOS include generic drivers. Install the maker’s software only if you need scanning or extra features.