Just got a new HP printer and really want to get started using it, but while it’s turned on, I can’t use it in my Windows apps. The printer’s a “wifi printer” if that makes a difference.
Definitely makes a big difference that it’s a wi-fi printer, because if it wasn’t network aware, you’d need to have it either plugged in to your computer directly via a USB line or plugged into a server on your network directly and then have that computer share it with other systems on the network like your own PC. The latter is generally how it works in offices, for example, where there’s a single computer that has all the big file systems, backups, and one or more printers, scanners and fax systems (or the more modern all-in-one devices). Then if you’re on the network, you get access to all of those devices and services automatically.
But with a wifi printer, no cables are necessary once you have it all set up. Of course, your first step must be to make sure that you log the printer into your wireless network, usually through the tiny touchscreen on the unit. Certainly, that’s how most modern HP printers work.
Once it’s online, search for “add printer” from the Win10 taskbar:
Search has done its job, click on “Devices and Printers”, as highlighted.
Now you’ll see all the known devices on your computer, scroll down to Printers:
If your printer’s there, you’re done! If not — and I’m guessing not — then click on the “Add Printer” link near the top.
A window will pop up with all printers the computer can see:
Hopefully your new printer will show up. If it doesn’t, then make sure that it’s on the network and that both the printer and your computer are on the same network! Still can’t see it? Then click “The printer that I want isn’t listed”.
Assuming you can see it, however, click on the printer to proceed and after a few seconds, you’re done:
You can print a test page if you’re so inclined, or simply click “Finish” and be done.
But here’s a handy tip: on the main Devices window, right-click on the new printer and you can set it as your default if you’d like:
Mission accomplished.
And now, when I go to print from something like Microsoft Edge, the HP 577 shows up as my default printer, as desired:
That’s it. Hope you get your printer up and configured easily too.