You do not need the CD to install a printer. Windows 10 and Windows 11 can detect modern printers automatically when they are connected via USB or on the same WiFi network.
For a feature installation you should download the driver directly from the printer manufacturers website, such as hp.com/support, usa.canon.com/support, epson.com/support or support.brother.com and then run the installer. This process replaces everything the CD would have done.
Most new computers do not even have a CD drive anymore. Even those that do rarely need the disc because the installation files on printer CDs are outdated by the time you open the box. The current driver that you download directly from the manufacturer’s website is always newer and better than what’s on the disc.
Follow our complete guide on how to clean printer heads for step-by-step instructions for HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother printers.
Here is how to install any printer, on Windows or Mac without a CD. There are three methods depending on your setup.
Method 1: Automatic Detection
Windows 10 and Windows 11 can. Set up most new printers on their own. This can happen when you connect the printer to the computer using a USB cable or when you connect it to the internet using WiFi. You do not have to do anything to install the drivers for the printer. Windows 10 and Windows 11 take care of this for you
For a USB printer:
- Plug the printer into your computer using a USB cable and turn it on.
- Your computer will find the printer. Install a simple driver on its own.
- You will see a message appear at the right of your screen.
- When it’s done, go to Settings, then Bluetooth & devices, and then Printers & scanners to check if the printer is there.
- Print a test page to make sure the printer works.
For a WiFi printer:
- First you need to connect the printer to your WiFi network. You can do this by using the WiFi setup button on the printer or the control panel.
- If you are using Windows, you should go to Settings. Then click on Bluetooth and devices. From there, click on Printers and scanners. Then click on Add device. Windows will then look at the network. Find the printer.
- When you see the printer, click on “Add device” to the printer. Windows will install the driver for the printer automatically.
The installation will put a driver on your computer that will let you do basic printing with the printer. If you want to scan or send a fax or check the ink levels or use advanced features of the printer, you should use a different method, which is Method 2, instead of this one.
Method 2: Download the Driver From the Manufacturer's Website
- HP: support.hp.com → Enter your HP printer model → Software and Drivers → Download
- Canon: usa.canon.com/support → Select your Canon product → Drivers & Downloads
- Epson: epson.com/support → Select your Epson product → Drivers
- Brother: support.brother.com → Select your Brother model → Downloads
- Xerox: support.xerox.com → Select your Xerox product → Drivers
Steps to Install Printer drive in operating system –
- Go to the HP or Canon or Epson or Brother or Xerox manufacturers support site. Enter your HP or Canon or Epson or Brother or Xerox printer model number that is printed on the front or bottom of your HP or Canon or Epson or Brother or Xerox printer.
- Select your operating system, this could be Windows 10 or Windows 11. It could be macOS with the version number.
- Download the Full Driver & Software Package, for your HP or Canon or Epson or Brother or Xerox printer do not download the basic driver.
- Run the downloaded file this will be a.exe file if you have Windows or a.dmg file if you have a Mac and follow the setup wizard.
- When you are prompted to choose how your HP or Canon or Epson or Brother or Xerox printer connects this could be USB. It could be Wireless.
Method 3: Add Printer Manually (For Network Printers With a Known IP Address)
If your printer is already on the network but Windows is not finding it by itself, which is pretty common with office printers that have a static IP address, you can add it yourself.
- You need to print a configuration page from the printer to find out its IP address. You can usually do this by going to the Menu then Connection Status and then Print Report.
- On your windows computer you have to go to the Settings, Bluetooth and devices then Printers and scanners then Add device and then click on the printer that I want is not listed.
- Now you have to choose the option that says Add a printer using an IP address or hostname this is what you need to do.
- You have to enter the printer’s IP address and then click Next and Windows will connect to the printer and install it for you so your printer will be ready to use.
Installing a Printer on Mac Without a CD
Mac handles printer installation in a way more than Windows. And usually, it works better for new printers.
- You need to connect the printer with a USB cable or make sure it is on the Wi-Fi network as your Mac.
- Go to System Settings click on Printers & Scanners and then click the ‘+’ button.
- Your printer should show up in the list. Select it. Click Add.
- If your printer does not show up you need to download the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
Make sure to select macOS as your operating system. Then run the installer package. After that try adding the printer
Apple keeps a list of printer drivers for popular brands. When you add a printer Mac will download the driver automatically. So, you do not have to visit the manufacturer’s website. Your Mac will often install the driver without you noticing.
What If Windows Can't Find the Printer at All?
If the automatic detection does not work and the manufacturers driver installer cannot find the printer then check these things:
- The printer is turned on. Not in sleep mode.
- The USB cable is properly connected at both ends.
- For WiFi printers make sure both devices are on the network.
Also check that the printer has an IP address. You can print a config page to confirm this.
Refer to our printer driver installation guide for more troubleshooting steps
Frequently Asked Questions
You should go to the support website, for HP, which’s support.hp.com. When you get to this website you need to enter the model of your printer. After that you can download the Full Feature Software and Drivers for the operating system you are using. This will put all the things on your computer that you would have gotten if you had the CD and it also includes updates that’re not on the disc.
The model number is on a label. You can find this label on the front of the printer. It is on the bottom, or it is inside the cover of the printer. For HP printers the model number is also on a page that the printer can print out. To get to this page, you need to press the Wireless button and the Information button at the same time on most of the HP printers.
So this works for modern printers that are connected by a USB cable or are on the same WiFi network as you. Windows 11 is really good at finding printers on its own, a lot better than Windows 10 was. If Windows 11 does not find your printer you will need to go to the website of the company that made your printer and download the driver for your printer from there.
To get the driver for your Canon, you need to pick the correct one for your specific model. You should go to usa.canon.com/support, find your Canon model, choose the operating system you are using, and then download the Full Software Package. Do not just get the driver. The Canon installer will help you set up your WiFi or USB connection when you are doing this.
I always use this version. The CDs that come from the manufacturer are made months before the printers are shipped. They are never updated. The online driver has all the updates that were made after it was released and it has security updates. It has fixes to make sure it works well with other things. Especially when it comes to making sure it works with Windows 11.
Conclusion
Installing a printer without a CD is not only possible but is also the recommended method for both Windows and Mac users. Most modern operating systems automatically detect and install compatible printers, while downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s official website provides access to new features, security updates, and bug fixes. Whether you are connecting via USB or Wi-Fi, or using the printer’s IP address, you can complete the setup in just a few steps without needing the original installation disc. If any issues arise, most printer installation problems can be quickly resolved by checking your connection and network settings and installing the correct driver.
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