How to add a Non-Xerox desktop printer to your computer

Issue/Question

  • How do I set up my desktop printer on my computer?
  • There is a non-shared printer in my office I'd like to use.

Resolution

Note: This article does not contain information on how to solve an issue with a printer not working as intended or appearing offline on your computer. Though removing and re-adding the printer is a good troubleshooting step, this may not solve your issue. Please contact the ITS Help Desk for support with any printing issues.

This article details how to set up a printer that is not located on \\printserver. For instructions on how to set up a shared Xerox printer that is located on \\printserver (check here first), click here. Setting up a non-shared desktop printer differs greatly from setting up a shared Xerox printer. 

This is an advanced process - if you need additional help, please contact the ITS Help Desk and we will be happy to assist you over the phone or by setting up an appointment for a technician to help in-person.

Instructions currently only available for Windows 10. For other operating systems, please contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance.

Windows 10

  1. Print a Configuration Page on the printer. Depending on the printer make and model, this can be wildly different both in how to print the Configuration Page and in what the Configuration Page itself looks like. 
    • When printing the Configuration Page, it may be located in the Settings, in a menu called Reports or something similar, or it could be a combination of button presses, for example on printers without a screen for menus.
    • The Configuration Page itself could go by different names. Some examples are Configuration Page, Configuration Report, Setup Information, Printer Setup, Information Report, etc.
    • Here is what the Configuration Page for an HP Laserjet CM1415fnw looks like:
  2. Look for the Host Name on the page and note what it is, as it will be used later in this process.
    • Using the previous example of the HP Laserjet CM1415fnw, here's where the Host Name is on that Configuration Page:
  3. Go to Windows Settings by clicking on the cogwheel in the Start Menu.
  4. Click on Devices.
  5. Click on Printers & Scanners in the left pane.
  6. Click on "Add a printer or scanner."
  7. Once it's finished searching for printers, click on "The printer that I want isn't listed."
  8. Choose "Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname" and click Next.
  9. In the "Hostname or IP address" field, type in the Host Name from the Configuration Page of the printer you're setting up. and click Next.
    • It will simultaneously type in that field as well as the "Port name" field, this is normal. The "Port name" may end up looking slightly different from the IP address you entered, this is also normal.
    • Make sure "Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use" is checked off.
  10. If any prompts come up about driver versions, simply click "Next."
  11. Name the printer anything you'd like, such as the room number, "My printer," or leave the name that was automatically generated.
  12. On the "Printer Sharing" prompt, make sure the "Do not share this printer" option is selected and click Next.
  13. Check the option to "Set as the default printer" if you are going to be primarily printing to this printer. Print a test page if you'd like using the button provided, then click Finish to finalize the setup.

If you experience any issues during this process or would like additional help, please contact the ITS Help Desk.

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