how to hook up my HP printer to my Dell computer (had been hooked up before)

Angie Nygaard 0 Reputation points
2026-10-04T22:40:40.88+00:00

how to hook up my HP printer to my Dell computer (had been hooked up once before)

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers
0 comments

3 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-10-04T22:40:52.57+00:00

    If the HP printer was connected before, the quickest fix is usually to remove it and add it again.

    1. Turn on the HP printer.
    2. If it is a USB printer, connect the USB cable to the Dell computer.
    3. If it is a wireless printer, make sure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Dell computer.
    4. On the PC, open Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners in Windows 10, or Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners in newer Windows versions.
    5. Check whether the printer is already listed:
      • If listed but not working, select it and remove it.
      • If not listed, continue to the next step.
    6. Select Add a printer or scanner or Add device.
    7. Wait while Windows searches for printers, then select the HP printer and choose Add Device.

    If Windows does not find the printer automatically:

    1. In Printers & scanners, select Add manually.
    2. If the printer is connected directly to the computer, select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings.
    3. Select Use an existing port:
      • For USB, choose the USB port.
      • For older printers, LPT or COM ports may also appear.
    4. Select Next.
    5. Install the driver:
      • If the printer came with a driver disc, select Have Disk.
      • Otherwise, select Windows Update and wait for the printer list to refresh.
    6. Select HP as the manufacturer and then select the printer model.
    7. Select Next and finish the setup.
    8. Print a test page to confirm it works.

    If the printer is wireless and still is not found, confirm the Dell computer and printer are on the same network. If there are multiple routers, extenders, or separate Wi-Fi names, Windows may not detect the printer unless both devices are on the same one.

    If the PC is ARM-based, use the Windows printer setup steps instead of the printer manufacturer installer.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. EmilyS726 270.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-04T23:15:03.16+00:00

    Hello

    You likely just need to install the printer driver again. I can help you find the driver but I need to know your HP's model number.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Bulldog 4,765 Reputation points
    2026-10-05T00:00:28.2833333+00:00

    Not to worry, the most straightforward way to hook up your printer is to simply uninstall and reinstall the printer according to HP's instructions. This is not scary at all. And the easiest way to install the printer is to use a USB cable to attach the printer to your computer.

    You're in luck because HP is really good about instructions. In addition to their published instructions, they have videos on their website to help you install their printers, and you can access their technical support, and they have their own community forum - just like Microsoft Q&A - where you ask questions of other HP printers owners. That's probably the best place to get advice, but we are also glad to help.

    The key is to tell us the exact model of HP printer you have, so we can find the correct instructions on HP's website, and probably videos we can point you to. If you like, here is HP's official Printer Support Community.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.