Windows 8 In Depth

Windows Printing Primer

In most cases, installing and using a printer with Windows is nearly effortless. Just plugging the printer into your computer is usually enough. Installation and setup is automatic and silent. Within a few seconds you can start printing from whatever programs you use, without thinking any more about it. It doesn’t always go quite this smoothly, though, so we’ve devoted this chapter to the ins and outs of installing and using a printer in Windows 8.

Windows gives you control over the printing system through the Devices and Printers window, which is part of the old Control Panel. Here are the easiest ways to get there:

• Right-click the very bottom-left corner of the screen and click Control Panel. Then, under Hardware ...