Windows 8.1 Bible

Chapter 25: Installing and Managing Printers

IN THIS CHAPTER

Using the new Windows 8.1 Devices tool

Using your Devices and Printers folder

Choosing a default printer

Installing a new printer

Managing printer drivers

Setting default printer properties

Installing a printer is usually an easy job. There's one rule that applies to installing any hardware, and it certainly applies to printers: Read the instructions that came with the printer first. Trying to save time by ignoring the instructions and winging it is likely to cost you more time in getting the thing to work.

In many cases, you'll have the option to connect the printer to a USB port or a printer port. If your computer is a member of a network, you might want to install a shared printer that's physically connected to some other computer or a printer that is directly connected to the network. This chapter looks at different ways of installing printers, including using the new Windows 8.1 Devices tool, as well as techniques for managing installed printers.

Windows 8.1 also packs new support for wireless printing (WI-FI Direct) and far easier and more efficient support for ad-hoc connection to printers. Windows 8.1 also supports NFC (Near Field Communications) tap-to-pair technology.

There is nothing special you have to do to connect to printers using these technologies. Both WI-FI Direct and NFC tap-to-pair implementation depends on the printers. Newer printers support WI-FI Direct, while older printers can use NFC tap-to-pair ...