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Even though documents are increasingly created and shared via digital methods, printing often remains a daily need. This need makes finding the best printer for your office or workspace paramount from a productivity standpoint. The best all-in-one printers are often the perfect choice for remote workers or those in smaller office spaces. If you’ve recently bought a printer and need help putting it together, keep reading as we explain how to set up an all-in-one printer.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
For more printer-related material, check out our guide on the best 3D printers or our article on how to use a printer with a phone.
Insider Tip
Using grayscale for print jobs instead of black-and-white helps save ink.
Most modern printers come with some assembly required, but none of it is hyper-technical. This article covers the mechanical setup. However, remember that there are other areas to consider, like what connection type to use. We have articles on finding a printer’s IP address for those choosing wireless connections. However, if you want a wired connection, you can read our guide on how to connect a printer with an ethernet cable.
The great thing about all-in-one printers is that they serve multiple functions. For more, we have content covering how to send a fax from an all-in-one printer. We also have one on what to do when there’s no dial tone on a fax machine.
Because every printer has a slightly different setup process, consult the user manual to understand what parts are included with your machine. Also, check for any advice, warnings, or notices on what to know before beginning setup.
Plug the power cord into the back of the printer. Then plug it into the wall. Finally, press the power button to turn on the printer.
Unpack the individual ink cartridges and remove the pieces of tape covering the built-in print heads. Then, open the panel that accesses the cartridge holders and put them in place. You should hear a click to know they have been set correctly.
Find the paper tray and adjust the paper width guide to match the paper size you plan to use. Then place the paper on the tray.
Connect the printer to your computer via a USB cable and follow the instructions to download the software drivers. After this, set your printer as your computer’s default print device.
Read our guide covering what is an all-in-one printer if you want more in-depth details on this device.
Warning
Always turn off the printer when it’s not in use. Leaving the printer on leaves the printer heads exposed, leaving them to become dirty with dust and debris.
STAT: Users can save 50% on paper by using double-sided printing. (source)
