Set up a new printer on Windows or Mac, connect it to WiFi or router, install printer software, and fix new printer setup failed issues. Step-by-step computer-focused help for new printer setup, brand new printer setup, new printer not connecting to WiFi, new printer not detected during setup, and printer setup failed on computer.

Before you begin: Keep your printer, computer, router, WiFi name, and WiFi password nearby. If the printer display shows a paper jam, cartridge, power, or hardware error, resolve that physical issue first.

Common Causes

• The printer is not in wireless setup mode.
• The computer is connected to a different WiFi network than the printer.
• The WiFi password was entered incorrectly.
• The router signal is weak near the printer.
• The printer driver or software was not installed correctly.
• An old printer entry is already saved on the computer.
• HP Smart app or printer software cannot find the new printer.
• Router settings are blocking local device discovery.

Step-by-Step Methods to Fix the Issue

1. Prepare the printer for setup
   Turn on the printer, install ink or toner if required, load paper, and finish any setup prompts on the printer screen before adding it to your computer.
2. Connect the computer to the correct WiFi
   Make sure your Windows PC or Mac is connected to the same router network you want the printer to use. Avoid guest networks during setup.
3. Start wireless setup mode on the printer
   Use the printer control panel or wireless button to start WiFi setup mode. If the printer was previously used, restore network settings before trying again.
4. Connect the printer to your router
   Select the correct router name and enter the WiFi password carefully. Keep the printer close to the router during the first setup attempt.
5. Install the latest printer software
   Download the current driver or setup software from the manufacturer’s official support website instead of using an outdated CD or old download.
6. Add the printer on Windows or Mac
   Open Printers & scanners on Windows or Printers & Scanners on Mac, remove old entries if needed, and add the new wireless printer again.
7. Complete setup in HP Smart if required
   If the setup app cannot add the printer, restart the computer, confirm both devices are on the same network, and repeat the add printer process.
8. Print a test page
   After setup, print a test page from the computer to confirm that the new printer is connected and ready.

Other Issues Covered by This Troubleshooting Article

New printer setup	Brand new printer setup
New printer setup on computer	New printer setup on Windows
New printer setup on Mac	Brand new printer not connecting to WiFi
Brand new printer not connecting to router	New printer not connecting to wireless network
New printer not showing up on computer	New printer not detected during setup
New printer setup failed	New printer wireless setup failed
New printer driver setup issue	New printer software installation issue
New OfficeJet printer setup	New LaserJet printer setup
OfficeJet printer setup on computer	LaserJet printer setup on computer
OfficeJet printer WiFi setup	LaserJet printer WiFi setup

When the Printer Connects to WiFi But Still Will Not Print

If the printer connects to the router but your computer still cannot print, the wireless connection may be working while the computer setup is incomplete. Check whether the printer appears as offline, whether the wrong printer is selected as default, or whether a previous USB or network printer entry is still installed.

Clearing the print queue, reinstalling the driver, and adding the printer again by network discovery can often fix a printer connected to WiFi but not printing from Windows or Mac.

FAQ: Printer Setup on Computer (Windows 11/10 or Mac)

Why is my new printer not connecting to WiFi?

The printer may not be in setup mode, the WiFi password may be incorrect, the router signal may be weak, or the printer may be trying to connect to the wrong network.

Why is my new printer not showing up on my computer?

The printer and computer may be on different networks, the driver may not be installed, or the printer may not have completed wireless setup.

Should I use a USB cable for new printer setup?

Some printers support temporary USB setup, but many new models are designed for wireless setup through printer software or an app. Follow the setup method recommended for your printer model.

Why did new printer setup fail on Windows or Mac?

Setup can fail because of outdated software, network discovery problems, blocked permissions, old printer entries, or router settings.

Can new printer setup be done remotely?

Many software, WiFi, router, driver, and computer setup issues can be reviewed remotely. Physical installation issues may require someone near the printer.