Easy Printer Setup in Ubuntu Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide
Printer setup in Ubuntu Linux lets you send documents and photos from your desktop to paper without hassle. Recent versions like Ubuntu 22.04 LTS spot most USB and wireless printers automatically the moment you plug them in or join your Wi-Fi network.
When Ubuntu fails to find your hardware on its own, the built-in Printers tool handles the job. Press the Super key, type “Printers” in the search box, and open the settings panel to add any local or network printer in just a few clicks.
Connect your printer via USB or Wi-Fi , and Ubuntu often detects it automatically. If not, open Settings , click Printers, then Add a Printer to begin the guided setup.
How to install local or network printer in Ubuntu Linux
Setting up a printer in Ubuntu Linux, even for network models, takes very little effort. Ubuntu often finds and installs the right drivers automatically, smoothing out the installation process for most users.
Here is how you can connect a printer to Ubuntu.
First, make sure your printer is turned on when you connect the USB cable to your Ubuntu desktop.
Ubuntu automatically installs connected printers using the best available drivers. Entering your password may be required to finish the printer installation when Ubuntu finds a suitable driver.
A message pops up when the system finishes installing the printer. Choose Print Test Page to print a test page, or select Options to make other adjustments in the printer setup.
If the above steps do not add your printer to Ubuntu Linux, manual installation serves as an alternative. This process uses a specific driver file for your printer model. Follow the instructions in the next section to find and load this driver.
Ubuntu centralizes hardware controls within the **System Settings** panel. Access this hub by clicking the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop.
Alternatively, click the System menu in the top-right corner of your desktop's top bar.
On the System menu, select Settings, as shown below.
Click on the Printers tile within the Settings app to open that panel.
In the System - Printer settings pane, click the Add a Printer button to start adding printers to Ubuntu Linux.
If your printer connects to Ubuntu Linux using a USB cable, Ubuntu Linux will detect the printer automatically when the printer scan begins, ensuring a smooth setup process.
In the pop-up window, select your new printer and click Add.
Troubleshooting installation issues might require installing printer drivers directly from the manufacturer's website or updating your Ubuntu Linux system.
Read the post below to learn how to install additional printer drivers in Ubuntu Linux.
How to install additional printer drivers in Ubuntu Linux
Conclusion: Getting a local or network printer running on Ubuntu takes very little effort these days. Modern versions recognize most major brands instantly using pre-installed drivers.
- Setting up a printer in Ubuntu Linux is now effortless, whether it's a local or network printer.
- Ubuntu's improved recognition of printer brands with pre-installed drivers simplifies the installation process.
- The centralized System Settings panel and the "Add a Printer" button streamline the manual installation of printers.
- Troubleshooting options, such as installing additional printer drivers from the manufacturer's website, are available if needed.
How to configure printer in Linux through command line?
The lpadmin command is used to create, modify, or delete a printer. The -p option specifies a printer to create or modify: lpadmin -p printername ...
Do printers work with Ubuntu?
Linux relies on OpenPrinting (a database of hardware drivers and configuration tools) to handle print queues. This is installed by default on Ubuntu and most Ubuntu-based distributions. OpenPrinting is usually called Printers in the GUI, or can be opened with the system-config-printer command in the terminal.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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