1.6 Given a scenario, configure Microsoft Windows settings
📘CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)
Devices and Printers in Windows
Devices and Printers is a Windows feature that lets you view, add, configure, and manage hardware devices connected to your computer. This includes printers, scanners, external drives, monitors, and other USB or network devices.
In an IT environment, this tool is very useful for managing multiple devices, troubleshooting problems, and configuring devices for users.
How to Access Devices and Printers
There are several ways to open Devices and Printers in Windows:
- Control Panel
- Open Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Devices and Printers.
- Start Menu Search
- Press the Windows key, type
Devices and Printers, and press Enter.
- Press the Windows key, type
- Run Command
- Press Windows + R, type
control printers, and press Enter.
- Press Windows + R, type
For exam purposes, know that “control printers” is the Run command to open this tool.
What You Can Do in Devices and Printers
Here’s what you can do in Devices and Printers, which is important for the exam:
1. View Connected Devices
- You can see all devices connected to the PC: printers, scanners, monitors, external drives, USB devices, and Bluetooth devices.
- Icons show device type and status (like a small warning symbol if a device has a problem).
2. Add a New Device
- Click Add a device or Add a printer to install new hardware.
- Windows can automatically detect devices connected via USB, network, or Bluetooth.
- You might also manually install drivers if Windows cannot find them automatically.
3. Set a Default Printer
- Right-click a printer → select Set as default printer.
- The default printer is the one used automatically when users print documents.
- Important for exams: Only one printer can be the default at a time, but you can switch it anytime.
4. Printer Configuration
- Right-click a printer → select Printer properties or Properties.
- Key options include:
- Sharing: Allows other computers on the network to use this printer.
- Ports: Shows which port the printer uses (USB, TCP/IP, etc.).
- Advanced Settings: Set printing preferences, like duplex printing (double-sided) or color vs. black-and-white printing.
5. Troubleshooting Devices
- Right-click a device → select Troubleshoot.
- Windows will check for common issues (like driver problems or connectivity issues) and suggest solutions.
- Example for IT environments: if a user cannot print, troubleshooting here can fix driver issues or network printer problems.
6. Remove Devices
- Right-click → Remove device.
- Useful if the device is no longer used or needs to be reinstalled.
Common Device Types in IT Environments
In IT settings, you will mostly manage:
- Printers: Network printers, USB printers, multifunction printers (print, scan, copy).
- Scanners: Document scanners connected via USB or network.
- External Storage Devices: USB drives, external hard drives.
- Monitors and Projectors: Sometimes configurable through this tool for display settings.
- Bluetooth Devices: Keyboards, mice, or headsets connected wirelessly.
Exam Tips
- Know the Run command:
control printers. - Default printer: Only one printer is default at a time.
- Device troubleshooting is done by right-clicking → Troubleshoot.
- Adding devices: Can be automatic (Windows detects) or manual (install drivers).
- Sharing printers: Important for networked environments.
- Device status icons: Learn what each symbol means (e.g., yellow warning = problem, gray = offline).
Summary Table
| Task | How to Do It | Notes for Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Open Devices & Printers | Control Panel / Run: control printers / Search | Know at least one method |
| Add a device | Click “Add a device” | Can be USB, network, or Bluetooth |
| Set default printer | Right-click printer → Set as default | Only one default printer |
| Share printer | Right-click printer → Printer properties → Sharing | Networked devices can print |
| Troubleshoot device | Right-click → Troubleshoot | Windows suggests solutions automatically |
| Remove device | Right-click → Remove device | Useful for reinstalling or decommissioning |
✅ Key Points for Passing the Exam
- You need to understand the features and tasks available in Devices and Printers, especially adding, removing, sharing, setting default, and troubleshooting devices.
- Know the Run command (
control printers) and navigation paths. - Be familiar with networked vs. local devices and common device types in Windows environments.
