Setting Up Thermal Printer using Generic Printer Driver

A Zebra printer can be set up in Windows 7/8/10/11 without installing the Zebra printer driver. A generic printer driver is used instead. Zebra printers are usually attached to the computer's USB port. Some experimentation may be needed to identify the printer port. The following instructions assume that the printer is attached to an LPT or a USB port on the local PC.

To set up the printer using a generic printer driver:

1. In the Windows Printer folder, select the option to add a new printer.

2. Select Local printer (uncheck the option to have Windows Automatically Detect).

3. Select the port to which the printer is attached (usually "LPT1", for USB it is "USB001").

4. On the list of printers, select as follows.

   • Manufacturer: Generic (if Generic is not available, select Microsoft as the manufacturer).

   • Printer: Generic/Text Only.

   • Set the printer name to Zebra Label Printer.

   • Once this printer is installed, confirm that the Desktop Toolbox is installed.

   • Exit and re-enter settings, set the Printer Type to Zebra, and select this newly created printer from the list of printers.

   • Click Test Label to confirm proper operation.

   • If nothing prints, and if using USB, try changing the port for the printer to one of the other USB ports (e.g., "USB002").

   • Continue testing in Settings until it prints.

   • Run a test shipment to confirm proper operation.

Note: Some experimentation may be needed if more than one USB00X port is available.

Generic Printer Installation Walk Through on Windows 7 and 8

1. In the Printers folder, select to Add a printer.
   
   
   

2. Select to Add a Local Printer.
   
   
   

3. Select the option to Create a new port. If connecting via USB, select Use an existing port and select USB001 or USB002 (as appropriate for your printer connection). For an ethernet-connected printer, select as shown below:
   
   
   

4. Ethernet-connected printer: Enter the IP Address.
   
   
   

5. Ethernet-connected printer: Select Generic Network Card.
   
   
   

6. All connection types: Select the Generic Text Only printer.
   
   
   

7. Give the printer a friendly name.
   
   
   

8. Click Finish when done.
   
   

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