How To Choose A Printer For A Mixed Windows/Mac Office

I’ve used printers in offices with both Windows and Mac. Some worked well, others caused problems. I’ll share simple tips to help you choose a printer that works for everyone!

How to choose a printer for a mixed Windows/Mac office ( short answer )
To redeploy a printer in Intune, delete the old printer policy and add it again. Make sure the printer is shared, then sync devices in Intune to update the settings.

In this article we will discuss how to choose a printer for a mixed Windows/Mac office.

Table of Contents

How to Check if a Printer Works with Both Windows and Mac?

Check the Brand’s Website: Visit the printer manufacturer’s website to see if drivers are available for both Windows and Mac.
Look for AirPrint Support: If the printer supports AirPrint, it will work with Mac without extra drivers.
Verify Windows Compatibility: Ensure the printer has Windows Print Support or drivers available for easy setup.
Checking the Connection Options: To make sure the printer is compatible with the two systems, see if it offers USB port, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet ports.
Reading User Reviews: Seek to find out from user reviews whether other users have been able to test the printer on both platforms.
Test before Buying:If it is possible, try hooking it to both Windows and Mac computers as a further test of compatibility.

Choose The Right Connection Type

Wi-Fi Printers

Wi-Fi printers allow multiple users to print wirelessly from different devices without the need for physical cables. This is especially useful in shared office environments; it reduces clutter and gives more freedom of placement of the printer within the office.

Usb Printers

USB printers are directly cabled to the computer. While easy to set up, this type of connection permits a single user to attach and use the machine at a time. It is best suited in case of small offices or personal use, where access is only required by one device.

Ethernet Printers

With an Ethernet printer, a wired connection runs directly to the office network to ensure stable printing with very fast speed. More than one user from different computers on the same network can access the printer, making it suited for offices of medium to large size.

Cloud Printing

With cloud-printing options like AirPrint for Mac or Google Cloud Print, you’re free to print from anywhere, without having to install drivers on each computer. This type of connection includes options for remote or mobile workers, and makes printer management easier for IT teams.

Bluetooth Printers

Bluetooth printers allow wireless printing over a short distance—typically pairing directly with smartphones and tablets. While convenient in personal or small-scale use, Bluetooth may lack the range or performance needed to support many users in a typical office.

How to Find a Printer That is Easy to Set Up?

Look for Plug-and-Play Printers: Choose printers that automatically detect your device and don’t need complicated installation.
Check for Automatic Driver Installation: Pick printers that install their drivers automatically, saving you time and avoiding errors.
Ensure Compatibility: Ensure that the printer can run in both systems-Windows as well as Mac-to reduce setup time.
Print Wireless or Use Cloud Printing: Go for printers offering wireless or cloud printing options such as AirPrint or Google Cloud Print.
Always Read for Reviews and Manuals: Read through customer reviews and user manuals to make sure the setup is easy.

Which Type Of Printer Will Suit The Needs Of Your Office Best?

Inkjet Printers

Most recommended for offices needing high-quality color printing for documents/presentations/photos. Inkjet printers are versatile and capable enough for small offices that wouldn’t do that much printing. Inkjet printers are relatively cheap, but their running costs may be high due to ink cartridges.

Laser Printers

These suit the office that does a lot of printing. Laser printers give fast, reliable service and are prudent for high-volume printing. They usually provide clear sharp text and tendend to be more efficient compared to inkjet printers, especially if black-and-white printing is concerned.

All-in-One Printers

Best for offices that require more than just printing capabilities. An all-in-one printer encompasses printing, scanning, copying, and, in some cases, faxing capabilities, all in one machine. These types of printers are the best solution for businesses requiring multifunctional equipment while trying to save space.

Photo Printers:

Should your office specialize in the printing of high-end images and photographs, investing in a dedicated photo printer will probably be a good choice; these printers offer the best in color accuracy and quality, and are therefore the best type of printer for companies in the creative field of design and photography.

Thermal Printers

Work best in setting where there’s a need to print labels, barcodes, or receipts. Thermal printers are the fastest, highly reliable, and low-maintenance machines. The most common application is in retail, shipping, and logistics, and they are not appropriate for general office printing.

Label Printers

Should your office need to print labels for its products, folders, or inventory, label printers can fulfill this purpose.

Each type of printer serves a different purpose, so choose one based on your office’s specific needs and the volume of printing you expect to do.

How To Choose A Printer That Saves Money?

To save some money in printing, consider the following tips, which will help in lowering both the initial and running costs:

Low Cost Per Page: A low cost per page entails low-cost printing, especially for higher print volumes.
Separate Ink/Toner Cartridges: Choose a printer with separate color cartridges so you can easily replace the color that needs it.
High-Yield Cartridges: Choose models that can take high-yield cartridges for extra-long-lasting and cost-effective printing.
Energy Efficiency: Choose printers to save on electricity costs that are Energy Star rated for energy efficiency.
Duplex Printing: Choose printers with the duplex option to save paper by automatically printing on both sides.
Good Warranty and Support: Consider printers that are backed up by a good warranty and support, to minimize potential repair costs.

How To Test A Printer Before Buying?

Examine it for legibility, sharpness of images, and even color distribution (if it is a color printer).

Speed And Noise

Test the speed by printing many pages, and note the noise level; remember it shouldn’t be too high for your office.

Wireless Or Wired Connection

If the printer is wireless, check the connection with printing from different devices. For wired printers, ensure a stable and fast connection.

Scan And Copy (For All-In-One)

If the printer for sale is an all-in-one kind, check the scan and copy functions. Check if it runs in a trouble-free manner, as well as whether the quality of scans or copies is up to scratch.

Check Compatibility

Confirm the printer is compatible with Pom and Windows. Check that you install it on both machines without issues.

Test Paper Handling

Verify the capacity of the paper tray and how well the printer handles various sizes of paper. Also, test heavier papers for any professional print applications.

Note: You will have a corner of knowledge to help you in your buying decision after testing these aspects for your office printer’s specifications.

What Are The Best Printer Brands For Windows And Mac?

HP (Hewlett-Packard)

HP printers stand out for their reliability and сompatibility with Windows and Mac. They provide an extensive spectrum of printers, from bare-bones inkjet printers to high-end laser printers, for a plethora of office requirements.

Brother

Brother printers are cheap and are easy to set up with Windows and Mac connectivity. They’re especially popular for their laser printers, which are fast and cost-effective for high-volume printing. They also provide excellent customer service and support.

Canon

Canon offers high-quality printers, including photo printers and multifunction devices. They are known for their sharp print quality and good compatibility with both systems. Canon’s printers work well with AirPrint and have good software support for Mac.

Epson

Epson’s printers are great for both home and office use. They offer inkjet and eco-friendly models, often with low running costs and support for AirPrint and Windows printing. Additionally, the EcoTank series is particularly proficient at saving on ink.

Lexmark

Lexmark has built a reputation for laser printers with reliable performance for both Windows and Mac. These printers are quite economical for any small and medium business and have a variety of monochrome and color models to choose from. Lexmark is also known for solid customer support.

Xerox

Xerox is known for its high-quality laser printers that are designed for professional use. They offer excellent printing speeds and are very compatible with both Windows and Mac. Xerox is a great choice for offices that need high-volume printing.

These brands are highly regarded for their reliable performance and cross-platform compatibility, making them ideal choices for offices with both Windows and Mac users.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I Need A Set Of Special Drivers To Install For Mac Or Windows?

Some printer brands have separate drivers for each system, while others have universal or automatic driver installation for easy installation. Choose one of the above for a simple setup.

2. How Do I Know Whether A Printer Is Operational With Both Operating Systems?

Check on the manufacturer’s website for drivers for Windows and macOS, and be sure the printer supports AirPrint (for Mac) and standard drivers for Windows.

3. Are Wireless Printers Good For Mixed Windows/Mac Environments?

Yes, a Wi-Fi printer will allow Windows and Mac users to print without compatibility issues. Look for Advanced features such as Wi-Fi Direct or cloud printing functionality.

4. Could I Use Airprint For The Mac And A Different Option For The Windows Machine?

Yes, many printers support AirPrint for the Mac and Windows Print drivers so the printing can proceed seamlessly on both operating systems.

5. Is There A Separate Application For Windows And Mac?

Some printers would require different programs for each of their systems. Select a printer that has a browser-based installation or universal drivers for easier management.

6. Are There Printers Designated Specifically For Mixed Windows/Mac Offices?

There is technically no printer made specifically for this type of mixed office environment; however, HP, Brother, Canon, and Epson are all brands that offer excellent cross-platform support.

7. What Should I Do If My Mac Or Windows Pc Can’t Detect The Printer?

Restart the printer, check Wi-Fi settings, update drivers, and ensure both devices are on the same network for wireless printing.

8. Do I Need A Printer With Cloud Printing Support?

Yes, a printer with Google Cloud Print, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria ensures easy printing from both Windows and Mac devices.

9. Can I Print From A Mac Using A Printer Connected To A Windows Pc?

Yes, you can enable printer sharing in Windows settings and connect your Mac to the shared printer via the network.

10. What Should I Do If My Mac Prints Slower Than My Windows Pc?

Update your Mac printer drivers, check your Wi-Fi connection, and verify if AirPrint or the right driver is used.

Conclusion

Choosing a printer suitable for mixed-type installations ensures printing sans hassles or bumps. Look for compatibility, wireless connectivity, and easy driver support on both systems. A reliable brand that has active customer support for installation makes installation a breeze. With these in mind, identifying a cost-effective and useful printer for your office becomes easy.

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How To Choose A Printer For A Mixed Windows/Mac Office – The Perfect Print Solution!