Computer Help and Support

But new printers out of the box will insist on the use of special Windows or smartphone setup utilities, no exceptions. Linux, Chromebook, and even Mac users are out of luck.

Part of it, I believe, is so they can geolocate which country the printer is operating in so they can get the user to accept the license agreements and wifi settings for that nation. Part of it is for marketing.

The last printer I had trouble with was an HP. The user couldn't set it up from his Chromebook and had to use his smartphone, which he only used as a phone. He didn't seem to know (or care...) that phones had "apps," much less where to find them.