To enable or configure the detection of an existing parallel port (often labeled LPT) in Windows 10, you can use the Device Manager to adjust its properties. This process is particularly useful for ensuring compatibility with older devices that use parallel connections.
Here are the steps to enable legacy Plug and Play detection for a parallel port in Windows 10:
- Access Device Manager: Open the Device Manager. You can typically do this by right-clicking the Start button and selecting 'Device Manager' from the menu.
- Expand Ports: In the Device Manager window, locate and click to expand the category named Ports (COM & LPT).
- Right-click the Printer Port: Under the Ports section, find your printer port. This is usually listed as Printer Port (LPT1). If your system has multiple parallel ports, you might see LPT2 or LPT3. Right-click on the appropriate LPT port.
- Open Properties: From the right-click context menu, select Properties. This will open a new window with settings for the port.
- Go to Port Settings: In the Properties window, click on the Port Settings tab.
- Enable Legacy Plug and Play Detection: On the Port Settings tab, look for the option Enable legacy Plug and Play detection. Click the checkbox next to this option to enable it.
- Apply Changes: Click OK to save the changes you've made to the port settings.
- Restart Your Computer: Windows will likely prompt you to restart your computer for the changes to take full effect. It is important to restart your system as prompted.
| Step | Action | Location/Window | Setting/Button |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Device Manager | Start Menu / Search | Device Manager |
| 2 | Expand Ports | Device Manager Window | Ports (COM & LPT) |
| 3 | Right-click Printer Port (LPT1, LPT2, etc.) | Ports (COM & LPT) List | Right-click menu |
| 4 | Click Properties | Right-click Menu | Properties |
| 5 | Click Port Settings Tab | Printer Port Properties Window | Port Settings Tab |
| 6 | Click Enable legacy Plug and Play detection | Port Settings Tab | Checkbox |
| 7 | Click OK | Printer Port Properties Window | OK Button |
| 8 | Restart your computer | System Prompt | Restart Now / Close and Restart Later |
Note: This process assumes you already have a parallel port installed on your computer (either integrated into the motherboard or via an add-in card). If you do not have a parallel port, you would need to install one physically before configuring it in Windows. Enabling legacy Plug and Play detection helps Windows recognize older hardware designed before modern PnP standards were common.
