Need to print a document but your printer isn’t set up yet? Don’t worry—adding a printer in Windows 11 is much easier than it sounds. Whether it’s a wired printer, a wireless one, or even a network printer in your office, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Learn How to Add a Printer in Windows 11?
You might think printers are plug-and-play, but that’s not always the case. Knowing how to add one manually can save you time when:
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Setting up a new printer for the first time.
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Reconnecting an existing printer after an update.
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Adding a shared printer in an office or school network.
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Troubleshooting connection problems.
Types of Printers You Can Add
Before you start, figure out which type you’re dealing with:
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USB/Wired Printer: Connected directly via USB cable.
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Wireless Printer: Connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
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Network Printer: Shared on a local network (LAN).
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Cloud Printer: Managed via a cloud printing service.
What You Need Before Adding a Printer
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Printer drivers (usually auto-installed or downloadable from the manufacturer).
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Wi-Fi password (for wireless printers).
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Administrator access on your PC.
Method 1: Add a Printer via Windows Settings
This is the easiest and most common method.
Step 1: Open Settings
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Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Printers & Scanners
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Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Step 3: Add a Printer
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Click Add device.
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Wait for your printer to appear in the list.
Step 4: Select and Install
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Click on your printer’s name.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to install.
Method 2: Add a Wireless Printer Manually
If your printer doesn’t show up automatically, you can add it manually.
Step 1: Ensure Printer is On and Connected to Wi-Fi
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Follow your printer’s manual to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: Go to Settings
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Win + I > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Step 3: Add Device
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Click Add device, then select The printer that I want isn’t listed.
Step 4: Choose Manual Option
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Pick Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
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Enter your printer’s IP address.
Step 5: Install the Driver
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Windows will attempt to find the right driver, or you can install it manually.
Method 3: Add a USB/Wired Printer
Step 1: Connect the Printer
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Plug it into your computer via USB cable.
Step 2: Wait for Automatic Detection
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Windows 11 will often install it automatically.
Step 3: Install Manually (If Needed)
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Go to Settings > Printers & scanners > Add device.
Method 4: Add a Bluetooth Printer
Step 1: Enable Bluetooth
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Win + I > Bluetooth & devices > Devices > Turn Bluetooth On.
Step 2: Pair Your Printer
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Click Add device > Bluetooth.
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Select your printer and pair.
Method 5: Add a Network Printer in an Office
Step 1: Know Your Printer’s Name or IP
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Ask your network admin or check documentation.
Step 2: Go to Control Panel
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Search for Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a printer.
Step 3: Choose Network Printer
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Select Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
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Follow prompts.
Method 6: Add a Printer with Command Prompt or PowerShell
If you’re an advanced user:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt (Admin)
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Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click > Run as administrator.
Step 2: Enter Command
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This opens the Add Printer Wizard.
Troubleshooting Printer Connection Issues
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Printer not detected? Restart printer and PC.
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Driver missing? Download from manufacturer’s website.
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Wi-Fi printer offline? Reconnect to the network and check IP.
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USB printer not working? Try a different port or cable.
How to Set a Printer as Default
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Go to Settings > Printers & scanners.
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Select your printer.
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Click Set as default.
How to Remove or Reinstall a Printer
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Settings > Printers & scanners.
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Click the printer name.
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Select Remove.
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Add it again using the steps above.
Tips for Smooth Printing Experience
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Keep your printer drivers updated.
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Use the same Wi-Fi network for PC and printer.
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Restart your printer periodically to avoid glitches.
Should You Use Manufacturer Software?
Some brands (HP, Canon, Epson) offer their own utilities. These can:
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Help detect printers faster.
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Provide extra features like scanning and ink monitoring.
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But may add unnecessary bloatware.