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How to Add a Printer to Windows 11

You can do this manually or have Windows do it automatically

By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 19, 2022 Reviewed by Chris Selph Reviewed by Chris Selph Chris Selph is a CompTIA-certified technology and vocational IT teacher. He also serves as network & server administrator and performs computer maintenance and repair for numerous clients. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Microsoft Microsoft Apple Google Tablets Accessories & Hardware

What to Know

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device.Select Add device to install the printer automatically.Choose Add manually for manual installation options. This article explains how to add a printer to Windows 11. A printer can be added manually or automatically, so both sets of directions are provided.

How to Add a Printer to Windows 11 Automatically

If Windows can identify the printer automatically, installing it takes just a couple of minutes and there's not really anything you have to do except click a few buttons. Open Settings. One way to get there is by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Settings, but you can also use your keyboard via WIN+i. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select Add device, wait a few seconds for Windows to locate the printer, and then select Add device next to the one you want to install. Have an older printer? It probably won't show up in the list, so choose Add manually instead, and then My printer is a little older. Help me find it to search for it. For more help adding a printer that isn't listed, see the manual instructions below. Wait while the printer gets installed. It'll show up in the list with any other printers and scanners you're already using.

How to Manually Add a Printer to Windows 11

If your computer isn't recognizing the printer automatically, you can try to add it manually. Open Settings, and go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device. Wait a few seconds while Windows attempts to locate the printer automatically. When you see the Add manually link, select it. There are several options here, depending on your situation and how you plan to connect to the printer. All five options work for wireless or network-attached printers. If your printer is attached locally/directly to your computer, choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, and then Next. Choose the port the printer is attached to, and then select Next. If it's connected via USB, select it from the list. There are also options for parallel (LPT) and serial (COM) ports. Next are your options for installing the printer driver. If the printer came with a disc that includes the driver, select Have Disk to browse for it. Otherwise, choose Windows Update. Wait while Windows populates a list of options. You'll see a screen with the message Windows is updating the list of printers. This might take a few minutes. Choose the printer's manufacturer from the left column, and then the model from the right column. Select Next. Name the printer, and then select Next. This can be anything you want, since it's just for your reference. If you see a screen asking which version of the driver to use, select Replace the current driver. However, if you're confident the installed driver is correct, choose Use the driver that is currently installed. Wait while the printer is installed in Windows 11. Choose Do not share this printer, and then select Next. Unless, of course, you do want to share it with other devices on your network, in which case select Share this printer and fill out those details. You should now see a success page. Select Print a test page if you want to test the printer, otherwise choose Finish to see the printer in your list of devices. Why Isn't My Printer Printing? FAQ How do I add a wireless printer to Windows 11? To add a wireless printer to a Windows 11 PC, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device, then select Add a printer or scanner. Select your printer and click Add Device. If Windows 11 doesn't find your printer, select The printer that I want isn’t listed, then choose the option for Add a Bluetooth, wireless, or network discoverable printer. How do I add a network printer in Windows 10? To add a network printer to Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and select Add Printer or Scanner. Windows 10 will display nearby printers; select your printer and follow the on-screen prompts. If your printer isn't listed, click The printer that I want isn't listed, choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, and follow the prompts. How do I add a wireless printer in Windows 10? To add a wireless printer to Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners and select Add Printer or Scanner. Wait for Windows 10 to find your wireless printer. If it doesn't, select The printer that I want isn't listed, choose Add a Bluetooth, wireless, or network discoverable printer, and follow the prompts. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Add a Printer to Windows 10 How to Print to PDF How to Reset All Audio Settings in Windows 11 Latest Windows 10 Drivers (October 21, 2022) How to Find the Printer on Your Network in Windows 11 How to Connect a Printer to a Laptop How to Use Quick Settings in Windows 11 How to Find the Printer on Your Network in Windows 10 How to Fix It When Windows 11 Bluetooth Is Not Working 9 Ways to Fix DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 11 How to Scan From Printer to Computer No Sounds on Windows 11? Here's How to Fix It How to Add and Connect a Printer to Your Chromebook How to Access Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11/10/8 How to Map a Network Drive in Windows 11 How to Add Bluetooth to Your Computer Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies