How to Add a Printer on Windows 11

[javajolt]

Whether you have a wired printer connected via USB, a wireless printer on your Wi-Fi network, or a Bluetooth printer, printer setup is easy on Windows 11. Windows can automatically install printer drivers, too.

Adding a Printer on Windows 11

First, make sure your printer is powered on and plugged in if it is a wired printer. If it is a Wi-Fi printer, make sure it is connected to the same network as your computer.

Windows 11 automatically downloads the software your printer needs to function when you add the device.

To add a printer, click on the Start button, type “Settings” in the search bar, and hit Enter. Alternatively, you can hit Windows + I to open Settings. On the left-hand side of the Settings menu, click “Bluetooth & devices.”



On the next page, click on “Printers & scanners.”



Click “Add device” near the top right of the Printers and scanners page. Windows will attempt to detect your printer. Let this run for a bit — say 30 seconds to a minute. Depending on your PC and the printer, it could take a little while to identify the printer correctly.



If your printer doesn’t appear, click “Add manually.” A pop-up window will present you with a few choices.

Select “My printer is a little older. Help me find it.” if you plugged your printer into your computer. If it is a network or other wireless printer, select “Add a Bluetooth, wireless or network discoverable printer.”

Once you’ve made your selection, click “Next.”



If Windows 11 detects a printer, follow the recommendations shown on the screen.

How to Troubleshoot the Printer

Unfortunately, printers are notoriously fickle machines. Here are a few general troubleshooting steps you can take to try to resolve detection or printing problems.

source