Windows can usually detect and install a printer automatically, whether it connects by USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or another computer on the network. If discovery fails, you can add the printer manually by IP address or shared path.
These steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Does This Affect You?
Use the automatic method first. If the printer is on Wi-Fi but does not appear, use the IP address method. If the printer is plugged into another PC by USB, use the shared printer method.
Add the Printer Automatically
- For a USB printer, connect the cable, turn the printer on, and wait a moment for Windows to install it.
- For a Wi-Fi printer, make sure the printer is already connected to the same network as the PC.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device.
- When the printer appears, click Add device beside it.
- Wait while Windows installs the driver and adds it to the printer list.
Add a Printer by IP Address
Use this when the printer is on the network but Windows cannot find it automatically.
- Find the printer IP address from the printer screen, network status page, or printed network configuration report.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device and let the search finish.
- Click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
- Enter the IP address, leave device type on Autodetect, and follow the driver prompts.
Add a Printer Shared from Another PC
- On the computer connected to the printer, open the printer’s Printer properties and enable sharing from the Sharing tab.
- On the second PC, open Printers & scanners and click Add device.
- If the printer is not found, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
- Choose Select a shared printer by name.
- Enter the path as
computer-nameprinter-nameand finish the prompts.
Finishing Touches
Set the Default Printer
Open the printer in Printers & scanners. Turn on Let Windows manage my default printer if you want Windows to choose based on recent use, or turn it off and select a default printer yourself.
Print a Test Page
Open Printer properties and click Print Test Page on the General tab to confirm the driver and connection work.
Install the Full Manufacturer Driver
If Windows installs a basic driver without ink levels, scan tools, paper presets, or advanced features, download the full package from the printer manufacturer for your exact model.
Pair Bluetooth Printers First
Put the printer in pairing mode, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, add it as a Bluetooth device, then add it under printers.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Install or add a printer in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Fix printer connection and printing problems
- Microsoft Support: Set your default printer in Windows