Before Windows 11 can add a wireless printer, the printer usually needs to be connected to Wi-Fi already. Most printers join Wi-Fi through their own screen, setup wizard, or manufacturer app. After that, Windows can normally find and install it.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide if you have a Wi-Fi printer and want to add it to a Windows 11 PC, or if Windows search does not find it automatically.
Add it automatically through Settings
This is the normal path once the printer is already on your Wi-Fi.
- Open Start > Settings, or press Windows key + I.
- Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device next to Add a printer or scanner.
- Wait while Windows searches.
- Click Add device next to your printer name.
- Print a test page from printer properties to confirm it works.
Add it manually by IP address
Use this when automatic discovery fails.
- Print a network configuration page from the printer to find its IP address.
- In Windows, return to Printers & scanners and click Add device.
- Choose Add manually if the printer is not found.
- Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
- Enter the IP address exactly and let Windows detect the printer type.
- Install the suggested driver and print a test page.
More control
Manufacturer apps can be easier
HP Smart, Canon utilities, Epson Smart Panel, and Brother software can connect the printer to Wi-Fi and add it to Windows in one guided flow.
Check network separation
Printers on guest Wi-Fi or an isolated IoT network may not be visible to a PC on the main network. Confirm both devices are on the same network segment.
Set the default printer
After adding it, open the printer entry in Printers & scanners and choose Set as default if you want Windows to select it automatically.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Install a printer in Windows (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows (2025)
- HP Support – Connect a Wireless Printer to a Windows PC (2025)