A complete walkthrough for adding a new or existing printer to Windows 11, including what to do if it doesn't appear automatically.
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners > Add device, and select your printer once it appears.
Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting
- Confirm the printer is powered on and connected to the same network or USB port.
1. Open Printers & Scanners
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add Device
Windows will automatically search for nearby printers on your network or USB ports.
3. Select Your Printer
Choose your printer from the list once it appears and click Add device.
4. Install Any Requested Drivers
Allow Windows to download and install the driver automatically if prompted.
5. Print a Test Page
Confirm the setup completed successfully with a simple test print.
What If It's Still Not Fixed?
If you've worked through every step above and the problem continues, it's worth checking a nearby cause rather than repeating the same steps. The guides below cover the most common related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
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Remove the printer completely, download the latest driver from the manufacturer's support page, and reinstall it manually. Read the full guide →
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Move the printer closer to the router, confirm you're using the 2.4GHz network if your printer requires it, and re-enter the WiFi password carefully. Read the full guide →
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Remove the printer from System Settings > Printers & Scanners and add it again to refresh its connection status. Read the full guide →
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From the printer's screen, open network settings, select your WiFi network, enter the password, then add the printer on your computer or phone. Read the full guide →