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How to Add a Printer in Windows 11 (Every Method Covered)

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Adding a printer in Windows 11 takes about two minutes when you know where to look. Whether you’re connecting over WiFi, USB, or a shared network printer at work, this guide covers every method step by step.

Method 1: Add a Printer via Settings (Most Common)

This works for most USB and WiFi printers and is the quickest route.

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Click Add a printer or scanner.
  4. Windows will search for nearby printers. When your printer appears in the list, click it and select Add device.
  5. Windows installs the driver automatically and the printer is ready to use.

If your printer doesn’t appear after 30 seconds, click The printer that I want isn’t listed and follow the steps below.

Method 2: Add a USB Printer

For printers connected directly to your PC with a USB cable:

  1. Make sure the printer is switched on.
  2. Plug the USB cable into the printer and into your PC.
  3. Windows 11 usually detects it automatically and installs the driver in the background.
  4. You’ll see a notification in the bottom-right corner when it’s ready.
  5. If nothing happens after a minute, go to Settings > Printers & scanners and click Add a printer or scanner.

Method 3: Add a WiFi Printer

Before adding the printer in Windows, make sure it’s connected to your WiFi network. Check your printer’s own menu or screen — most have a wireless setup wizard. Once it’s on the network:

  1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
  3. Your printer should appear within a few seconds. Click it and select Add device.

Make sure your PC is connected to the same WiFi network as the printer, or it won’t be found.

Method 4: Add a Network Printer by IP Address

Useful for office printers where Windows can’t auto-detect the device:

  1. Go to Settings > Printers & scanners and click Add a printer or scanner.
  2. When the search runs, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
  3. Select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname and click Next.
  4. Enter the printer’s IP address (you can find this by printing a configuration page from the printer).
  5. Click Next and Windows will connect and install the driver.

Method 5: Add a Shared Printer from Another PC

If someone on your network has a printer shared from their PC:

  1. Go to Settings > Printers & scanners > Add a printer or scanner.
  2. Click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
  3. Select Select a shared printer by name.
  4. Enter the network path in this format: \\COMPUTER-NAME\PRINTER-NAME (replacing with the actual PC and printer name).
  5. Click Next and follow the prompts.

How to Set a Default Printer

Once added, you can make it your default so Windows always prints to it:

  1. Go to Settings > Printers & scanners.
  2. Click your printer.
  3. Click Set as default.

If Windows keeps changing the default printer on you, scroll down in the Printers & scanners page and turn off Let Windows manage my default printer.

Printer Not Found During Setup?

If Windows can’t find your printer at all:

  • Make sure the printer is switched on and not in sleep mode.
  • Confirm it’s on the same WiFi network as your PC (not a guest network).
  • Try downloading the driver directly from the manufacturer’s website and run the installer — this often adds the printer automatically.
  • Try a USB connection first to confirm the printer works, then switch to WiFi.

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