Install a printer in Windows 10

Applies to: Windows 10

When you connect a printer to your PC or add a new printer to your home network, you can usually start printing right away. Windows 10 supports most printers, so you probably won't have to install special printer software. Additional printer drivers and support might be available if you update Windows 10.

Note

If your PC is running Windows 10 S, some printers might not work with it, or they might have limited functionality. For more info, see Device support on Windows 10 S.

To install or add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer

If your printer is on and connected to the network, Windows should find it easily. Available printers can include all printers on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless printers or printers that are plugged into another computer and shared on the network. You might need permission to install some printers.

Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
Select Add a printer or scanner. Wait for it to find nearby printers, then choose the one you want to use, and select Add device.

If your printer isn't in the list, select The printer that I want isn't listed, and then follow the instructions to add it manually using one of the options.

Notes

If you use wireless access points, extenders or multiple wireless routers with separate SSIDs, you'll need to ensure that you're connected to the same network as the printer for your PC to find and install it.
If you have a new wireless printer that hasn’t been added to your home network, read the instructions that came with the printer, and check the printer manufacturer’s website to learn more and to get up-to-date software for your printer.

To install or add a local printer

In most cases, all you have to do to set up a printer is to connect it to your PC. Simply plug the USB cable from your printer into an available USB port on your PC, and turn the printer on.

Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
Select Add a printer or scanner. Wait for it to find nearby printers, then choose the one you want to use, and select Add device.

If your printer isn't in the list, select The printer that I want isn't listed, and then follow the instructions to add it manually using one of the options.

Need more help?

If you’re looking for help with a scanner, see Install and use a scanner in Windows 10.
Find out how you can Share your network printer.
Find out How to set a default printer in Windows 10.
Find out how you can Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows 10.
If your printer appears "offline," find out how you can Change a printer's status to "online."
If you're having problems with your printer after updating to the latest version of Windows 10, see Fix printer problems after updating Windows 10. For driver issues, see the "Step 3: Update drivers" section of this page.

Last Updated: May 7, 2019