When you connect a printer or scanner to your PC or add a new printer or all-in-one device to your home network, you can usually start printing right away. Windows 11 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.
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.
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On the taskbar, select the Search icon, type Printers in the search bar, and then select Printers & scanners from the search results to open the Printers & scanners system setting.
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Next to Add a printer or scanner, select Add device.
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Wait for it to find nearby printers, then choose the one you want to use, and select Add device. If you want to remove the printer later, select it, and then select Remove.
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If your printer isn't in the list, next to The printer that I want isn't listed, select Add manually, and then follow the instructions to add it manually using one of the options.
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If you’re not able to connect the printer manually, try to fix the problem by using the steps in Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
Notes:
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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.
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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.
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.
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On the taskbar, select the Search icon, type Printers in the search bar, and then select Printers & scanners from the search results to open the Printers & scanners system setting.
-
Next to Add a printer or scanner, select Add device.
-
Wait for it to find nearby printers, then choose the one you want to use, and select Add device. If you want to remove the printer later, select it, and then select Remove.
-
If your printer isn't in the list, next to The printer that I want isn't listed, select Add manually, and then follow the instructions to add it manually using one of the options.
-
If you’re not able to connect the printer manually, try to fix the problem by using the steps in Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
Related topics
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Find out how to install printer drivers in Windows.
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Find out how to set up a default printer in Windows.
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Find out how to view a printer queue in Windows.
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If you are having a problem changing your printer's "offline" status, see Troubleshooting offline printer problems.
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If you are having a problem with printer connectivity in Windows, see Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
