How to add a printer in Windows 11
Windows 11 can set up most printers on its own in a couple of minutes. Here’s the standard way, what to do when your printer doesn’t appear, and how to make sure it stays your default.
Quick answer
Open Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners and click Add device. When your printer appears, click Add device next to it. If it doesn’t appear, choose Add manually and add it by IP address.
Before you start
- Unbox the printer fully — remove all tape and packing material, install ink or toner, and load paper.
- For Wi-Fi printers, connect the printer to your Wi-Fi first using its screen or the manufacturer’s app.
- Make sure your PC is on the same Wi-Fi network.
Add a wireless printer
- Open Settings (Windows key + I) › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners.
- Click Add device and wait for Windows to search.
- Click Add device next to your printer. Windows installs a driver automatically.
- Click the printer › Print test page to confirm it works.
Add a USB printer
- Turn on the printer and connect it to the PC with a USB cable.
- Windows usually detects it and installs it within a minute. Check Printers & scanners to confirm.
- If it doesn’t appear, click Add device, or install the manufacturer’s software and connect the cable when the installer asks.
Printer not listed? Add it by IP address
- Print the printer’s network configuration page and note its IP address.
- In Printers & scanners, click Add device, then Add manually.
- Choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname › Next.
- Type the IP address, click Next, choose the driver for your model, and finish.
Set your default printer
By default Windows 11 picks the last printer you used. To choose a fixed default, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer at the bottom of Printers & scanners, then click your printer and choose Set as default.
Do you need the manufacturer’s software?
For basic printing, no — Windows’ built-in driver is fine. Install the official software from the manufacturer’s site (or HP Smart from the Microsoft Store) if you want scanning, ink levels, or advanced features like double-sided options and photo settings.
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Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t Windows 11 find my printer?
Usually it’s on a different network, your network is set to Public, or the printer isn’t connected to Wi-Fi yet. See our printer not detected guide.
How do I print a test page in Windows 11?
Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › click your printer › Print test page.