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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Clean the feed rollers, don't overfill the paper tray, and make sure the paper weight matches your printer's specifications. Read the full guide →
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Confirm the printer and computer share the same network, enable network discovery, and restart both devices before searching again. 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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Check Windows Update for an official driver, or download the Windows 11-specific driver directly from the manufacturer if the built-in one fails. Read the full guide →