Add a network printer in Windows
Add a Wi-Fi, Ethernet or shared printer to Windows 11 or 10, either automatically or by typing its IP address or network path.
Quick fix
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click Add device. If your printer doesn't appear within a minute, click Add manually, choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname and type the printer's IP address.
Didn’t work? Go to the full stepsYou might see
- You have a new network printer to set up
- The printer isn't listed when Windows searches
- Other computers print to it but yours has no entry for it
Usually caused by
- Printer not yet added to this PC
- Automatic discovery not finding the printer
- Printer shared from another computer rather than connected to the network itself
Step-by-step fix
Work through the steps in order and check each one off. Most people are printing again before the last step.
Windows 11 / 10
0 of 6 steps tried
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Check the printer is on the network
Turn the printer on and confirm it's connected to the same network as your PC. Print a network configuration page from its menu and note the IP address.
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Add it automatically
In Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and click Add device. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners and click Add a printer or scanner. Select your printer when it appears.
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Add it by IP address
If it isn't found, click Add manually (Windows 10: The printer that I want isn't listed). Choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname, set Device type to TCP/IP Device or IPP Device, enter the IP address and click Next.
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Choose a driver
If Windows asks for a driver, pick your printer's maker and model from the list. If it's missing, click Windows Update to refresh the list (this can take several minutes), or Have Disk if you've downloaded the maker's driver.
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Add a printer shared from another PC
If the printer is plugged into another computer and shared, choose Select a shared printer by name in the same window and type its path, for example
\\OFFICE-PC\Printer. The other computer must be switched on and sharing the printer. -
Print a test page
Select the new printer in Printers & scanners and choose Print test page. Choose Set as default if you want it used automatically.
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Try these next
Still stuck? Our printer assistant can walk you through it by live chat, free. . Or the The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Should I choose TCP/IP Device or IPP Device?
Either works for most modern printers. TCP/IP is the long-standing choice; IPP lets Windows use its built-in driver for printers that support it, so try it if you don't have a driver.
What is the difference between a network printer and a shared printer?
A network printer connects to your router itself. A shared printer is plugged into another computer that passes jobs to it, so that computer must be on for you to print.