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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Restart the printer and computer, check the print queue, confirm the correct printer is selected, and verify the connection before reinstalling the driver. Read the full guide →
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Clean the printhead, let prints dry fully before handling, and confirm you're using paper rated for your printer's ink type. Read the full guide →
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Enable network discovery, confirm the print spooler service is running, and add the printer manually by IP address if automatic search fails. Read the full guide →
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Clean the feed rollers, confirm the paper guides are snug against the stack, and check that the tray is inserted fully. Read the full guide →