How to Add a Printer in Windows 11 and Windows 10 (Wireless, USB, or IP Address)

Published September 27, 2026. Written by William Elward, founder of Castle Ink.

Quick answer

In Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, click Add device, and when your printer appears, click Add device next to it. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > Add a printer or scanner. If your printer doesn't show up, choose “The printer that I want isn't listed” (or Add manually) and add it by its IP address.

Before you start

• Turn the printer on and connect it to the same network as your PC (or plug in USB). New printer? Start with how to set up a new printer.
• Print the printer's network configuration page or check its screen for its IP address. You'll need it if Windows can't find the printer. See How to find your printer's IP address.

Add a wireless or network printer in Windows 11

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Click Add device and wait 10–20 seconds while Windows searches.
4. Click Add device next to your printer. Windows installs a driver automatically.
5. Click the printer, then Printer properties > Print test page to confirm it works.

Add a printer by IP address (when it isn't listed)

1. In Printers & scanners, click Add manually (Windows 11) or The printer that I want isn't listed (Windows 10).
2. Choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname and click Next.
3. Leave Device type on Autodetect, type the printer's IP address, and click Next.
4. Pick the driver if asked (use the manufacturer's if available), name the printer, and finish.
5. Print a test page.

Add a USB printer

Plug the USB cable into the PC while the printer is on. Windows usually adds it within a minute. If it doesn't, go to Printers & scanners and click Add device. For cable questions, see Printer USB cable guide.

Add a printer in Windows 10

1. Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
3. Select your printer and click Add device, or click The printer that I want isn't listed to add it by IP address.

Common questions

Do I need to install the manufacturer's driver?

Not always. Windows' built-in driver handles basic printing for most printers. Install the full software from HP, Canon, Epson, or Brother if you need scanning, ink levels, duplex options, or maintenance tools like cleaning and alignment. See What is a printer driver (and do you still need one)?.

Windows can't find my printer. What should I check?

Confirm the printer and PC are on the same network (not a guest network), the printer isn't in sleep mode, and it has an IP address. Restart the printer, router, and PC. If it still won't appear, add it by IP address. More: Why won't my printer connect to my computer?.

How do I set a default printer?

In Printers & scanners, turn off Let Windows manage my default printer, then click your printer and choose Set as default.

It says “Driver is unavailable.” How do I fix it?

Remove the printer, restart the PC, and add it again, or install the manufacturer's driver. Details: Printer driver is unavailable: how to fix it.

My print jobs get stuck in the queue. What now?

Clear the queue and restart the Print Spooler service. See How to restart the print spooler.

Why does my printer keep showing Offline in Windows?

Usually the printer's IP address changed or it went to sleep. Reserve an IP address for it in your router. See Why does my printer keep going offline?.

How do I remove an old printer?

In Printers & scanners, click the printer and choose Remove. Removing stale entries prevents jobs from going to the wrong device.

Related guides

• How to find your printer's IP address
• Why won't my printer connect to my computer?
• Printer driver is unavailable: how to fix it
• How to restart the print spooler
• Why does my printer keep going offline?
• How to add a printer to a Mac

About the author: William Elward is the founder of Castle Ink and has written about printers, ink cartridges, and printing technology for more than 20 years.