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How to Install a Printer on Windows 11

By SpecCairn · Published October 28, 2026 · Documentation-based explanation, not a hands-on review

A white multifunction printer with its control screen off, standing on a gray counter against a ribbed wall.
Illustrative photo, not a product test. Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash. License & image notes.

Short answer: Most printers install on their own. Plug the printer in, or connect it to the same network as your PC, then open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and select Add device.123 If your printer isn’t listed, add it manually.4

How this guide was made: SpecCairn did not install a particular printer for this guide. The steps follow Microsoft Support for Windows 11; if your printer maker gives different steps, follow theirs.

Before you start

  • Turn the printer on. For a USB printer, plug it into the PC.2
  • Wireless printer? Make sure it’s on the same Wi-Fi network as the PC. The printer’s documentation explains how to connect it to a network.3
  • Copilot+ PC or another ARM PC? Microsoft says some ARM PCs can’t add a printer with the maker’s installer. Use Add device in Settings instead, unless the printer maker says otherwise. To check, open Settings > System > About and look at System type.5

Step-by-step: add the printer

  1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.2
  2. Check whether your printer is already in the list.2
  3. Go to Add a printer & scanner and select Add device.2
  4. Wait for the list to fill in; it can take a few minutes. Select Add device next to your printer. Windows may add it on its own.2
  5. Not listed? Next to The printer that I want isn’t listed, select Add a new device manually and follow the Add Printer window.4

How to check it worked

Print a test page.6 Then check Windows Update for newer printer drivers.7

Drivers

  • If a Find drivers button appears next to the printer, it may work with fewer features until a full driver is installed.7
  • Microsoft recommends Windows Update for printer drivers.7
  • If Windows Update has no driver, find your model number and look in the support or drivers section of the printer maker’s official website.7
  • Don’t use third-party driver download sites.8

Troubleshooting

ProblemWhat to do
Printer not foundTurn it off and unplug it, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.6
Wireless printer not foundCheck that its wireless option is on and that the PC uses the same network, even if you have extenders or several routers.63
Still not workingRun the printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app.6
Installed but not printingRemove it (Printers & scanners, select it, Remove), add it again, then install the latest driver.96
Bluetooth printerMicrosoft covers this in a separate article, “Pair a Bluetooth printer or scanner”.9

FAQ

Do I need the disc that came with the printer?

Usually not. Microsoft says Windows supports most printers without extra software, and that drivers on a disc might be out of date.17

What if Windows adds the printer by itself?

That’s normal. Microsoft notes the printer might be added automatically after you select Add device.2

About this guide

Not affiliated with Microsoft or any printer maker. See the methodology.

Scope: Windows 11 and printers connected by USB or the same network. Steps follow Microsoft Support; your printer maker's instructions can differ. Research-based; not device-tested.

Sources and reference notes

  1. Microsoft Support: Add or install a printer in Windows. Windows 11 tab, Summary; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text
  2. Microsoft Support: Add or install a printer in Windows. Windows 11 tab, Install a wired or local printer; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text
  3. Microsoft Support: Add or install a printer in Windows. Windows 11 tab, Install a network or wireless printer; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text
  4. Microsoft Support: Add or install a printer in Windows. Windows 11 tab, wired and network sections; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text
  5. Microsoft Support: Add or install a printer in Windows. Windows 11 tab, note on ARM PCs; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Microsoft Support: Download and install the latest printer drivers. Windows 11 tab, Important note; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text
  6. Microsoft Support: Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows. Windows 11 tab, Run the Windows printer troubleshooter; General troubleshooting steps 1 to 4; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text
  7. Microsoft Support: Add or install a printer in Windows. Windows 11 tab, notes after Add device; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Microsoft Support: Download and install the latest printer drivers. Windows 11 tab, Summary and Options 1 to 3; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text
  8. SpecCairn editorial guidance based on the cited sources; not a statement by a manufacturer or publisher. Back to text
  9. Microsoft Support: Add or install a printer in Windows. Windows 11 tab, Install a Bluetooth printer; Remove a printer; updated 2026-09-28; accessed 2026-10-28; official; Windows 11 tab. Back to text

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