How to Add a Printer in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction:

Printing is an essential task for many people, whether for work, school, or personal use. If you’re using a Windows 11 PC, adding a printer is a quick and easy process. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in adding a printer to Windows 11, both wired and wireless.

Prerequisites:

Before you add a printer to Windows 11, you’ll need to make sure that you have the following:

• A printer that is compatible with Windows 11.
• A USB cable or a network connection, depending on the type of printer you have.
• The latest printer drivers installed on your PC.

Steps to Add a Wired Printer:

To add a wired printer to Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Connect the printer to your PC using a USB cable.
2. Turn on the printer.
3. Wait for Windows 11 to detect the printer.
4. Once the printer has been detected, click on the Start button and then select Settings.
5. In the Settings window, click on Bluetooth & devices.
6. On the Bluetooth & devices page, click on Printers & scanners.
7. Under the Printers & scanners section, click on the Add a printer or scanner button.
8. Wait for Windows 11 to find the printer.
9. Once the printer has been found, click on it and then select the Add device button.
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the printer installation.

Steps to Add a Wireless Printer:

To add a wireless printer to Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the printer is connected to your network.
2. Turn on the printer.
3. Wait for the printer to be ready.
4. On your PC, click on the Start button and then select Settings.
5. In the Settings window, click on Bluetooth & devices.
6. On the Bluetooth & devices page, click on Printers & scanners.
7. Under the Printers & scanners section, click on the Add a printer or scanner button.
8. Wait for Windows 11 to find the printer.
9. If Windows 11 is unable to find the printer, click on the The printer that I want isn’t listed option.
10. On the Add a printer or scanner manually page, select the Add a Bluetooth, wireless, or network discoverable printer option.
11. Click on the Next button.
12. Select the printer from the list of available printers and then click on the Next button.
13. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the printer installation.

Troubleshooting Tips:

If you’re having trouble adding a printer to Windows 11, try the following troubleshooting tips:

• Make sure that the printer is turned on and connected to your PC or network.
• Try restarting your PC and the printer.
• Make sure that you have the latest printer drivers installed on your PC. You can download the latest printer drivers from the printer manufacturer’s website.
• If you’re adding a wireless printer, make sure that the printer is connected to the same network as your PC.
• Try adding the printer manually. To do this, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add a printer or scanner > The printer that I want isn’t listed > Add a Bluetooth, wireless, or network discoverable printer.

Conclusion:

Adding a printer to Windows 11 is a quick and easy process. By following the steps in this article, you can easily add a wired or wireless printer to your Windows 11 PC.