How to Add a Wireless (Network) Printer in Windows 11

Q: My printer is on but Windows won't find it.

Confirm both devices are on the same network and band — a printer on 2.4 GHz and a PC on a 5 GHz or guest network can't see each other. Reconnect both to the same Wi-Fi, then rescan.

Published ✓ Verified ⏱️ 2 min read February 19, 2026 · by Ryan Bennett

You want to add a Wi-Fi or network printer to Windows 11 so you can print without a cable.

Why: As long as the printer is on the same network as your PC, Windows can usually discover and install it automatically. When it can’t, you add it manually by its IP address.

Fix 1: Add the printer automatically

First, make sure the printer is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC (use the printer’s own control panel to join your network).
On your PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Click Add device next to “Add a printer or scanner”.
Wait a minute or two — it can take a moment for the list to populate.
When your printer appears, click Add device next to it and let Windows install it.

Fix 2: When the printer isn’t listed

If your printer never shows up in the scan:

In Printers & scanners > Add device, wait for the scan, then click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
In the Add Printer window, choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname, then Next.
Enter the printer’s IP address (find it on the printer’s control panel under network/Wi-Fi settings, or on a printed network configuration page).
Let Windows detect the port and install the driver, then Next through the wizard.
Print a test page to confirm.

Fix 3: Make sure Windows has the right driver

After the printer installs:

Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates — Windows may pull an updated printer driver.
If printing fails or quality is poor, download the driver for your exact model from the manufacturer’s support site (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother) for your Windows version.

FAQ

My printer is on but Windows won’t find it. Confirm both devices are on the same network and band — a printer on 2.4 GHz and a PC on a 5 GHz or guest network can’t see each other. Reconnect both to the same Wi-Fi, then rescan.

Where do I find the printer’s IP address? On most printers, open the network or Wi-Fi menu on the control panel, or print a network/Wi-Fi configuration page from the printer’s settings.

Do I need to install software from the manufacturer? Often no — Windows supports most printers out of the box. If a feature is missing or it won’t install, get the driver package from the manufacturer.

Sources: Microsoft — Add or install a printer in Windows