Adding a printer to your Windows device is usually a straightforward process, allowing you to quickly get your documents from screen to paper. Windows is designed to recognize and automatically install most printers as soon as they are connected. This means in many cases, you won’t need to worry about installing special drivers or software. However, there are times when the process might require a few manual steps, or you might want to add a printer that’s connected to your network or using Bluetooth. This guide will walk you through the different methods to add a printer to your Windows system, ensuring you can print seamlessly whether you’re using a local, network, or wireless printer.
Adding a Local or Wired Printer via USB
A local printer, typically connected directly to your computer with a USB cable, is often the easiest to set up. Windows usually detects these printers automatically. If your printer doesn’t install automatically, follow these steps:
-
Ensure Physical Connection and Power: First, make sure your printer is properly plugged into your Windows device, usually via a USB cable. Also, verify that your printer is powered on.
-
Access Printer Settings in Windows: On your Windows device, right-click the Start menu, and then navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Alternatively, you can use this shortcut: Open Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
-
Check for Existing Installation: In the Printers & scanners window, scroll through the list of installed printers to see if your printer is already listed. If it is, you might be ready to print!
-
Add a New Printer: If your printer isn’t listed, click the Add device button located next to “Add a printer or scanner”.
-
Wait for Printer Detection: Windows will now scan for available printers. This process may take a few minutes. Once the list populates, find your printer and click the Add device button next to it.
- Note: In some cases, the printer might be added automatically after you click “Add device”, without needing to select it from a list.
-
Check for Driver Updates: After successfully adding your printer, it’s a good practice to check for updated drivers through Windows Update. Updated drivers can improve performance and functionality. You can find more information on updating drivers in How to download and install the latest printer drivers.
-
Manual Addition if Not Automatically Found: If your printer is not automatically detected, click “Add manually” next to “The printer that I want isn’t listed”. This will open the “Add Printer” window, guiding you through manual installation options.
-
Troubleshooting: If you still encounter issues after manual installation, refer to the Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows article for further troubleshooting steps.
Adding a Network or Wireless Printer
Network and wireless printers offer the convenience of printing from multiple devices without direct cable connections. Here’s how to add them in Windows:
-
Network Connection and Power: Ensure your network printer is turned on and connected to the same network as your Windows device.
-
Important: For wireless printers, double-check that both the printer and your computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
-
Refer to your printer’s documentation or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions on connecting your printer to your network.
-
-
Navigate to Printer Settings: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners on your Windows device, or use the shortcut: Open Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
-
Check for Existing Installation: Look through the list of installed printers in the Printers & scanners window to see if your network printer is already installed.
-
Initiate Printer Addition: If the printer isn’t listed, click the Add device button near “Add a printer or scanner”.
-
Select Your Network Printer: Windows will scan your network for available printers. This might take a few minutes. Once the list appears, select your network printer and click Add device.
- Note: Similar to local printers, network printers might also install automatically after clicking “Add device”.
-
Driver Updates: After installation, check Windows Update for any updated drivers for your printer to ensure optimal performance. See How to download and install the latest printer drivers for details.
-
Manual Network Printer Addition: If your network printer isn’t found automatically, select “Add manually” next to “The printer that I want isn’t listed” and follow the on-screen instructions in the “Add Printer” window.
-
Network Troubleshooting: If manual addition fails, consult Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows for network-specific troubleshooting steps.
Adding a Bluetooth Printer
For Bluetooth-enabled printers, the process involves pairing the devices. For detailed instructions on adding a Bluetooth printer, refer to the dedicated guide: Pair a Bluetooth printer or scanner. This article provides step-by-step instructions for connecting your Bluetooth printer to your Windows device.
Removing a Printer
If you need to remove a printer from your Windows device, perhaps because you’re no longer using it or need to troubleshoot an issue, follow these simple steps:
-
Access Printers & scanners Settings: Right-click the Start menu, then go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, or use this shortcut: Open Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
-
Select Printer to Remove: In the Printers & scanners window, find and select the printer you wish to remove from the list of installed printers.
-
Remove the Printer: Click the Remove button associated with the selected printer. Confirm your decision if prompted.
By following these instructions, you should be able to easily add and manage printers on your Windows system. Whether it’s a directly connected USB printer, a network printer shared across devices, or a portable Bluetooth printer, Windows offers flexible options to meet your printing needs. Remember to keep your printer drivers updated for the best performance and to consult the troubleshooting guides if you encounter any difficulties.
