On Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, pick Add device, then choose Wi-Fi, USB, or IP.
If you just unboxed a printer or need to reconnect one, this guide shows how to add it on a Windows PC in minutes. You’ll see the fast paths for Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, IP, Bluetooth, and shared devices, plus clear fixes when the Add device button won’t find anything. Every step here lines up with Windows menus you already have, so you can follow along without extra tools.
How To Add A Printer On PC: Step-By-Step
Windows can spot many printers on its own, yet the smoothest path depends on how the printer connects. Start with the method that matches your setup below, then move through the quick steps.
Connection Methods At A Glance
| Connection Method | Where To Click/Tap In Windows | Best When |
|---|---|---|
| USB (Wired) | Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device (or auto-install after plug-in) | Single PC, fastest first setup |
| Wi-Fi With WPS Button | Press router WPS, press printer WPS, then Add device in Printers & scanners | No password typing, quick home setup |
| Wi-Fi With Printer Panel/App | Join the printer to Wi-Fi from its panel/app, then Add device | Modern models with screens or mobile apps |
| Ethernet (Wired Network) | Connect to router/switch; Windows > Add device | Stable office/home networks |
| By IP Address | Printers & scanners > Add device > Add manually > Add a printer using a TCP/IP address | Network finds nothing, but you know the IP |
| Bluetooth | Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth | Portable models without Wi-Fi |
| Shared From Another PC | Printers & scanners > Add device > Add manually > Select a shared printer by name | Small offices, one host PC shares the printer |
| USB Then Switch To Wi-Fi | Install by USB first; use the printer’s app/panel to join Wi-Fi; remove USB | Finicky Wi-Fi setup on first run |
USB: The Quickest Win
Plug the printer into your PC with the USB cable and power it on. Windows often pulls the driver by itself. If printing works right away, you’re set. If not, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, choose Add device, and pick the printer when it appears. If you still don’t see it, choose Add manually and let Windows search again.
Wi-Fi With A WPS Button
Many routers and printers include a WPS button so they can pair without typing long passphrases. Press the router’s WPS button, then press the printer’s WPS button within the pairing window. After the lights settle, open Printers & scanners and select Add device. If your router lacks WPS, skip to the next Wi-Fi method.
Wi-Fi Using The Printer’s Screen Or App
Join the printer to your Wi-Fi network from its control panel or vendor app (HP Smart, Epson Smart Panel, Brother iPrint&Scan, Canon PRINT, and so on). Once the printer shows as connected to the same network as your PC, go to Printers & scanners and pick Add device. Choose the printer when it appears and finish the prompts.
Ethernet: Rock-Solid On Shared Networks
Connect the printer’s Ethernet port to your router or switch. Give it a minute to get an address. Then open Printers & scanners, hit Add device, and select it. Wired installs are steady and often avoid wireless hiccups.
Add By IP When Auto-Detect Fails
When Windows doesn’t find anything, you can add the device by its IP address:
- Print a network/config page from the printer to see its IP, or check the printer’s screen.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and choose Add device.
- Pick Add manually > Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
- Type the IP (for example, 192.168.1.50). Leave the port as Auto Detect unless your model needs a named port.
- Pick the suggested driver or “Generic” if your brand isn’t listed, then test with a test page.
Bluetooth Printers
Turn on Bluetooth on the printer and on your PC. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, choose Add device, then Bluetooth, and select the printer. After pairing, the device appears under Printers & scanners. Print a quick test page to confirm it’s ready.
Shared Printers From Another PC
On the host PC, share the printer in Control Panel > Devices and Printers or in Settings > Printers & scanners. On your PC, go to Add device > Add manually and pick Select a shared printer by name. Enter the path like \\HOSTPC\PrinterName, then finish the wizard.
Adding A Printer To Your PC: Quick Methods That Work
Some models auto-install right after you plug them in. Others need a nudge through Add device or the IP path. If you need a reference straight from Windows, this Windows printer setup guide covers the same menus and terms you see on screen. When things still act up, the official Windows printer fixes list fast checks for discovery issues, stuck jobs, and driver pop-ups.
Where “how to add a printer on pc” Fits In Windows 11 Vs 10
Menus look a bit different across versions, yet the path stays similar. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. On Windows 10, head to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners. In both spots, the Add device button sits near the top and starts the same discovery flow.
Tips That Save Time During Setup
- Place the printer near the router for the first Wi-Fi join. Move it later once it’s on the network.
- Use the 2.4 GHz band if your printer can’t see the 5 GHz SSID.
- Give the printer a fixed IP from your router’s DHCP reservation page so the port never “moves.”
- Install the maker’s app if the panel is tiny. Many apps walk you through Wi-Fi, firmware, and ink/toner levels.
- Print a test page right after install to catch issues early.
How To Add A Printer On PC Over Wi-Fi: Clean Paths
Path 1: WPS Pairing
If both your router and printer have WPS, pair them with the two buttons, then use Add device to finish. This avoids typing the passphrase and keeps the process quick.
Path 2: Join Wi-Fi From The Printer Or App
Open the printer’s wireless setup, pick your SSID, and enter the passphrase. Once connected, Windows usually finds it under Add device. If not, add by IP.
Path 3: Ethernet First, Wi-Fi Later
Run a short Ethernet cable to the router, finish the install, then use the app to switch the printer to Wi-Fi. Remove the cable after the printer shows online over Wi-Fi.
Fix Common Add-Printer Roadblocks
When Add device spins or nothing appears, the fixes below sort it out fast. You’ll find checks for discovery, drivers, and the print queue.
Fast Troubleshooting Matrix
| Symptom | What To Try | Where In Windows |
|---|---|---|
| “No printers found” | Connect by USB once, or add by IP; check 2.4 GHz SSID | Printers & scanners > Add device > Add manually |
| “Driver unavailable” | Run Windows Update; pick a built-in class driver or vendor driver | Windows Update; Device Manager; Printer Properties |
| Shows “Offline” | Toggle “Use Printer Offline,” reboot printer and router, verify IP didn’t change | Devices > Printers & scanners > Printer queue > Printer menu |
| Jobs stuck in queue | Cancel all, restart Print Spooler, re-add device if needed | Services (Print Spooler); Printer queue window |
| Can’t reach IP | Ping the IP; reserve it on the router; check subnet and gateway | Command Prompt; Router admin page |
| WPS pairs, but no print | Re-add via IP; update firmware; place printer closer to router | Printers & scanners; Router firmware page |
| Shared printer not found | Use UNC path (\\HOST\Printer); confirm share permissions on host PC | Printer Properties > Sharing; File Sharing settings |
Driver Choices That Actually Work
If Windows offers a brand-name driver, pick it. If not, try a Generic PCL or Generic PostScript driver to get basic printing, then switch to the maker’s driver later. For color lasers, a PostScript or vendor-named driver often gives better color handling than raw PCL.
Reset The Print Spooler When Jobs Won’t Clear
- Open Services, find Print Spooler, and choose Restart.
- If the queue won’t clear, stop the service, delete files in
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, then start the service again. - Re-add the printer and send a test page.
Make Network Installs Stable
- Reserve the printer’s IP on your router. That keeps the Windows port pointed at the same address.
- Use one SSID name per band or give each band a clear name. Many printers only join 2.4 GHz.
- Avoid guest networks. Guest isolation blocks printer discovery.
When You Need The Exact Phrase: “how to add a printer on pc”
If you’re searching that term to reach the right toggle, you’re likely looking for Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners and the Add device button. From there, pick the path that matches your setup—USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, IP, Bluetooth, or shared.
Keep It Running Smoothly
Simple Care Steps
- Update firmware from the printer’s app or panel a few times a year.
- For inkjets, print a page every week so the heads stay clear.
- Keep paper dry and flat; humidity causes jams and curled edges.
Reinstall Without Headaches
Sometimes a clean reinstall is faster than chasing ghosts. Remove the device from Printers & scanners, delete leftover ports in Printer Properties > Ports if they linger, then add it fresh with the best method above. If the device is old, a generic driver can bridge the gap until you find the exact model file.
How To Add A Printer On PC With Confidence
Pick the right connection, use the Add device flow, and keep an eye on drivers and the print queue. With the steps above, even a stubborn model joins your PC without fuss. If you want a reference from Windows while you work, keep the Windows printer setup guide and the Windows printer fixes open in a tab. With those at your side, you’ve got every menu and fix you need.