Published 2024-02-12 by TechNet New England
Adding a network printer in Windows 11 can be done through Settings, by IP address, or through the legacy Control Panel. This guide covers all three methods. ## Method 1: Through Windows Settings 1. Open **Settings** by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," or press **Win + I**. 2. Go to **Bluetooth and devices** in the left sidebar. 3. Click **Printers and scanners**. 4. Click **Add device**. 5. Windows will search for available printers on your network. If your printer appears, click **Add device** next to it. 6. Wait for the driver to install. Once complete, the printer appears in your list. If the printer does not appear automatically, click **Add manually** and continue to Method 2. ## Method 2: By IP Address This is the most reliable method for network printers that Windows does not detect automatically. 1. In **Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Printers and scanners**, click **Add device**. 2. Click **Add manually** (or "The printer that I want isn't listed"). 3. Select **Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname**. 4. Click **Next**. 5. In the **Hostname or IP address** field, enter the printer's IP address. For example: `192.168.1.100` 6. Leave the **Port name** as the auto-generated value. 7. Make sure **Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use** is checked. 8. Click **Next** and wait for Windows to detect the printer model and install the driver. 9. If Windows cannot find the driver automatically, you may need to download it from the printer manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Brother, Xerox, Ricoh, etc.) and point the installer to the downloaded file. ## Method 3: Legacy Control Panel 1. Press **Win + R**, type `control printers`, and press Enter. 2. Click **Add a printer** at the top of the window. 3. Follow the wizard. The same options from Method 2 are available here. ## Finding the Printer's IP Address If you do not know the printer's IP address: **On the printer itself:** Most printers have a network status page you can print by navigating to the printer's menu and looking for Network Settings or Configuration Report. **From your network:** Ask your IT provider or check your router's DHCP client list for the printer's hostname and IP. ## Troubleshooting **Printer found but will not print:** Check that the printer is online, has paper and toner, and is connected to the same network as your computer. Try printing a test page from Settings > Printers and scanners > select the printer > Print test page. **Driver not found:** Visit the printer manufacturer's website, download the driver for your exact model and Windows 11 64-bit, and install it manually. **"Access denied" error on a shared printer:** The computer sharing the printer may need to adjust sharing permissions. Contact your IT support for help with shared printer permissions.