Adding a printer in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is quite similar, though there are some differences in the interface and navigation.
Automatic printer setup is advantageous because it simplifies the process with minimal user intervention, allowing for quick and easy installation.
Connect the Printer Automatically
A wired printer can be plugged into your computer using a USB cable.
For a network printer, ensure it’s connected to the same network as your computer. For wireless printers, make sure they are connected to your Wi-Fi network.
Turn On the Printer: Ensure the printer is powered on and ready.
Open Settings:
Click the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar.
Select Settings (gear icon), or press Windows + I to open the Settings app directly.
In the Settings window, click on Devices.
Click on Printers & scanners in the left sidebar.
Click on Add device. Windows will start searching for available printers.
If your printer appears in the list, select it and click Add device. Windows will automatically install the necessary drivers and configure the printer.
Finish Setup:
Once Windows finishes installing the printer, it will be added to your list of printers. You can set it as the default printer if you wish by selecting it and clicking Manage, then Set as default.
If your printer doesn’t show up in the list or the automatic setup fails, you may need to install the printer drivers manually or troubleshoot network issues.
Add Printer Manually
Adding a Local Printer
Open Settings:
Click the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar.
Select Settings (gear icon), or press Windows + I to open the Settings app directly.
In the Settings window, click on Devices.
Click on Printers & scanners in the left sidebar.
Click on Add device. If your printer isn’t listed, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
Select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and click Next.
Choose the appropriate port (usually USB001 for USB printers) and click Next.
Install Printer Driver:
Choose the manufacturer and model of your printer from the list. If you don’t see your printer, click Have Disk to manually install the driver using the driver file you downloaded from the printer manufacturer’s website.
Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Set Printer Name and Finish:
Enter a name for your printer and decide whether to set it as the default printer.
Click Next, then Finish to complete the setup.
Adding a Network Printer
Open Settings:
Click the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar.
Select Settings (gear icon), or press Windows + I to open the Settings app directly.
In the Settings window, click on Devices.
Click on Printers & scanners in the left sidebar.
Click on Add device. If your printer isn’t listed, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname and click Next.
Enter Printer Information:
For Device type, select TCP/IP Device.
Enter the printer’s IP address (you can find this in the printer’s network settings or configuration page).
Click Next.
Install Printer Driver:
Windows may try to detect the printer and install the driver automatically. If not, select the printer manufacturer and model from the list. If your printer isn’t listed, click Have Disk to install the driver manually.
Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Set Printer Name and Finish:
Enter a name for your printer and choose whether to set it as the default printer.
Click Next, then Finish.
Adding a Wireless Printer
Connect Printer to Network:
Ensure your wireless printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
Open Settings:
Click the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar.
Select Settings (gear icon), or press Windows + I to open the Settings app directly.
In the Settings window, click on Devices.
Click on Printers & scanners in the left sidebar.
Click on Add device. If your printer isn’t listed, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname (if you know the IP address), or select Add a Bluetooth, wireless, or network discoverable printer if your printer is supposed to appear automatically on the network.
Install Printer Driver:
Follow the prompts to install the printer driver. Select the printer manufacturer and model if needed. Click Have Disk if you need to install the driver from a downloaded file manually.
Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
Set Printer Name and Finish:
Enter a name for your printer and choose whether to set it as the default printer.
Click Next, then Finish.
Outro
Automatic printer setup is quick and easy, handling most tasks with minimal effort, while manual setup offers more control for complex configurations. Both methods ensure you can get your printer up and running effectively, depending on your needs.