Add a printer or scanner in Windows
Applies To
Windows 11 Windows 10If your printer connects by a wire, plug it into your device. It'll connect automatically, your PC will download the right drivers, and you can use it right away. To connect a wireless printer, follow these steps:
-
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners .
-
Next to Add a printer or scanner, select Add device.
-
Wait for it to find nearby printers, then locate the one you want to use, and select Add device. If you want to remove the printer later, select it, and then select Remove.
-
If you don't see your printer, try to fix the problem by using the steps in Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
Related topics
-
Find out how to install a printer in Windows.
-
Find out how to download printer drivers in Windows.
-
Find out how to install printer drivers in Windows.
-
Find out how to set up a default printer in Windows.
-
Find out how to view a printer queue in Windows.
-
Find out how to change the printer status from "offline" to "online" in Windows.
-
If you are having a problem changing your printer's "offline" status, see Troubleshooting offline printer problems.
-
If you are having a problem with printer connectivity in Windows, see Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
If your printer connects by a wire, plug it into your device. It'll connect automatically, your PC will download the right drivers, and you can use it right away. To connect a wireless printer, follow these steps:
-
Select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > Add a printer or scanner.
Open Printers & scanners settings
-
Wait for it to find nearby printers, then choose the one you want to use, and select Add device. If you want to remove the printer later, just highlight it and select Remove.
-
If you don't see your printer, try to fix the problem by using the steps in Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
Related topics
-
Find out how to install a printer in Windows.
-
Find out how to download printer drivers in Windows.
-
Find out how to install printer drivers in Windows.
-
Find out how to set up a default printer in Windows.
-
Find out how to view a printer queue in Windows.
-
Find out how to change the printer status from "offline" to "online" in Windows.
-
If you are having a problem changing your printer's "offline" status, see Troubleshooting offline printer problems.
-
If you are having a problem with printer connectivity in Windows, see Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.