How to add a printer to Windows 10

Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.

Note : Since Windows 10 supports most printers, you probably won't need to install special software for your device.

Table of Contents

• How to add a printer to Windows 10 via wireless connection (WiFi, Bluetooth)
• How to add a printer to Windows 10 via cable
• How to Add a Bluetooth Printer to Windows 10
• Windows 10 cannot find local printer
• Some questions related to installing printers on Windows
  • What should I do if I can't find my printer?
  • How to install printer driver?
  • What should I do if I don't see my printer in Devices and Printers?

How to add a printer to Windows 10 via wireless connection (WiFi, Bluetooth)

A network printer connects via a local area network, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. Before you connect your computer to the printer, make sure the printer is turned on, and connected to the same network as your computer.

Note : You may need admin permission to install shared printers, such as printers on your company's internal network.

1. Go to Start > Settings .

2. Select Devices.

3. Select Printers & Scanners .

4. Select Add Printer or Scanner .

5. Wait while Windows 10 searches for nearby printers.

6. Select the name of the printer you want to add, then follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer on your computer.

7. If the printer you want to use doesn't appear in the list of available printers, select The printer that I want isn't listed .

8. Select the option that corresponds to your printer and click Next.

9. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer.

How to add a printer to Windows 10 via cable

When you set up a new local printer, connect the power cord as well as the USB cable to your computer. Connecting the cable usually starts the driver installation automatically. If prompted, you will need to download and install the printer-specific software and driver. Then you can add it to your computer.

1. Type printers in the Windows Search box.

2. Select Printers & Scanners under System Settings in the search results list.

3. Select Add printers or scanners . Wait while Windows 10 searches for nearby printers.

4. Select the name of your printer. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer on your computer.

How to Add a Bluetooth Printer to Windows 10

Adding a Bluetooth printer requires you to pair the device just like any other Bluetooth device. You should also check that the communication port or COM port that appears in Windows matches the port on the print driver. Here's how to connect your Bluetooth printer in Windows 10.

1. Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth and Other Devices . Make sure the Bluetooth toggle is turned on.

2. Click Add Bluetooth or other device .

3. Then select Bluetooth as the type of device to add. Windows will show you a list of Bluetooth devices it has detected. Select the Bluetooth printer from the list by clicking Ready to Pair .

4. Pair your computer and printer. Some devices will pair automatically if the printer does not require a PIN. Otherwise, enter the PIN for the Bluetooth printer on your computer when prompted. Click Connect. If your printer has a user display, you may also be asked to enter a PIN on the printer. Follow the on-screen instructions on both devices to confirm the connection.

5. Check the COM port in Device Manager. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices & Printers . Right-click on the Bluetooth printer and select Properties. In the Services tab , you can see the COM port used by the printer.

6. Install the printer driver with the appropriate COM port. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the printer driver. In the Ports tab of the printer driver installation window, make sure that the port in Windows Device Manager is the port that you set up with the printer driver. For example, if you have COM3 in Device Manager, check the COM3 box during installation.

7. Test Print. Make sure your printer is connected by doing a test print.

Windows 10 cannot find local printer

If Windows 10 can't recognize a printer connected via USB cable, try these troubleshooting steps.

Tip : Connect the USB cable directly to your computer. Using a hub or docking station may prevent a stable connection.

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Turn off the printer.

3. Restart your computer.

4. After the computer restarts, log back into Windows and turn on the printer.

5. Try to install the printer. If Windows still does not recognize the printer, continue troubleshooting.

6. Disconnect the USB cable from both the printer and the computer.

7. Reconnect the cable, making sure it is properly connected to both devices.

8. Try installing the printer. If Windows still does not recognize the printer, continue troubleshooting.

9. Plug the USB cable into another USB port on the computer.

10. If Windows still doesn't recognize the printer, try using a different USB cable, as a damaged cord will prevent you from connecting the printer to your computer properly.

Some questions related to installing printers on Windows

What should I do if I can't find my printer?

Normally, you just need to wait a little while for Windows to find the printer you want to connect to. However, if you wait a long time and still can't find the printer, you can check the connection ports for printers connected by cable. For wireless printers, you can check the network and network connection settings to see if there are any problems.

Alternatively, you can also connect the printer manually by tapping The printer that i want isn't listed and following the on-screen steps.

How to install printer driver?

Each printer will have a different driver and if the wrong driver the printer will not work as expected. To install the printer driver you need to know the operating system you are installing on your computer, the type of printer you are using, then search and download the appropriate driver and proceed with the installation.

What should I do if I don't see my printer in Devices and Printers?

In this case you can try one of the following:

• Manually re-add the printer.
• Reinstall printer driver.
• Consider reinstalling Windows operating system.

Above are the information, tips and instructions related to installing printers on Windows computers. If you encounter printer connection error 0x0000011b, please refer to the solution in the article below:

• How to fix error 0x0000011b when printing over the network on Windows 10

Wish you successful printer connection!