Adding a printer connected to your network allows multiple computers to easily share and use a single printing device. This process is typically straightforward on Windows computers.
Steps to Add a Network Printer on Windows
Adding a network printer usually involves accessing your computer's settings and initiating a search for available devices on your local network. Here's a common method:
1. Open Windows Settings
- Click on the Start menu (the Windows icon, usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
- Select the gear icon to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Printers & Scanners
- In the Settings window, click on "Bluetooth & devices" from the left-hand menu.
- Then, click on "Printers & scanners".
3. Add a Printer or Scanner
- Click on the "Add a Printer or Scanner" button.
- Click on “Add device”.
Windows will now search for available printers on your network. This might include printers directly connected to the network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, or printers shared by other computers on the network.
- If your printer appears in the list, select it and click "Add device". Windows will then attempt to install the necessary drivers.
What if the printer doesn't appear?
Sometimes, Windows might not automatically detect your network printer. In this case, you'll need to manually add it.
After clicking "Add a printer or scanner" and waiting a moment if the printer doesn't show up:
- Look for a link that says "The printer that I want isn't listed". Click on this link.
You will then be presented with several options to manually add the printer:
- My printer is a little older. Help me find it: Useful for older shared printers.
- Select a shared printer by name: If you know the network path to a shared printer (e.g.,
\\COMPUTERNAME\PRINTERNAME). - Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname: This is a very common method for network printers directly connected to the network (not shared via a computer). You'll need the printer's IP address or hostname.
- Add a Bluetooth, wireless or network discoverable printer: Another way to search for printers.
- Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings: For advanced configurations, often involving selecting a specific port and driver.
For most network printers, using the "Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname" option is recommended if automatic detection fails. You'll need to enter the printer's IP address (which you can usually find by printing a network configuration page from the printer itself, or by checking your router's connected devices).
Installing Drivers
Once you select the printer, Windows will try to find and install the appropriate printer drivers. If Windows cannot find the driver automatically, you might need to download it from the printer manufacturer's website.
- Visit the manufacturer's support website (e.g., HP, Epson, Canon, Brother).
- Search for your specific printer model.
- Download the latest driver software compatible with your Windows version.
- Run the downloaded installer program.
Quick Reference Table
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Open Settings | Start Menu -> Gear Icon | Access Windows configuration. |
| 2. Find Printers | Settings -> Bluetooth & devices -> Printers & scanners | Navigate to printer management section. |
| 3. Add Device | Click "Add a Printer or Scanner" -> Click "Add device" | Initiates the search for printers. |
| 4. Select/Troubleshoot | Select found printer OR Click "The printer that I want isn't listed" | Choose the printer or manually add if not found automatically. |
| 5. Install Driver | Automatic or Manual (via manufacturer website) | Ensure the computer can communicate correctly with the printer. |
Adding a network printer enables convenient access from multiple devices, streamlining your printing tasks in a home or office environment.
