How to add a Printer in Windows 11

Wireless or network printers offer several benefits over wired printers, but when it comes to security, wired printers still rank first. Another advantage of a wired printer is its data-transfer speed, which you can use without worrying about signal loss. Because of these factors, many users still prefer wired printers even in this ultra-modern era. But to use a wired printer, you first need to know how to add your Printer to your computer.

Windows 11 is quite a change over Windows 10. This is especially true for the Settings menu.

How to Install or Add a Local Printer in Windows 11

If you wish to install or add a local printer to your Windows 11 system, then the procedure is as follows:

Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
In the left-hand list, select Bluetooth & devices.
On the right-pane, click on Printers and Scanners.
Select Add device and let the computer detect the connected printers.
Then you can connect to it.

Add a Local Printer in Windows 10

To manually install, connect, or add a Local Printer via an Ethernet cable on a Windows 10 computer:

Connect your printer to your computer using the USB cord
Then turn the printer on
Open the Windows Settings using the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
From the Settings page, select the Devices > Printers & scanners.
In the right pane and click on the plus (+) sign saying Add a printer or scanner.
Wait for a while, so long as the system searches for your Printer.
Once your device completes the searching process, it will display everything it finds in a list below.
If your local printer is present in the list, select it and then click on the Add device button.

That’s it!

The printer that I want isn’t listed

If your computer can’t find your printer or you don’t see it in the list, click the link that says “The printer that I want isn’t listed”.

On the next page, select the radio button next to Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and then click the Next button to proceed.

On the next screen, you will see a list of option that is for both to install a local printer and a wireless printer.

Since you are here to add a local printer, you need to select either “My printer is a little older. Help me find it.” or “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings”

We suggest you go with the first option i.e. “My printer is a little older. Help me find it.” and let your system search for the printer.

Then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If it doesn’t work and fails to find your printer, you can go with the last option in the list saying “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings”.

Now follow the on-screen instructions and provide the details that are asked of you to complete the procedure.

What to do if an online file only gives an option to print but I do not have a printer?

Many online documents, especially official documents, don’t have an option to save the file. The only option is to print it. Interestingly, most home users wouldn’t have a printer attached to their system. Organizations, including those publishing government documents, do this to prevent anyone from modifying the contents of the file they shared, so they disable the usual download button.

The catch is that you can print to PDF. Using this, you can download the file in PDF format.

Read: How to Clean the Print Head in Windows 11.

How do I install printer drivers to my system?

Interestingly, most printer manufacturers prefer to push their own drivers to computers. Earlier, this was done using a driver CD, but now, the software associated with the printer starts installing as soon as the device is connected. However, if it doesn’t, you can always check the computer manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.

If you have any other issues related to this topic, feel free to ask in the comments box.