How to Manually Add a Network Printer via IP Address in Windows 11

In most scenarios, when you connect a modern Wi-Fi or Ethernet printer to your local network, Windows 11 uses a protocol called WSD (Web Services for Devices) to automatically discover and install it. However, in complex corporate networks, university dorms, or environments with strict firewalls, this auto-discovery frequently fails. The printer simply will not appear in the Settings menu, despite being physically connected to the network.

To bypass the auto-discovery mechanism, you must force Windows 11 to connect directly to the printer using its unique, static IP address. This guide explains how to perform this manual installation.

Step 1: Obtain the Printer’s IP Address

Before you begin, you must know the exact IP address assigned to your printer (usually formatted like 192.168.1.150 or 10.0.0.5). You can usually find this by navigating the physical LCD screen on the printer itself and looking for a “Network Status,” “TCP/IP,” or “Wi-Fi Details” menu. Alternatively, you can print a Network Configuration Page directly from the printer’s hardware buttons.

Step 2: Manually Add the Printer in Windows 11

Once you have the IP address written down, follow these steps to force the connection.

1. Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press Windows Key + I).
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Bluetooth & devices.
3. On the right side of the screen, click on Printers & scanners.
4. Click the prominent Add device button at the top of the window.
5. Windows will begin searching the network. Immediately look below the searching animation; a new option will appear that says, “The printer that I want isn’t listed.” Click the Add manually button next to this text.

Configuring the TCP/IP Port

A legacy “Add Printer” wizard window will open.

1. Select the radio button next to Add a printer using an IP address or hostname and click Next.
2. In the “Device type” dropdown menu, select TCP/IP Device.
3. In the Hostname or IP address field, type the IP address you gathered in Step 1 (e.g., 192.168.1.150).
4. The “Port name” field will automatically duplicate what you type. Leave it as is.
5. Ensure the box for “Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use” is checked, and click Next.

Step 3: Driver Installation

Windows will now attempt to connect directly to that IP address. This may take 30 to 60 seconds.

• If successful: Windows will identify the printer model, pull the correct driver from the Windows Update repository, and prompt you to name the printer. Proceed through the final menus and print a test page.
• If the query fails: A menu titled “Install the printer driver” will appear. This means Windows successfully connected to the IP address but could not automatically determine which software driver to use. You must select the manufacturer (e.g., HP, Brother) from the left column and the specific model from the right column. If your exact model is missing, you must download the `.inf` driver file from the manufacturer’s website and click the Have Disk… button to point Windows to it.