Connecting a printer used to involve inserting a CD-ROM and spending an hour configuring IP addresses. Today, setting up a wireless printer in Windows 11 is almost entirely automated. As long as both your printer and your PC are connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network, Windows will do all the heavy lifting.
Whether you have a brand-new HP Envy or an older Canon Pixma, here is how to connect a wireless printer in Windows 11 without downloading any bloated third-party software.
Step 1: Connect the Printer to Wi-Fi
Windows cannot find your printer if it is not broadcasting on your local network. You must connect the printer to your router first.
Because every printer brand has a different menu system, you will need to use the physical screen on the printer itself.
- Turn the printer on.
- Navigate to the printer’s Settings or Network menu using the built-in touchscreen or buttons.
- Select Wireless Setup Wizard (or a similarly named option).
- Select your home Wi-Fi network from the list and type in your password.
If your printer does not have a screen, look for a button with a wireless icon. Press and hold it until it flashes, then press the WPS button on your home internet router. The two devices will automatically sync.
Step 2: Add the Printer to Windows 11
Now that the printer is on the network, you just need to tell Windows to look for it.
- On your computer, click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon.
- In the left-hand navigation menu, click on Bluetooth & devices.
- Click on Printers & scanners in the main window.
- At the very top of the screen, you will see a button labeled “Add a printer or scanner.” Click the blue Add device button next to it.
Windows 11 will begin scanning your Wi-Fi network. Within a few seconds, the name of your printer (e.g., “Brother HL-L2350DW”) should appear in the list. Click Add device next to its name.
Windows will automatically download the correct drivers in the background and configure the connection. Once it says “Ready,” you can start printing immediately.
Troubleshooting: The Printer Isn’t Showing Up
If Windows finishes scanning but cannot find your printer, try these steps:
- Check the network: Ensure your computer and the printer are on the exact same Wi-Fi band. If your PC is on the 5GHz network and the printer is on the 2.4GHz network, they often cannot see each other.
- Add it manually: If the automatic scan fails, click the Add manually link that appears. You can then select “Add a printer using an IP address or hostname” and type in the specific IP address displayed on your printer’s network screen.