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To add a printer that Windows 11 does not find automatically, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select Add device, and wait for the printer list to populate. If the printer is still missing, select The printer that I want isn’t listed, then Add a new device manually, and follow the Add Printer window.
Before you try again, make sure the printer is on and connected. A local printer should be connected to your PC; a wireless printer should be on the same network as your Windows device.
Check the printer connection first
| Connection type | What to check | Windows setup route |
|---|---|---|
| Local or wired, including USB | Connect the printer directly to the PC and turn it on. | Open Printers & scanners, select Add device, and use the manual-add link if Windows does not find it. |
| Network or wireless | Turn on the printer and connect it to the same network as your Windows device. Consult the printer documentation if needed. | Open Printers & scanners, select Add device, and use the manual-add link if Windows does not find it. |
| Bluetooth | Follow the printer maker’s pairing instructions for your specific model. | Use the Bluetooth setup instructions for the device; do not assume pairing is the same as adding a printer through the general manual-add workflow. |
Find the manual printer setup in Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Bluetooth & devices, then Printers & scanners.
- Check whether the printer is already listed.
- Under Add a printer & scanner, select Add device.
- Wait for Windows to search and populate the available printers. This may take a few minutes.
- If the printer is absent, select The printer that I want isn’t listed, then Add a new device manually.
- Follow the instructions in the Add Printer window.
Install or update the printer driver
After adding the printer, check Windows Update for updated printer drivers. A printer may work with reduced functionality until its full driver set is installed. Microsoft identifies Windows Update as the preferred route for checking for printer driver updates.
If you need model-specific setup instructions or the printer still does not work, consult the printer manufacturer’s support information.
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Printer setup on Windows-on-ARM PCs
Some Windows-on-ARM PCs may have trouble adding a printer with a manufacturer-provided installer. Microsoft directs users to its Add device process unless the printer manufacturer provides different Windows-on-ARM guidance. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific printer and PC before relying on an installer.
Troubleshoot a printer Windows 11 cannot find
- Confirm that the printer is powered on and connected to the PC or network.
- For a wireless printer, check that the printer and Windows device are on the same network. Multiple routers, extenders, or separate wireless networks can affect discovery.
- Return to Printers & scanners, select Add device, and wait for the search to finish.
- If Windows still does not find the printer, select The printer that I want isn’t listed, then Add a new device manually, and follow the Add Printer window.
- After setup, print a test page to check whether the printer works. If it does not, consult the manufacturer’s troubleshooting information and check for driver updates.
FAQ
Where is the manual printer option in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select Add device, and wait for the search. If the printer is not listed, select The printer that I want isn’t listed, then Add a new device manually.
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What should I check before adding a printer?
Make sure the printer is turned on and connected. For a wireless printer, check that it is on the same network as your Windows device.
How do I update a printer driver in Windows 11?
Check Windows Update for printer driver updates. If you still need help or the printer has reduced functionality, consult the manufacturer’s support information for your model.
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- DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors for optimal signal clarity and shielding to protect against noise, minimizing interference for a clear signal
Can a manufacturer’s printer installer fail on a Windows-on-ARM PC?
Yes. Microsoft says some ARM PCs may fail to add a printer using a manufacturer-provided installer. Try Microsoft’s Add device process unless the manufacturer gives different Windows-on-ARM guidance.
How can I tell whether printer setup worked?
Print a test page. If it does not print, check the printer connection, consult the manufacturer’s troubleshooting information, and check for driver updates.
Quick Recap
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