How to Set Up Printer on Windows 11 [Full Guide]

Setting up a printer on Windows 11 can be a daunting task for some, but nevertheless, you need to find a way to get a solution to that. However, in this post, we explain in detail how to set up a printer on Windows 11 without undergoing any stress.

Normally, installing a printer on a computer running on a Windows 11 Operating System (OS) involves a different approach which includes multiple methods you need to know. This includes an automatic setup and manual setup of a printer on Windows 11. As a user that you are, you really need these two methods of printer setup mentioned earlier simply because you cannot rely on a single method since Windows 11 tends to detect and install printers automatically or by either adding them manually.

So, let's get started to reveal to you the full guide on how to set up a printer on Windows 11 successfully.

How to Install Printer in Windows 11 Automatically

Here we give a detailed step-by-step guide on how you can install a printer in Windows 11 automatically. Let's dive right into it.

Step 1. Firstly, open settings, then navigate to Bluetooth & devices and click "Printers & scanners setting".

Step 2. In this step, select the Add device or Refresh button, then click on the "Add device" button for the connected printer. Hence, the computer will solely detect and install the basic driver for the exact connected printer.

How to Install Printer in Windows 11 Manually

Installing printers in Windows 11 manually is being done when the computer can't install the printer through the automatic setup method due to a compatibility issue. Therefore, you can easily make use of the legacy wizard to install the printer manually on Windows 11 by following these step-by-step guides below.

Step 1. First of all, launch Settings and choose Bluetooth & devices. Then click "Printers & scanners setting".

Step 2. Select the Add device button and click the "Add manually" option. Then be patient a little for this manual option to appear.

Step 3. After that, choose My printer is a little older option.

Step 4. Choose the printer from the shown list.

Step 5. In this step, click the "Next" button, then select the Windows Update button (this is if only applicable).

Step 6. Choose the name of the printer brand and select the printer model also.

Step 7. Select the Next button, and you can as well make a name confirmation for the printer.

Step 8. Select the Next button, then choose the Do not share this printer option.

Step 9. At this stage, click the "next" button again, then select the Print a test page button which showcases that the device is fully functioning. Click on the "Finish" button to round up the installation process. Note that, once the test page prints out, it indicates that the printer has been successfully installed on Windows 11.

How to Install a local Printer

Installing a local printer can be referred to as a parallel or serial cable method. The step-by-step process to follow is explained below.

Step 1. Firstly, launch Settings. Then click "Bluetooth & devices", and select Printers & scanners setting.

Step 2. Select the Add device button, and click the "Add manually" option.

Step 3. After that, choose the Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings option.

Step 4. Click on the "Next" button, and choose the printer's port by selecting it from the Use an existing port drop-down option.

Step 5. Then click on the "Next" button and select the Windows Update button if applicable.

Step 6. Choose the printer brand from the listed options, then select the printer model as well.

Step 7. After that, click the "Next" button and you can decide to confirm the name of the printer in the Printer name input.

Step 8. Click the "Next" button again and choose Do not share this printer option.

Step 9. Select the Next button, then click the "Print a test page" button to test the functionality, and finally click the "Finish" button.

At the end of this step, the printer will be successfully installed and then you can continue to print easily on Windows 11.

How to Install a Network Printer

When it involves a network printer installation, follow these step-by-step guides below to get it done the right way.

Step 1. Firstly, open Settings and click "Bluetooth & devices". Then select the Printers & scanners setting.

Step 2. Choose the Add device button and click on "Add manually".

Step 3. Choose the Add a printer using an IP address or hostname option.

Step 4. Click on the "Next" button and choose the TCP/IP Device option from the Device type drop-down menu. Also, select the Query the printer and automatically select the driver-to-use option.

Step 5. Select the Next button and click on the "Windows Update" button.

Step 6. Choose the brand of the printer and the printer model from opposite sides.

Step 7. Select the Next button and you can decide to confirm the printer's name.

Step 8. After that, click on the "Next" button, then choose the Do not share this printer option.

Step 9. In this step, select the Next button. Click the "Print a test page" button and finally click the "Finish" button.

At the end of this step, you have successfully installed the network printer on your computer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in the full guide we explained in this post, you can now set up a printer in Windows 11 in various ways such as automatically, manually, and also installing a local printer and network printer successfully so you don't have to panic anymore.

FAQ

1. How do I add a wireless printer in Windows 10?

You can add a wireless printer in Windows 10 by just following these two major instructions below:

Firstly, set up your printer and connect to Wi-Fi Network.

Secondly, add Network Printer or Wireless to your Windows 10 operating system computer. Then, you are ready to start printing.