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How to Install a Wireless Printer on Windows 11 [3 Ways]

3 methods tested by expert to install a wireless printer on PC

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Microsoft’s latest desktop platform is now upon us. Since October 2021, users across the world have been upgrading to Windows 11. After that, the first thing you will need to do is add your printer and other external devices to Windows 11.

There are a few ways you can do so – both automatically and manually via Settings. Or you can utilize the Control Panel’s built-in tool for adding new devices.

Many users will no doubt need to add printers of the wireless variety to Windows 11. You can easily add wireless and non-wireless printers with the same built-in options and tools.

Thus, there isn’t much difference between adding wireless and non-wireless ones.

Will my wireless printer be compatible with Windows 11?

Some users might wonder if their printers are compatible with Microsoft’s latest desktop platform. Most Windows 10 device drivers are compatible with 11. If you have utilized your printer with Windows 10, it will probably work ok on the latest platform.

However, if you were utilizing your printer on an older Windows platform, like Vista or 7, you can’t be so sure. Older printers are less likely to be compatible with the latest desktop platforms.

This article onhow to install the latest Windows 11 printer drivermight help you. This is mandatory if you want to enjoy all the features of your printer.

To check if your printer is compatible with the latest platform, look for Windows 11 compatibility details on the manufacturer’s website.

For example, the Dell and HP websites both includeWindows 11 printer compatibility pagesthat list supported models for that platform.

If your wireless printer is Windows 11 compatible, you can add it to the latest platform with the three methods below.

First, make sure your printer is fully set up with reasonably full cartridges installed as outlined within its manual.

The wireless printer also needs to be turned on and connected to your PC’s Wi-Fi network to add it to Windows 11. Your printer’s manual will provide specific details on how you can connect it to local networks.

How can I add a wireless printer to Windows 11?

1. Add it automatically

2. Add it via the Control Panel

3. Manually add a wireless printer to Windows 11

Press theWindows keyon your taskbar.
Typesettingsin the search bar and click on the first result to open theSettings app.
Navigate to theBluetooth & devicestab.
Go toPrinters & scanners.
Press theAdd devicebutton.

6.Then click theAdd manuallyoption.

7.Select theAdd a Bluetooth, wireless or network discoverable printeroption.

8.Then choose your wireless printer on theAdd a devicewindow.

Click theNextbutton.
Thereafter, follow additional instructions in theAdd Printerwizard to finish the installation.

If the automatic installation does not work because your device is not detected, you can try a manual installation of your wireless printer.

This can be easily done through Control Panel’s Bluetooth & Devices menu.

How can I set a printer to be the default one?

After adding a printer, make sure it’s the default one for your PC. Then it will be selected by default to print all your documents. You can set a printer to be the default one via theControl Panel:

How can I remove a printer in Windows 11?

When you get a new printer, you should remove the old one from Windows 11. You can remove added printers viaSettingsas follows:

How come my wireless printer isn’t detected when I try to add it?

Network discovery needs to be enabled for Windows 11 to detect it. If your wireless printer isn’t detected, it might be because that feature is disabled on your PC. This is how you can enable network discovery on your computer:

Some printers from the bigger manufacturers have supporting software. So, you might also be able to add your printer to Windows 11 with its supporting app instead. If your printer model has supporting software, you’ll probably be able to download it from Microsoft Store.

However, you can always add a wireless printer or non-wireless one to Windows 11 with its built-in options. Adding wireless printers to that platform with the above three methods is usually quick and straightforward.

Check out thisguide if the printer is not working on Windows 11. Most commonly, it is recognized by the OS, but an error appears every time you try to print.

As for those times when yourBrother printer won’t connect via USB on Windows 11, you need to take action as well since you can’t change printer settings or plug in more than one printer through USB.

If you have any other thoughts or opinions regarding this subject, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the section below.

How to Install a Wireless Printer on Windows 11 [3 Ways]#

Will my wireless printer be compatible with Windows 11?#

How can I add a wireless printer to Windows 11?#

1. Add it automatically#

2. Add it via the Control Panel#

3. Manually add a wireless printer to Windows 11#

How can I set a printer to be the default one?#

How can I remove a printer in Windows 11?#

How come my wireless printer isn’t detected when I try to add it?#