Windows

How to add a printer on Windows 11

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Updated 8 October 2026 · Checked October 2026

Device: Microsoft Cloud PC · Software: Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457)

Publisher: Saadat Rafiq

2 min read6 steps

Screenshot from the guide: How to add a printer on Windows 11

howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-add-a-printer-on-windows-11/ · Checked October 2026 · Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457), Microsoft Cloud PC

In this guide
  1. Get the printer ready
  2. Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices
  3. Click Printers & scanners
  4. Click Add device
  5. Click Add device next to your printer
  6. If your printer is not listed
  7. Good to know
  8. Sources
Quick answer

Turn the printer on and connect it to your Wi-Fi or plug in its USB cable. Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners, click Add device, wait for the printer to appear and click Add device next to it. If it does not appear, click Add a new device manually.

5 of 6 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device
Windows
Shown on
Windows 11 Enterprise 25H2 (build 26200.9457), Microsoft Cloud PC
App
Settings
Path
Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners › Add device
Real screenshots
5 of 6 steps
Checked
October 2026
Sources
1 official, linked below

Step by step

Take this guide with you

Print it, or pick "Save as PDF" in the print window.

Steps
Also include
  1. PrinterWi-Fijoin the same network as the PCUSBplug in and switch on

    Get the printer ready

    For Wi-Fi, use the printer's own display to join the same network as the PC. For USB, plug the cable in and switch the printer on.

  2. Windows screenshot: Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices
    Zoomed in on the setting. Tap to see the whole screenTap the picture to see it full size

    Open Settings, Bluetooth & devices

    Open Start, Settings and click Bluetooth & devices on the left.

  3. Windows screenshot: Click Printers & scanners
    Tap the picture to see it full size

    Click Printers & scanners

    Check the list first. A USB printer is often there already.

  4. Windows screenshot: Click Add device
    Tap the picture to see it full size

    Click Add device

    It is next to Add a printer or scanner at the top. Windows searches for printers on your network and on the cable.

  5. Windows screenshot: Click Add device next to your printer
    Tap the picture to see it full size

    Click Add device next to your printer

    Printers Windows found are listed under Add a printer or scanner, and the button turns into Refresh. Click Add device next to yours. When it shows as ready, click the printer and choose Print test page. Our Cloud PC found none.

  6. Windows screenshot: If your printer is not listed
    Tap the picture to see it full size

    If your printer is not listed

    Click Add a new device manually next to The printer that I want isn't listed. Windows then lets you add it by its name or IP address, or as an older printer.

About this guide

Windows finds most current printers by itself and installs what it needs. The printer only has to be switched on and on the same network as the PC, or connected by cable.

Good to know

If the printer is not found, click "The printer that I want isn't listed" and choose "Add a new device manually", then follow the window that opens.

A printer on a guest Wi-Fi network cannot be seen from the main network. Put both on the same one.

If it was working and has stopped: printer not working.

In short: Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners, Add device, choose the printer.

Sources

Links checked in October 2026. Menus and features can change after software updates. These steps match the version named at the top.

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