Add a Network Printer (Windows 11)

Category: Printers & Scanners · Audience: Customers & Technicians · Est. time: 10–20 min

Summary

How to add a shared or network (Wi‑Fi/Ethernet) printer on Windows 11, including the reliable manual‑IP method when auto‑detect fails.

Before you start

• Confirm the printer is on, has no errors, and is on the same network as the PC.
• Get the printer's IP address (print a config page from the printer's menu, or ask BBN).

Method 1 — Automatic

1. Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add device.
2. Wait for Windows to search, then click Add device next to your printer.
3. If it appears with "The printer that I want isn't listed," use Method 2.

Method 2 — Add by IP (most reliable)

1. Printers & scanners → Add device → wait, then "The printer that I want isn't listed → Add manually."
2. Choose "Add a printer using an IP address or hostname" → Next.
3. Device type TCP/IP Device, enter the printer's IP address, untick "Query the printer…" if you want to pick the driver → Next.
4. Select the correct manufacturer + model driver (or Have Disk with the driver from the maker's website) → finish.
5. Print a test page to confirm.

Method 3 — Shared printer (\\server\printer)

1. Press Win + R, type \\ followed by the server or PC name (e.g. \\PRINTSERVER), Enter.
2. Double‑click the shared printer to install it.

If that doesn't work

• Ping the printer's IP from Terminal: ping <printer‑ip>. No reply = network/IP issue, not Windows.
• Network printers that "disappear" usually got a new IP after a router reboot — ask BBN to set a static/reserved IP.
• Escalate to BBN Support with the printer make/model and IP.

Prevention

• Reserve a static IP for shared printers so they don't move.