Adding and removing a printer in Windows
Windows can usually find a printer by itself. These steps help when the printer is not listed, or you want to take an old one off the list.
Before you start
- Switch the printer on, and make sure it is on the same Wi-Fi as the PC, or plugged in with a USB cable.
- For a new wireless printer, finish its set-up on its own screen first, as in our guide on setting up a wireless printer.
Add a printer
- Windows 11: open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Printers & scanners, then click Add device.
- Windows 10: open Settings, Devices, Printers & scanners, then click Add a printer or scanner.
- Wait while Windows searches. When your printer's name appears, click it and then Add device.
- If it does not appear, click Add manually (Windows 11) or The printer that I want isn't listed (Windows 10) and follow the choices. You can add by name or by network address if you know it.
Print a test page
Click the printer in the list, then Printer properties, then Print test page.
Set a default printer
Click the printer and choose Set as default. In some versions, you may first need to turn off Let Windows manage my default printer.
Remove a printer
- Open the same Printers & scanners page.
- Click the printer you want to remove.
- Click Remove, then Yes.
This takes it off the list but does not harm the printer, and you can add it again later. If you remove it to reinstall, our guide on reinstalling a printer driver covers what to do next.
If you see names ending with (copy 1) or old models, remove the ones you do not use. This stops documents going to the wrong one.
When to get more help
Get in touch if the printer never appears, if it works for one user but not another, or if it needs a driver download. Only download drivers from the printer maker's own website.