How to Add a Printer to a Computer (Windows, Mac, Chromebook)

When this guide applies

• Your printer is switched on and connected by USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi, but it does not appear when you try to print.
• You have a new computer and want to use an existing printer.
• You removed the printer from your computer to fix a problem and need to add it back.
• The printer does not show up automatically and you want to add it by its IP address.

Possible causes

Printer not on the same network

A network printer can only be discovered if it is on the same network as the computer (not a guest network or a different band that is isolated).

Discovery blocked

Network discovery turned off, a VPN, or firewall software can stop the computer seeing printers on the local network.

Printer asleep or showing an error

A printer in deep sleep or with an error message may not answer discovery requests.

Driver not available automatically

Some older or business printers need a driver from the manufacturer before the operating system can use them.

1. Before you start

1. Make sure the printer is ready

   Turn the printer on, clear any error messages and wait until it is idle. For a USB printer, connect the cable directly to the computer.

2. Note the printer’s IP address (network printers)

   Print a network configuration report from the printer’s menu (often under Setup, Network or Reports; names vary by model), or look on the printer’s network status screen. You only need it if the printer is not found automatically.

3. Disconnect VPNs temporarily

   If your computer uses a VPN, disconnect it while adding the printer; many VPNs block access to devices on your local network.

2. Add a printer in Windows 11 or Windows 10

1. Open Printers & scanners

   Windows 11: Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
   Windows 10: Start → Settings → Devices → Printers & scanners.

2. Choose Add device

   Select Add device (Windows 10: Add a printer or scanner). Wait while Windows searches. When your printer appears, select Add device next to it. Windows downloads a driver automatically if one is available.

3. If your printer is not listed, add it manually

   Select Add manually or The printer that I want isn’t listed. Choose Add a printer using an IP address or hostname, enter the IP address from the configuration report, and follow the prompts. If asked for a driver, choose your printer’s make and model, or use Windows Update to refresh the list.

4. Print a test page

   Select the printer in Printers & scanners, open Printer properties or the printer’s settings page, and choose Print test page.

3. Add a printer on a Mac (macOS)

1. Open Printers & Scanners

   Open the Apple menu → System Settings → Printers & Scanners. (On older macOS versions this is in System Preferences.)

2. Add the printer

   Select Add Printer, Scanner or Fax. On the default tab, choose your printer from the list. Many current printers support AirPrint, which lets macOS print without installing extra software; if offered, choosing AirPrint in the Use menu is usually the simplest option. Select Add.

3. Add by IP address if needed

   If the printer does not appear, select the IP tab (globe icon), enter the printer’s IP address, leave the protocol as suggested (often AirPrint or IPP), and select Add.

4. Check it works

   Print a short document. If the printer appears but jobs fail, remove it and add it again, choosing a different option in the Use menu.

4. Add a printer on a Chromebook (ChromeOS)

1. Open printer settings

   Select the time at the bottom right → Settings. Depending on your ChromeOS version, open Advanced → Print and scan → Printers, or search Settings for “Printers”.

2. Save a discovered printer

   Printers found on your network appear under available printers. Select Save or Set up next to yours.

3. Add by address if needed

   Select Add printer, give it a name, enter its IP address, choose the protocol (IPP is a common choice for current printers), and select Add. Chromebooks rely on built-in printing support, so check your printer’s specifications if it does not work.

5. USB printers

1. Connect and wait

   On Windows and macOS, connecting a USB printer usually adds it automatically within a minute. Check Printers & scanners to confirm.

2. If nothing happens

   Try a different USB port on the computer, avoid hubs and docks, and try another cable if you have one. If the operating system still cannot find a driver, install the official driver or software from the manufacturer’s website.

If it still isn’t working

Use the manufacturer’s app or software. Some printers are easier to add through the manufacturer’s official app, which can also handle scanning. Download it only from the manufacturer’s website or an official app store. Our printer brand pages explain where to look.

Check the network. If the printer cannot be found at all, it may not be on the same network. See wireless printer connection problems.

The printer was added but shows offline. Follow printer offline to clear the queue and check settings.

Frequently asked questions