You can connect a wireless printer to WiFi in Windows for quick and clutter-free access. Here is how to do it in simple steps.
Nowadays, almost all printers come with wireless connectivity. This enables you to connect the printer to WiFi and print stuff over the network.
If you are like me, who hates clutter and cables, this is a pretty good feature as you can keep your printer on a dedicated desk away from the computer and still print documents as and when needed. As an additional benefit, you don’t have to worry about the printer sound.
So, without further ado, let me show you how to connect a wireless printer to WiFi and add it to Windows in quick and simple steps.
Connect to Wireless Printer to WiFi
There are two main steps to connecting a wireless printer to WiFi and adding it to Windows. The first step is to connect the wireless printer to a wifi network. Next, connect your computer to the same Wi-Fi network and pair the printer to Windows. Here is how to do it.
Step #1: Connect Printer to WiFi
There are many ways to connect a printer to the WiFi network. The easiest way is to use the WPS functionality in your WiFi router. Most WiFi routers have a dedicated WPS button that lets you connect wireless devices with a button press.
Note: Each printer and WiFi network is different. So, I’m giving you general directions. If you are stuck, consult the printer and/or Wi-Fi router manual for specific instructions.
Option #1: To start, see if your printer has a wireless button. If it has one, press the wireless button and then press the WPS button on your Wi-Fi router. If you see a prompt on the printer screen, accept it by selecting Ok or something similar.
Option #2: If your Wi-Fi or printer has no WPS functionality, use the printer menu to scan for the WiFi network and select it. Type the WiFi password when prompted. Most printers have a basic settings screen, primarily to manage wireless networks. So, open the Setting window and follow the on-screen instructions. If necessary, consult the user manual to know how to open Printer settings.
After connecting the printer to your Wi-Fi network, we can add it to Windows. Before proceeding, note down the printer IP address. You can generally get it from the printer menu or by opening the Wi-Fi admin page and going to the DHCP client list. The printer IP address is helpful for troubleshooting purposes.
Step #2: Connect Wireless Printer to Windows
1. Connect your system to the same WiFi network as the printer. Your computer and printer should be on the same local network. If not, you cannot connect the printer to Windows locally.
2. Next, open the PC Settings app with “Win + I” and go to the “Devices -> Printers & Scanners” page. Here, click the “Add a printer or scanner” button on the right page.
Note: If you are using Windows 11, go to the “Bluetooth & devices > Printers and Scanners” page. Click the “Add a printer” button.
3. This action will prompt Windows to scan and find new devices. If the printer is on the same network, you should see your printer in the found devices list.
If your printer isn’t listed, you can add it manually. Click the “The printer that I want isn’t listed” link. Now, select the “Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname,“ click Next and enter the printer IP address.
4. Select the listed printer and click the “Add Device” button.
Windows will automatically download any necessary drivers and configure the printer. After installing, you can use the wirelessly connected printer like a standard wired printer.
If you are facing problems, I recommend running the troubleshooter. To run the printer troubleshooter, go to “Update & Security -> Troubleshoot” in the PC Settings app. On the right panel, find the Printer option and click on it. Follow the troubleshoot wizard.
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That is it. It is that simple to connect a wireless printer to WiFi and add it to Windows.
I hope this simple Windows how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
If you like this article, check out how to add a printer to the Send To menu for quick printing.