Here, I will discuss how to add a network printer in two different cases.

1. When you don’t have the IP address of the printer.
2. And, when you have the IP address of the printer.

Let’s start with the easier method (Obviously! that does not require the IP address😁)

Add a Network Printer Without Using IP

1. On your computer, go to Windows Settings.
   
2. Choose Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
   
3. Click Add device or Add a printer or scanner button, whichever is available.
   
4. Once the wizard completes scanning, it will list all the printers that are connected to your Wi-Fi network.
5. Click Add device and let the wizard complete the installation.

Add a Network Printer Using IP

Adding a printer without using IP is far more convenient than adding printer using IP.

As we discussed above, it does not require any extra information about the printer. Just know the printer name and it is enough to add it to your computer.

So you might be thinking why is this guy even talking about adding printer using IP, right?

A quick reason — this method is extremely helpful if there are bunch of printers on your Wi-Fi network and you don’t want to rummage through all the printer names.

In this method, first, you have to find the IP address of the printer you want to add. Then,

1. Go to Windows Settings and open Printers & scanners settings.
   
2. Click Add device > The printer that I want isn’t listed (Add manually).
   
3. Check the third option and proceed.
   
4. Enter the valid IP address of the printer that you found earlier and click Next.
   
5. Wait some time till the wizard adds the printer on that IP and you are ready to print after that.

Do not Forget to Install the Printer Driver!!!

Regardless of whether you added the printer using IP or without IP, do not forget to install the printer driver afterwards.

Multiple issues like printer going offline and printer printing blank pages arise if you do not install the driver.

Moreover, a compatible printer driver is necessary to adjust settings like changing the paper size on your printer, checking the ink levels and many more.

Are You Trying to Add Locally Shared Network Printer?

Do note that you won’t be able to add a locally shared network printer using any of the methods we discussed above.

If you are new to this term, locally shared network printer means the printer that is connected to one of the networked computer and other computers are accessing the printer via that host computer.

This type of sharing is typically done when the printer does not have wireless capabilities.

If your network has similar kind of setup, here’s how to add such kind of printers.

1. Windows Settings > Printers & scanners settings.
2. Add device > The printer that I want isn’t listed.
3. Check the second option > Next.
   
4. Choose the computer that is sharing the printer.
5. Select the printer name and follow the on-screen instructions.
   
6. The printer will be added to your computer.

Note: Sad to say, but while adding a locally shared printer, you will face the Windows cannot connect to the printer error. The error is almost guaranteed!

There’s nothing to worry though! Go through the article I linked above and you will be able to fix it instantly.

Please let me know if you need further assistance. Comments and Feedbacks are always welcome🙂