How to Add a Wireless or Network Printer in Windows 10

Just got a new wireless or network printer for your home or office and need to install it on Windows 10? Compared to the old days, adding printers in Windows nowadays is usually a pretty easy process, as long as the printer isn’t ancient.
I’ve actually already talked about installing printers before, but my previous article was focused on manually adding a network printer using the IP address. That’s actually a last resort option in case you can’t get the printer installed automatically by Windows 10 first.
Before we get started, let’s talk about how to manage printers in Windows 10, because that has become a bit confusing. In Windows 10, you can add/remove/manage printers from the Control Panel or the Settings app.

Manage Printers in Windows 10

To get to the Control Panel printer manager, click on Devices and Printers. I still find this interface more familiar since it’s been around since Windows XP.

 

You’ll see a list of all your printers and other devices that may be on the network. The other way is to click on Start, then Settings and then click on Devices.

 

There’s really no reason for there to be two ways to do this, but that’s just how it is currently in Windows 10. You can pick either way and you’ll get all the same options, so it doesn’t really matter.

Adding a Printer in Windows 10

Now let’s get into the actual steps for adding a printer to Windows 10. In this article, we are assuming that you have connected your printer to either the wireless network or wired network. As long as your router is giving out IP addresses automatically using DHCP, getting your printer connected to the network should be straight-forward.
For wireless printers, just refer to the instructions on how to configure the printer with the wireless network settings. Most new wireless printers allow you to do this on the on-screen display of the printer, but some older wireless printers require you to connect the printer directly to a computer first, configure the wireless settings and then disconnect it.
Once the printer is connected, go ahead and click on Add a printer in the Devices and Printers dialog on your PC.

Now, if the printers are on and connected, magic should happen and any printers on the network not already added to your computer should appear in the list. If they do not show up, you should click on The printer that I want isn’t listed link at the bottom to troubleshoot. Go down to the Troubleshoot Installing Printers in Windows 10 section to read more about solving common problems.
If all is well, click on the printer you want to install and then click Next.
 Windows will automatically setup the printer by installing the appropriate printer drivers onto the system. If available, it’ll download the drivers from the printer itself.

After a few seconds, the printer should be successfully added and you’ll be able to print a test page. Note that this procedure will be able to find wireless or wired printers on the network.