How to add a Network Printer

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Olga Weis Last updated May 29, 2024

How to add a Network Printer

Adding a network printer can streamline your printing tasks and improve productivity. Read on to learn how to connect a network printer on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac, or use the FlexiHub app for a simpler setup.

How to Find a Printer on a Network

1.
Ensure that your printer and computer are on the same network.
2.
Access the "Devices and Printers" or "Printers and Scanners" section of the Control Panel.
3.
Select "Add a Printer."
4.
Wait for your operating system to locate available printers on the network.
5.
Choose your desired printer from the list and follow on-screen instructions to complete its installation.

How to Add a Printer on Windows 10

1.

Click "Start" and go to "Settings", then "Devices".
2.

Open the "Printers & Scanners" panel, which can also be used later to configure added devices. For now, click "Add a printer or scanner".
3.

Windows will scan the network for available devices. If you share the printer from another computer or there is a printer connected to the network, it will appear on the list.
4.

Click the printer’s name and Windows will perform its installation, during which it will download any required drivers and prompt you to rename the printer.
5.

If you are certain that you have successfully connected the printer to the network but it does not appear in the device list, a little more work is required. Click "The printer that I want isn’t listed".

Note: We’ll be focusing on TCP/IP, the most common option, but others are just as simple to set up - all configuration is done with a wizard.
6.

Select "Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname" and confirm your choice.
7.

Enter the printer’s IP address in the "Hostname or IP address" field. Check the box to "Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use", then click "Next".
8.

The printer will receive a default name, which you can change as desired. Click "Next" after naming the printer.

How to Add a Printer on Windows 11

Connect Your Printer: Ensure that your printer is connected to your computer.

1.
To open settings click on Start > Settings (or press Windows key + I).
2.
Select "Devices" in the Settings app.
3.
Choose "Printers & scanners" from the menu.
4.
Click “Add a printer or a scanner” and Windows will start searching for available printers.
5.
Select your printer from the list.
6.
Windows will install drivers and set up the printer.

How to Connect a Network Printer on Mac

1.
Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
2.
Select "System Preferences".
3.
Choose "Printers and Scanners". If you are using an older version of the operating system, you may need to click "Hardware" and then "Print & Scan".
4.
Click the + sign located under the list of printers to add a device. On older Macs, you may need to use the "Add Printer or Scanner" button after pressing the + sign. Available printers can also be found listed as "Nearby Printers" in the "Add Printer or Scanner" submenu. Note: You may have to provide administrator’s credentials after clicking the Lock icon to make changes to this menu.
5.
Select the printer you want to add to your Mac. Printers found on the network will be listed under the Default tab.
6.
Choose the driver or software from the "Use" drop-down menu:
- Existing dedicated printer driver on your Mac.
- Apple’s AirPrint for WiFi printing (install driver if not AirPrint-ready).
- Auto Select to download the correct driver with system updates.
After choosing, click "Add". The new device will appear in the printer list in the Print & Scan window.

How to Add a Printer via IP Address

To add a printer using its IP address, you need to have the address information available. You can consult our previous articles if you need help determining the device’s IP address. Once you know the IP address, go to "Printers & Scanners" in "System Preferences" to add the printer by using the following procedure.

1.
Click the Apple icon.
2.
Select "System Preferences".
3.
Open the "Printers and Scanners" window.
4.
Select the + sign located under the list of printers.
5.
Click on the IP icon which looks like a small blue globe.
6.
Enter the printer’s IP address in the Address field. Your Mac will attempt to connect to the device to obtain its information. If you don’t know your printer’s IP address, check out our previous article on how to find your printer’s IP address.
7.
Rename the printer or accept the default name displayed in the "Name" field.
8.
Select the print drivers that you want to use.
9.
Click the "Add" button.