How to add a printer in Windows 10

Step-by-step guide to adding a printer to Windows

How-to By Ritoban Mukherjee published 31 October 2024

Despite being a last generation OS, Windows 10 continues to dominate the market, holding a whopping 70% share as of April 2024. While it might seem daunting at first, especially with the variety of printer types and connection methods available, Windows 10 actually makes it quite simple to add a printer once you know where to look.

Still, I've found that many users struggle with this task, often due to confusion about where to find the right settings or uncertainty about whether their printer is properly connected. Some may even wonder if their older printers will work with Windows 10 at all. The good news is that Windows 10 is designed to be compatible with a wide range of printers, both old and new.

Today, we'll explore the various methods for adding a printer to Windows 10, covering everything from wired USB connections to wireless network printers. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to start printing from your Windows 10 computer with confidence, regardless of your printer model or connection type.

Also check out our list of the best home printers.

Adding a wired printer to Windows 10

Adding a wired printer to your Windows 10 computer is often the simplest method, as these printers typically use a USB connection that Windows can easily recognize. This plug-and-play functionality means that in many cases, you won't need to manually install drivers or go through a complex setup process.

Here's how to add a wired printer to Windows 10:

1. Ensure your printer is powered on and connected to your computer via USB cable. Most modern printers will be automatically detected by Windows at this point.
2. Open the Windows Start menu and type "Settings" into the search bar. Click on the Settings app when it appears in the search results.
3. In the Settings window, click on "Devices."
4. In the Devices menu, select "Printers & scanners" from the left sidebar.
5. Look for the "Add a printer or scanner" button at the top of the window and click on it.
6. Windows will now search for available printers. When your printer appears in the list, click on its name and then select "Add device."
7. Follow any additional on-screen prompts to complete the installation process. This may include installing printer-specific software or drivers.

In my experience, this process works smoothly for most wired printers. However, if Windows doesn't automatically detect your printer, don't worry – we'll cover troubleshooting steps later in this guide.

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