Basic Guide to Installing a Printer on a Network

This guide covers the basic steps for adding a network printer in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It assumes the printer already supports network printing.

Assign a static IP address to the printer

Before adding the printer to Windows, give it a fixed IP address so it doesn’t change over time.

• Open the printer’s built‑in web interface or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Assign an IP address from your network’s range.
• Record the IP address on the printer for future reference.

(Each printer model is different, so check the user guide if you’re unsure how to set the IP.)

Add the printer in Windows

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
3. Select Add device.
4. When Windows finishes searching, choose Add manually.
5. Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname.
6. Enter the printer’s IP address.
7. Windows will attempt to detect the printer. If it can’t, choose the Standard TCP/IP Port option when prompted.

Install the correct printer driver

• If Windows automatically finds the correct driver, allow it to install.
• If not, choose Have Disk and install the driver you downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
• Where possible, use the driver‑only package rather than full software suites.

Finish setup

Once the driver installs:

• Give the printer a friendly name.
• Print a test page to confirm everything is working.
• Optionally set it as the default printer.

Reviewed: 12/01/2026