How to add a network printer step-by-step guide

If you’re facing difficulties in finding or adding a printer to your network, you might feel frustrated and annoyed. With every operating system having a different connection option, it can be hard to know exactly how to connect your new printer to your computer or laptop. To help resolve this issue, we’ve put together these comprehensive instructions.

How to find a printer on a network?

Before adding a network printer, you need to locate it on your network. Follow these steps to find your printer:

1. Ensure that your printer is connected to the same network as your computer.
2. On your computer, go to the Control Panel and open the "Devices and Printers" or "Printers and Scanners" section.
3. Click on the "Add a Printer" option.
4. Your operating system will search for available printers on the network. Wait for the search to complete.
5. Once the search is complete, a list of available printers will be displayed. Select your desired printer from the list.
6. Click "Next" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

How to add a network printer in Windows

If you couldn't find your printer using the previous steps, or if you simply want to learn how to add a network printer in Windows, follow the instructions below.

How to add network printer Windows 10

1. Go to the Control Panel, click “Devices”, and open the "Printers and Scanners" section.
2. Click on the "Add a Printer" option.
3. Windows will search for available printers on the network. Wait for the search to complete.
4. Once the search is complete, a list of available printers will be displayed. Select your desired printer from the list.
5. Click "Next" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

How to add network printer Windows 11

1. Open Windows Settings by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
2. In the Settings window, click on " Bluetooth & devices" from the left-hand menu and then “Printers & scanners”.
3. Click on the "Add a Printer or Scanner" button, and then select “Add device”.
4. Windows will search for available printers on the network. Wait for the search to complete.
5. Once the search is complete, a list of available printers will be displayed. Select your desired printer from the list.
6. Click "Add Device" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

How to add network printer Windows 8

1. Open the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting "Control Panel" from the menu.
2. In the Control Panel, click on "Devices and Printers."
3. Click on the "Add a Printer" option.
4. Windows will search for available printers on the network. Wait for the search to finish.
5. Once the search is complete, a list of available printers will be displayed. Select your desired printer from the list.
6. Click "Next" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Connect network printer in macOS

If you're a macOS user, adding a network printer is a similarly straightforward process. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open the Apple menu and click on "System Preferences."
2. In the System Preferences window, click on "Printers & Scanners."
3. Click on the "+" button to add a printer.
4. macOS will search for available printers on the network. Wait for the search to complete.
5. Once the search has finished, a list of available printers will be displayed. Select your desired printer from the list.
6. Click "Add" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Do you need extra help?

We hope that this step-by-step guide has helped you add a network printer successfully. If you still encounter any difficulties or require additional assistance, our team at Perfect Colours is here to help; feel free to reach out to us. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer support and resolving any printer-related issues you may have.