DeviceHowTo
Windows 11⏱ 8 min

How to Connect Printer to Wi-Fi on Windows 11

Add or re-add a wireless printer and print a test page.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Windows discovers Wi-Fi printers automatically when both the printer and the PC are on the same network, making the Add a Printer step in Settings appear to work like magic when network conditions are right. The key prerequisite — that's missed most often — is completing the printer-side Wi-Fi setup first through its own control panel before attempting to add it from Windows, since the PC cannot discover a printer that hasn't yet joined the network. Most modern HP, Canon, and Epson printers also provide a manufacturer app (HP Smart, Canon PRINT, Epson Smart Panel) that supplements Windows' built-in discovery and handles driver installation as part of its setup flow.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1On the printer control panel, go to Settings > Wireless Setup Wizard, select your Wi-Fi network, and enter the password.
  2. 2Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add a device. Wait for your printer to appear and click Add.
  3. 3Print a test page from the printer settings panel to confirm the wireless connection works.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Windows 11 have a built-in way to connect printer to wi-fi?
Yes. Windows 11 includes a native option to connect printer to wi-fi without installing third-party software. Follow the Quick Steps above for the exact location in the settings menu.
How long does it take to connect printer to wi-fi on Windows 11?
Most users complete this in about 8 min. Complex cases that require troubleshooting or a restart may take a few extra minutes.
Is it safe to connect printer to wi-fi on Windows 11?
Yes — this is a standard Windows 11 operation. Follow the steps exactly as written, particularly any warnings shown in red or amber banners at the top of this guide.
What should I do if connect printer to wi-fi doesn't work on Windows 11?
Follow the Still Not Working section above for targeted fallback steps. As a final resort, install any pending OS updates and restart the device before trying again — most software issues resolve after an update.

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