Adding a printer using an IP address is one of the most reliable ways to connect a printer to your computer, especially in office networks or shared environments. Instead of relying on automatic discovery, which can sometimes fail due to network restrictions or driver issues, using an IP address ensures a direct and precise connection. This method works seamlessly in both Windows 11 and Windows 10 and is particularly useful when the printer is already connected to a network.
In this guide, you will learn a complete process to connect or add a printer using its IP address.
Connect or Add A Printer Through IP Address in Windows 11 or 10
To connect or add a printer through an IP address in Windows 11 or 10, open “Settings”, go to “Bluetooth & devices” or “Devices”, select “Printers & scanners”, click “Add device”, choose “Add manually”, select “Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname”, enter the printer’s IP address, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer driver.
Step 1: Find the Printer’s IP Address
The first and most important step is identifying the correct IP address of your printer. Without this information, the connection cannot be established.
Most printers display their IP address on the control panel screen. Navigate through the printer menu and look for sections labeled “Network”, “Wi-Fi Settings”, or “TCP/IP Configuration”. The IP address will typically look like “192.168.1.100”.
If your printer does not have a display, you can print a “Network Configuration Page”. This option is usually available through the printer’s physical buttons. Once printed, locate the IP address in the network section.
Another way to find the IP address is through your router. Log in to your router’s admin panel and check the list of connected devices. The printer will appear with its assigned IP.
Make sure to write down the exact IP address carefully, as even a small mistake will prevent the connection.
Step 2: Open Printer Settings in Windows
Now that you have the IP address, move to your computer and access the printer settings.
On Windows 11, click on the Start menu and open “Settings”. Then navigate to “Bluetooth & devices” and select “Printers & scanners”.
On Windows 10, open “Settings” and go to “Devices”, then click on “Printers & scanners”.
This section displays all printers currently connected to your system. It also provides the option to add new printers.
Understanding this area is important because this is where Windows manages communication between your computer and all printing devices.
Step 3: Start Adding a New Printer
Inside the “Printers & scanners” section, click on the “Add device” button. Windows will begin searching for available printers on the network.
In many cases, your printer may not appear in this list. This is completely normal, especially in restricted networks or when discovery services are disabled.
Once the search completes, you will see an option that says “Add manually”. Click this option to proceed with the IP-based setup.
This step is crucial because it allows you to bypass automatic detection and manually define the printer connection.
Step 4: Choose TCP/IP Address Option
After selecting “Add manually”, you will be presented with several options for adding a printer.
Select the option labeled “Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname”. This tells Windows that you want to connect directly using a network address.
Click “Next” to continue.
This step is where you define the communication method. “TCP/IP” is the standard protocol used for network communication, ensuring compatibility with most printers.
Step 5: Enter the Printer’s IP Address
You will now see a form asking for details about the printer.
In the field labeled “Device type”, leave it set to “TCP/IP Device”. In the “Hostname or IP address” field, enter the IP address you noted earlier. The “Port name” will automatically populate, and you can leave it as is.
Click “Next” to proceed.
At this point, Windows will attempt to contact the printer using the provided IP address. If the address is correct and the printer is reachable, the system will move to the next step.
If you encounter an error here, double-check the IP address and ensure both devices are on the same network.
Step 6: Install or Select the Printer Driver
Once the connection is established, Windows will ask for the printer driver.
If Windows automatically detects the correct driver, it will install it for you. If not, you will need to select the driver manually from a list or install it from the manufacturer’s website.
Drivers are essential because they enable your computer to communicate with the printer. Without the correct driver, printing may fail or produce incorrect results.
Choose the appropriate driver and click “Next”.
Step 7: Name the Printer
You will now be prompted to assign a name to the printer.
You can keep the default name or change it to something more recognizable, such as “Office Printer” or “Network Printer”.
Choosing a clear name is helpful, especially if multiple printers are connected to your system.
Click “Next” after naming the printer.
Step 8: Set Sharing Preferences
Windows will ask whether you want to share the printer with other users on the network.
If you are in a home environment, you can usually select “Do not share this printer”.
In an office setting, you may choose to enable sharing so others can access it.
Make your selection and click “Next”.
Step 9: Complete the Setup and Test the Printer
The final step is to complete the setup process.
Windows will display a confirmation screen indicating that the printer has been successfully added. You will also have the option to print a “Test page”.
Printing a test page is highly recommended to confirm that the connection is working correctly.
If the test page prints successfully, your setup is complete.
Faqs
What is an “IP address” in a printer?
An “IP address” is a unique number assigned to a device on a network. It allows your computer to locate and communicate with the printer.
Why is my printer not showing up automatically?
This can happen due to network restrictions, disabled discovery services, or firewall settings. Using the IP method bypasses these issues.
Can I use this method for wireless printers?
Yes, as long as the printer is connected to the same network, whether via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
What should I do if the IP address does not work?
Verify the IP address, ensure the printer is online, and confirm both devices are on the same network.
Do I need to install drivers manually?
Sometimes yes. If Windows cannot find the correct driver, you may need to download it from the manufacturer.