Printers and scanners are essential devices for both personal and professional tasks. Whether you need to print documents, scan paperwork, or troubleshoot a device connection, knowing how to locate all printers and scanners connected to your computer is important. Modern operating systems make it easy to view connected devices, manage settings, and identify problems if a printer or scanner is not working properly.
Many users connect multiple devices over time, including wireless printers, USB printers, all-in-one printers, and network scanners. Sometimes older devices remain saved on the system even after they are disconnected.
Learning how to access the complete list of printers and scanners helps you organize your devices, remove outdated hardware, and confirm that your computer recognizes the correct device.
Let’s learn it in detail!
Why Is It Important to Check Your Printers and Scanners?
Viewing the list of printers and scanners on your computer is useful for many reasons. It allows you to confirm whether your device is connected correctly and helps you identify which printer is currently set as the default printer. If your scanner or printer stops responding, checking the device list is often the first troubleshooting step.
You can also use this section to install new devices, remove unused printers, and verify wireless connections. Businesses and home users alike benefit from regularly reviewing connected devices because it keeps the system organized and prevents confusion when printing documents.
Another important reason is troubleshooting. Sometimes users accidentally print to an offline printer or a virtual printer, such as Microsoft Print to PDF, instead of a physical printer. By reviewing the device list, you can select the correct hardware and avoid printing errors.
See List of Printers and Scanners on Your Computer
To see the list of Printers and Scanners on this computer:
- Open the Start Menu on your computer and select Settings.
- Click Bluetooth & devices or Devices, depending on your Windows version.
- Select Printers & scanners to see all connected and saved printers and scanners on your computer.
- Choose a device to manage settings, troubleshoot issues, or remove old devices.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu on Your Computer
The first step is to access the main settings area of your computer. On a Windows computer, click the Start Menu button located in the lower left corner of the screen. This button usually displays the Windows logo.
After opening the Start Menu, look for the Settings option. The Settings icon often looks like a small gear. Click it to open the main settings window for your computer.
If you cannot find the Settings icon, you can also type Settings directly into the search bar inside the Start Menu. Windows will display the application in the search results. Click it to continue.
Opening the Settings application gives you access to device management tools, personalization settings, network controls, and many other system options. This is where you will locate your printers and scanners.
Step 2: Access the Devices or Bluetooth & Devices Section
Once the Settings window opens, you need to find the section that manages connected hardware devices.
In Windows 11, click Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar menu. This section contains all device-related settings, including Bluetooth accessories, cameras, printers, scanners, and connected mobile devices.
In Windows 10, click Devices from the main settings menu. The wording may look slightly different depending on your system version, but the function is similar.
This area allows Windows to display all hardware currently connected to your computer as well as previously installed devices. It acts as the central management location for printers and scanners.
Take your time exploring the available categories. You may notice sections for mice, keyboards, USB devices, and audio equipment. The option you need is specifically labeled Printers & scanners.
Step 3: Open the Printers & Scanners Page
After entering the Devices section, click Printers & scanners.
The computer will now display a complete list of all saved printers and scanners. This includes devices currently connected through USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, or local network connections. You may also see virtual printers installed by software applications.
Each device usually displays its current status. Common status messages include:
- Ready
- Offline
- Driver unavailable
- Default printer
If your printer or scanner is working correctly, it will usually display the status as Ready. If there is a connection issue, the device may appear offline or unavailable.
This page is the main location for managing all printing and scanning devices connected to your computer.
View Printers and Scanners Using the Control Panel
Although the Settings app is the modern method, some users still prefer the traditional Control Panel interface.
Open the Start Menu and type Control Panel into the search bar. Open the application and select Devices and Printers.
This screen displays printers, scanners, connected devices, and multimedia hardware in a more visual layout. Many advanced printer settings are still easier to access through the Control Panel than in the newer Settings app.
Advanced users often use this method for detailed printer configuration and driver management.
How to Identify the Connected Printer or Scanner?
Now that you can see the list, carefully identify the device you want to use.
Printers and scanners are usually displayed by their manufacturer and model number. For example, you might see names such as HP OfficeJet, Canon PIXMA, or Epson EcoTank.
If multiple devices appear, compare the names with the labels printed on your physical device. This helps prevent confusion when selecting a printer for documents or images.
Some users may notice duplicate devices with similar names. This can happen when a printer is installed more than once or connected using different methods. For example, one version may connect through USB while another connects wirelessly.
Understanding the correct device name is important because it ensures your print jobs are sent to the right machine.
How to Check Which Printer Is Set as Default?
The default printer is the device your computer automatically selects when printing documents. Knowing which printer is set as the default can save time and prevent mistakes.
Inside the Printers & scanners page, the default printer usually includes a small label stating Default underneath the printer name.
If you want to change the default printer, click the printer name and choose Set as default.
This feature is especially helpful if you use multiple printers at home or in an office. For example, you may want one printer for color printing and another for black and white documents.
Windows sometimes automatically changes the default printer based on recent usage. If this behavior becomes confusing, you can disable automatic printer management in the printer settings.
How To Access Device Management Options?
Clicking a printer or scanner in the list opens additional management options.
For printers, you may see options such as:
- Open print queue
- Manage
- Printer properties
- Run troubleshooter
For scanners, you may see scanning preferences and driver details.
The print queue allows you to monitor active print jobs. If documents become stuck while printing, you can cancel or restart them from this area.
The troubleshooting feature is useful for beginners because Windows automatically searches for common issues and attempts to fix them. This may include restarting printer services, reconnecting wireless devices, or reinstalling drivers.
Device management options help users maintain proper printer functionality without needing advanced technical skills.
Remove Old or Unused Printers
Over time, your computer may store outdated printers that are no longer connected. Removing unused devices helps keep the list organized and reduces confusion.
To remove a device, click the printer or scanner name and select Remove device.
Before removing a printer, make sure it is not currently needed. Once removed, you may need to reinstall drivers if you decide to use it again later.
Unused printers can sometimes cause printing errors because applications may accidentally select the wrong device. Cleaning up old entries improves device management and simplifies printing tasks.
Add a New Printer or Scanner
If your printer or scanner does not appear in the list, you may need to add it manually.
At the top of the Printers & scanners page, click Add device or Add a printer or scanner.
Windows will begin searching for nearby devices. Ensure your printer or scanner is powered on and connected to the same network if using WiFi.
Once the device appears, click its name and follow the installation instructions. Windows usually installs the required drivers automatically.
If the device does not appear, you may need to download drivers from the manufacturer’s website or connect the printer using a USB cable first.
Adding devices manually is common when setting up a new printer for the first time.
Troubleshoot Missing Printers or Scanners
Sometimes printers and scanners do not appear even after installation attempts. This can happen for several reasons, including network problems, outdated drivers, or disabled services.
Start by restarting both your computer and printer. Temporary software glitches often disappear after restarting.
Next, check all cables and wireless connections. Ensure the printer is connected to the same WiFi network as your computer.
You should also update your printer drivers. Outdated drivers can prevent proper communication between the device and the operating system.
If problems continue, use the built-in Windows troubleshooter found inside the printer management settings. This automated tool can identify many common hardware and software issues.
How to See Printers and Scanners on a Mac?
Mac users can also easily view connected printers and scanners.
Click the Apple Menu and open System Settings or System Preferences, depending on your macOS version.
Select Printers & Scanners from the menu. The computer will display all connected devices along with status information.
From this section, users can add new printers, remove devices, and manage scanner settings just like on Windows systems.
Common Types of Printers You May See
When viewing your device list, you may encounter several different printer types.
- USB Printers connect directly to the computer using a cable. These are common in home offices and small businesses.
- Wireless Printers connect through WiFi and allow multiple devices to print without cables.
- Network Printers are commonly used in offices and shared among many computers.
- Virtual Printers do not print physically. Instead, they create digital files such as PDFs.
Understanding these device types helps users better manage their printing environment.
FAQs
Why can I not see my printer on the computer?
Your printer may be turned off, disconnected from WiFi, or missing drivers. Restart the printer and computer, then check the connection settings.
What does an offline printer mean?
An offline printer means the computer cannot communicate with the device. This may happen because of network issues, loose cables, or software problems.
Can I remove old printers safely?
Yes. Removing unused printers is safe and helps keep your device list organized. You can reinstall them later if needed.
Why do I see duplicate printers?
Duplicate printers usually appear when the same printer is installed multiple times using different connection methods, such as USB and WiFi.
How do I make a printer my default printer?
Open Printers & scanners, select the printer you want, and click Set as default.
Can I add a wireless printer without a cable?
Yes. Most modern wireless printers can connect directly through WiFi during setup.
What is a virtual printer?
A virtual printer creates digital documents instead of physical pages. Examples include Microsoft Print to PDF.
Do scanners appear with printers?
Yes. All-in-one devices often appear as both printers and scanners in your computer settings.