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How to Add & Set Up Your Printer by IP Address in Windows 11

Adding the IP address details often makes a difference

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Printers have unique IP address numbers for connecting to networks. Users can set up wireless printers with those IP addresses for network printing.

Windows 11 has a WSD (Windows Service Demand) port for connecting printers, which can be unreliable. Some users may prefer to set up printers with IP addresses in Windows 11.

Can you add a printer by IP address?

Can you add a printer by IP address?

Setting up a printer in Windows 11 with its IP address is relatively straightforward. Here, we’ll look at how to add a printer by IP address on Windows 11 PCs.

You can set up a printer by IP address with Windows 11’s Add Printer wizard as outlined in the instructions below.

That wizard includes an option for adding printers with TCP/IP protocols, so read on to find out more.

What is my IP address?

Many printers have small LCD screens on which you can find their IP address details. Look through the network setup section in your printer’s display screen to find the IP address.

If your printer doesn’t have a display screen, try printing its configuration page, which includes the IP address.

You can often print such pages by holding the printer’s power buttons for a few seconds. Read the instructions in the manual to find out how to print the test page.

How do I add a printer by IP in Windows 11?

How do I add a printer by IP in Windows 11?

  1. Press theWindows+Ikey combination to openSettings.

2.SelectBluetooth & devicesand choosePrinters & scanners.

  1. Click theAdd devicebutton.

  2. Then click theAdd manuallylink to bring up the wizard.

  3. Select theAdd a printerusing an IP address or hostnameoption and clickNextto view IP settings.

  4. Click theTCP/IP Deviceoption on theDevicetypedrop-down menu.

  5. Input your printer’s IP address within the Hostname or IP address box.

  6. Enter the same IP address in thePort namefield.

  7. Make sure theQuery the printercheckbox is selected.

  8. ClickNextfor Windows to locate the printer.

  9. Then you’ll see a message informing you that you’ve added the printer. You can change the printer’s name in the text box or leave it as it is.

  10. PressNextto view printer sharing options.

  11. If you want the printer shared with other devices on your network, select theShare this printeroption. If not, click theDo not shareradio button.

  12. SelectNextagain to reach aPrint test pagebutton, which you can click if you wish.

  13. Press theAdd Printerwizard’sFinishbutton to complete the setup.

You can add a printer by IP address via Printers & scanners settings, with the Add Printer wizard. This option is recommended if your printer is not automatically detected.

After you add your printer, you can customize its name and other settings. Moreover, you can press the Windows Update button in the wizard to select your printer’s brand and model for driver installation.

How can I set up a printer on a network?

To share a printer on a home network, Windows 11’s network discovery and printer sharing features need to be enabled. This is how you can set up a network printer for sharing:

1. Enable network discovery

2. Select a printer to share

After adding a printer with an IP address, you can start printing from any device on your network. Further, to improve your workflow, you can go ahead andrename your printerfor easier identification.

Note that the guidelines here apply to Windows 10 since that has the same Add Printer wizard. So, you can add printers by IP addresses and share them in Windows 10 much the same.

More about the topics:IP address,Windows 11

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.