Encountering a situation where Windows 11 fails to recognize your printer can be frustrating, especially when the device is powered on and seemingly ready to go. This scenario often arises after system updates, restarts, or when transitioning to a new device. Fortunately, resolving this issue typically requires just a few straightforward steps.
1. Is everything properly plugged in?
It may seem elementary, but ensuring that all connections are secure is a common yet overlooked solution. Check for:
- A loose USB cable
- A powered-off WLAN printer
- The correct network connection for wireless printers
Confirm that the printer is indeed turned on and connected to the right WLAN. Sometimes, a simple restart of both the printer and the PC can work wonders, serving as a quick fix before delving into more complex troubleshooting methods.
2. Adding a printer manually
While Windows is adept at automatically recognizing many devices, it doesn’t always succeed with printers. If your printer remains elusive, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & Scanners and select Add device. Should the printer still not appear after a brief wait, look for the option stating The desired printer is not listed. Clicking on Add manually will initiate the setup wizard, guiding Windows through the necessary steps.
3. Update drivers
In instances where Windows fails to recognize your printer, it’s likely that the driver is either missing or outdated. To remedy this, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest software compatible with Windows 11 for your specific printer model. This quick and straightforward fix can resolve a multitude of issues.
4. If nothing helps
If the previous steps do not yield results, Windows offers a built-in repair tool designed to address various issues, including those related to printers. To access this feature, go to Settings > System > Troubleshooting > Other troubleshooters, and locate the Printers troubleshooter. Allow it some time to run, as the system may be able to rectify the problem autonomously.
While Windows 11 presents its own set of quirks, particularly regarding printing, most issues can typically be resolved with a few simple actions, an updated driver, or even a basic restart. Should the challenges persist, it may be time to consider whether the printer itself is faulty or outdated.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
