add printer

To **add a printer** on a Windows computer, the process typically involves opening the system settings, navigating to printers, and either letting Windows automatically detect the printer or manually adding it using network or local settings.

For **Windows 10**, the summarized steps are:
1. Open the **Start menu** and go to **Settings** (gear icon).
2. Select **Devices**.
3. Click **Printers & Scanners** on the left sidebar.
4. Click **Add a Printer**.
5. If Windows detects your printer automatically, follow the on-screen instructions.
6. If not detected, choose **”The printer that I want isn’t listed.”**
7. Select **Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings**, then click **Next**.
8. Create a new port, typically a **Standard TCP/IP Port**, and enter the printer’s IP address to complete manual network printer setup[1][3].

For adding a printer using **PowerShell** (advanced users or system administrators):
– Use the `Add-Printer` cmdlet to add either a local printer or a network printer connection.
– Example for a network printer:
“`powershell
Add-Printer -ConnectionName \printServerprinterName
“`
– Example for a local printer:
“`powershell
Add-Printer -Name “PrinterName” -DriverName “DriverName” -PortName “PortName”
“`
This requires administrative privileges and prior knowledge of driver and port details[2].

For **Windows 11**, the procedure is similar to Windows 10 and can be performed via the Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners section, or simply click Add a printer under that section. The tutorial for Windows 11 confirms USB (local) and wireless/network printer additions proceed similarly[5].

In case of a network printer:
– You may need the printer’s IP address or network share name.
– Manual port creation as a Standard TCP/IP port is usually necessary when the printer isn’t auto-detected[1][3][4].

This approach covers common scenarios for adding printers locally or via network in modern Windows systems.