If you have a wired printer that you want to connect to your Windows 11/10 PC, you can do so via the native Printer and Scanner settings. Here's how!

Most old printers connect using a parallel port on the computer. New printers can connect using a USB port, a network adapter built into the printer or, most recently, the wireless printer adapter.

Received Windows couldn't connect to the Printer error? Windows cannot connect to the Shared Printer on your network? See this fix.

Some multifunction printers can even connect to a phone line to send and receive faxes. The original purpose of a scanner, however, is to digitize a photo or document so it can be used on a computer.

Adding a wired printer to your Windows 10 computer is often the simplest method, as these printers typically use a USB connection that Windows can easily recognize.

Many printer brands also offer their own software that lets you scan from your computer. For instance, if you have an HP printer, you can use the HP Smart app to scan documents.

My main computer is connected through a router that is connected to a cable modem, the cable modem is also connected to a switch that connects to a second router that connects to the other ...

You might need your printer's IP address or WPS PIN to update firmware, check ink levels, or connect to Wi-Fi. We can help you find that network data.