Printer - Add a network printer to Windows by IP or hostname

Owned by Lyons, Andrew H
Last updated: Jan 04, 2022
2 min read

Action

To connect to a networked printer using its IP address or network name, follow the steps below.

These instructions describe a basic TCP/IP setup. If the printer is being hosted or served through a print server or another PC, these instructions do not apply. See Printer - Add a network printer to Windows by print queue instead.

Instructions

  1. Open the Start menu, click Settings, and click Devices
  2. Choose Printers & Scanners at the left
  3. Click Add a printer or scanner
  4. Windows will search for nearby printers, but they are not displayed with specific identifying information, so scroll down to the end of the list and click The printer I want isn't listed
  5. When the Welcome to the Add Printer Wizard window is displayed, select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname and click Next to continue
  6. When the Welcome to the Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard window is displayed, click Next to continue.

  7. In the Hostname or IP Address field, enter the printer's hostname or IP address. The Port Name is filled in automatically.

    A hostname will usually be of the format prn1-msc503.msc.albany.edu or something similar.

    An IP address will usually be of the format 10.200.123.123

  8. Leave the Query the printer... box checked and click Next to continue

  9. Windows will try to detect and install the driver software for the printer automatically

    If Windows cannot automatically install the driver, select the manufacturer and printer model number of your printer. from the choices, like below. Clicking Windows Update will add more models to the list if needed, though it takes a few minutes to run.

    Image of the Add Printer Wizard's list of printer manufacturers (left) and models (right)

  10. Enter a name for this printer to help you identify this printer from the list of printers installed, then click Next
  11. Click Do not share this printer and then click Next to continue.
  12. Click Print a test page to confirm that your printer is installed properly

  13. Click Finish.

    You can select which printer you want for your default/automatic printer in the Settings app.


Need more help? Contact the ITS Service Desk.