Installing and Managing Printers in Windows 11

Overview

Windows 11 allows you to install, manage, and select printers connected to your computer or available through a network.

This article explains how to add a printer, manage installed printers, and select your preferred default printer.

Note: Cedar Crest College uses FalconPrint, powered by PaperCut, for campus printing. Students and employees using personal devices should follow the FalconPrint: Printing from Personal Devices instructions instead of manually adding a network printer.

Adding a Printer in Windows 11

  1. Select Start and open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Select Add device.
  4. Windows will search for available printers.
  5. If your printer appears, select Add device next to its name.
  6. Follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

If the printer does not appear, select Add manually and follow the available options.

Important: College-managed network printers may require special permissions or installation by the IT Department. Do not manually configure printer IP addresses or install drivers unless instructed by IT Support.

Installing a Shared Network Printer

Some College-owned Windows computers may use shared printers managed by the IT Department.

  1. Make sure your computer is connected to the College network.
  2. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Check whether the printer is already installed.
  4. If the printer is missing, restart your computer and check again.
  5. If it remains unavailable, submit an IT Support Request.

IT Support will determine whether the printer needs to be installed manually or through College device management.

Setting Your Default Printer

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Scroll down to Printer preferences.
  3. Turn Let Windows manage my default printer to Off.
  4. Select the printer you want to use.
  5. Select Set as default.

Your selected printer will now be used automatically by applications unless you choose a different printer.

Tip: If you frequently print on campus, consider setting FalconPrint as your default printer.

Removing an Unused Printer

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  2. Select the printer you want to remove.
  3. Select Remove.
  4. Confirm the removal.

If a College-managed printer automatically reappears, it may be installed through device management policies.

Troubleshooting

If you are having difficulty printing:

  • Confirm that your printer is powered on and available.
  • Check that your computer is connected to the correct network.
  • Verify that the correct printer is selected.
  • Restart the application you are printing from.
  • Restart your computer if necessary.
  • If using FalconPrint, see FalconPrint: Troubleshooting Printing Problems.

For additional Windows printer instructions, visit Microsoft Support – Add or install a printer in Windows.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you cannot install or access a printer, submit an IT Support Request.

Include the printer name, computer location, and any error messages you receive.

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