Printer Not Showing Up in Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It

You’re trying to print an important document… but your printer is nowhere to be found on Windows 11.

At ETS IT Solutions, we help individuals and businesses across Long Island—especially in Ronkonkoma, Hauppauge, and Islip— solve frustrating tech issues like this every day. Below is a simple guide to help you troubleshoot and fix a missing printer in Windows 11.

Common Causes of Printers Not Showing Up in Windows 11

• Printer is turned off or not properly connected
  USB or network connection isn’t detected
  Missing or outdated drivers
  Wi-Fi printer not on the same network
  Windows Print Spooler service isn’t running

1. Check Physical Connections or Network

• If you’re using a USB printer, make sure the cable is securely plugged into both the printer and computer.

• For wireless printers, ensure the printer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC.

• Restart the printer and your computer for a clean reset.

2. Run the Windows Troubleshooter

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters

2. Scroll down to Printer and click Run

3. Windows will scan for issues and suggest fixes

This built-in tool can often resolve missing driver issues or unresponsive printers.

3. Manually Add the Printer

If Windows 11 doesn’t detect your printer automatically:

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners

2. Click Add device

3. Wait for your printer to show up — if it doesn’t, click “The printer that I want isn’t listed”

4. Follow the wizard to manually add it via:

   • IP address (for network printers)

   • Shared printer on another computer

   • Local port (USB printers)

4. Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

1. Press Windows Key + X > Device Manager

2. Expand Printers

3. Right-click your printer (or unknown device) > Update driver

4. Choose Search automatically for drivers

Still not working? Visit the manufacturer’s website (like HP, Brother, Epson) and download the latest Windows 11-compatible driver manually.

5. Restart the Print Spooler Service

This service helps Windows manage all printing tasks. If it’s stuck, printers may not appear.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter

2. Scroll down and find Print Spooler

3. Right-click it > Restart

4. Set Startup Type to Automatic if it’s not already

6. Check Your Firewall or Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, overprotective antivirus software blocks printer connections—especially network printers.

• Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus and try re-adding the printer

• If it works, add your printer as an exception in your security software

Still Can’t See Your Printer?

If you’ve tried everything above and your printer still won’t show up, it might be:

• A faulty USB port or cable

• An outdated Windows update

• Printer firmware issues

• Deep network configuration problems

Let’s Get Your Office Printing Again

Don’t let a disconnected printer slow your day down. Reach out to ETS IT Solutions, your local tech team in Ronkonkoma, Long Island, and let us take care of it.

📞 Call now or schedule a visit