Quick answer
The most common cause is that the computer and printer are on different networks or the printer got a new IP address. First check that they are on the same WiFi network or LAN and print a configuration page from the printer, then add it manually by IP address. If it still does not appear, the problem is the driver or the printer's network settings.
How to recognize the problem
- The printer does not appear in the list of available printers when adding
- In `Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners` only "Microsoft Print to PDF" is listed
- The print job stays in the queue but is never sent to the device
- Ping to the printer's IP address fails or times out
- The printer works from a phone but not from the computer
Most common causes
Computer and printer are not on the same network
The laptop is on a guest WiFi network or a mobile hotspot, and the printer is on the home or office network. In that case it will never be seen.
The printer got a new IP address
If the address is not reserved on the router, the printer can get a different address after a restart and the computer loses sight of it.
Network profile is "Public"
Windows blocks device discovery on a public network, so shared and network printers do not appear in the list.
Missing or faulty driver
The printer is visible on the network, but Windows cannot assign the appropriate driver, so adding fails without a clear message.
Printer's network port is off or faulty
WiFi on the printer is off, the LAN cable is not plugged in properly, or the router port is disabled.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Check that they are on the same network
On the computer open
Settings > Network & internetand check the network name. Compare it with the network the printer is connected to (it is on the configuration page or on the printer screen). Turn off VPN and mobile hotspot if they are on, because they redirect traffic. - 2
Print the configuration page
On most printers the network page is printed with a button combination on the panel or via the
Networkmenu. Look forIP Address,IPv4andSSID. If there is no IP address on the page, the printer is not connected to the network and you need to fix that first. - 3
Test printer availability
Open
Command Promptand typepingfollowed by the printer's IP address, for exampleping 192.168.1.50. If you get a reply, the network is fine and the problem is in adding the device. If it says "Request timed out", check the cable, WiFi and whether the computer is on the same network. - 4
Enable discovery on a private network
In Windows go to
Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi(orEthernet) and click the active network. Set the profile toPrivate. Then in advanced sharing settings turn onNetwork discoveryandFile and printer sharing. On a public network Windows deliberately hides devices. - 5
Add the printer manually by IP address
Open
Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device > Add manually. ChooseAdd a printer using an IP address or hostname, enter the IP address and complete the wizard. Windows will create a standard TCP/IP port. When it asks for a driver, select the manufacturer and model orWindows Update. - 6
Check the driver and port
In
Printers & scannersclick the printer and thenManage > Printer properties > Portsand make sure the TCP/IP port with the correct address is selected. If not, add a new port or runAdd deviceagain. For older models download the driver from the manufacturer's site. - 7
Do the same on macOS
Open
System Settings > Printers & Scanners > Add Printer. Wait for the printer to appear underDefault, or select theIPtab, enter the address and protocolLine Printer Daemon - LPDorInternet Printing Protocol - IPP. For the driver chooseSelect Softwareand find the model. - 8
Restart the network equipment
Unplug the router and printer from power for 30 seconds, then plug them back in order: first the router, wait for it to boot, then the printer. After that repeat
pingand adding. This fixes most cases where the printer worked before and then suddenly disappeared.
If nothing helps: reserve the IP address
The most permanent solution is to assign the printer a fixed IP address, either through the printer menu (Network > TCP/IP) or through a reservation on the router (DHCP Reservation or Static Lease). If you set the address in the printer, choose one outside the router's DHCP range. That way the address stays the same after every restart and computers do not lose it. If there are multiple printers on the network, write down the addresses and models in one place. When adding the printer to multiple computers, use the same TCP/IP port and the same driver to avoid different behavior. If the printer occasionally appears and disappears, check whether another device is using it at the same time via Wi-Fi Direct or whether automatic network shutdown for power saving is enabled.
How to prevent it
- Reserve a fixed IP address for the printer on the router
- Keep the computer and printer on the same network, without VPN during printing
- Set the home or office network as private in Windows
- Update the printer driver when the operating system changes
When to call a professional
If you have checked the network, IP address and driver, and the printer still cannot be seen, or if it is an office network with a firewall and multiple subnets, call IT support to check the network rules and configuration.
IT infrastructure maintenance · Servers, networks, backup, security and helpdeskFAQ
Why does the phone see the printer but the computer does not?
The phone is probably on the same WiFi network as the printer, while the computer is on another network, on a VPN or on a public network profile. Check the network name on both devices and turn off VPN during printing.
How do I find the printer's IP address if I do not have a configuration page?
Look in the printer menu under network settings or on the router in the list of connected devices. On the router it is usually under `DHCP Clients` or `Connected Devices`, where the printer's name and address are shown.
Can I add a printer if it is on another network?
You can, but only if the networks are connected and the router allows access between them. In home conditions it is simplest for both devices to be on the same network, because that avoids problems with blocks.