Here are solutions to some common problems that you might encounter while trying to add or use network printers, including Bluetooth or wireless printers.
If Windows can't detect a printer that you want to use, follow these steps to find and add the printer manually:
1.
Open Printers by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then clicking Printers.
2.
Click Add a Printer.
3.
In the Add Printer Wizard, select Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
4.
On the Choose a network printer page, click The printer that I want isn't listed.
5.
On the Find a printer by name or TCP/IP address page, choose how to find the printer that you want to use, based on the type or location of the printer, and then click Next.
6.
Complete the additional steps in the wizard, and then click Finish.
To make sure that printers on the network are being displayed, check if the network is working correctly. For more information, see View the status of your network.
If the network is working correctly, try these troubleshooting options:
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Make sure that all computers on the network are in the same workgroup. One way to do that is to change the workgroup names on your Windows Vista–based computers. For information about changing a workgroup name, see Join or create a workgroup.
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If you don't know the name or network address (a location on the network) of the printer, contact the person who installed the printer on the network or a system administrator. If your computer is connected to a network domain, you might not have permission to use some printers and the printers will not be displayed. To obtain permission, contact a system administrator.
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If you are adding a printer that is plugged into another computer on the network and shared for other people to use, make sure that the computer where the printer is plugged in is turned on. You can also contact the computer owner to make sure that the computer is connected to the network or to see if the name of the printer has changed.
If the printer has a display area, you might be able to navigate to a menu option for viewing or printing configuration information for the printer, including the TCP/IP address. Other printers might allow you to press and hold a specific button, or use another mechanism to print configuration information. Check the information that came with the printer to see which options are available to you.
Make sure that your Bluetooth adapter is plugged in to your computer and turned on, and that your Bluetooth printer is turned on. You might also need to remove your connection to the Bluetooth printer, and then try again to detect it using the Add Printer Wizard. For more information, see Troubleshoot problems with Bluetooth enabled devices.
If the Add Printer Wizard still doesn't detect your printer, check the information that came with the printer to make sure that it is set up correctly to work with your computer, and then try again.
You need permission
to change the properties or manage documents for the printer. Log on as an administrator, and then try again. For more information, see What are printer permissions?
If logging on as an administrator doesn't work, the default printer permissions for administrators might have been changed. Instead, you will need to get permission to manage the printer and manage documents for the printer from someone who already has these permissions. For more information, see Why can't I change the printer properties?
To manage a printer or the print queue using an administrator account
1.
Open Printers by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then clicking Printers.
2.
Right-click the printer that you want to manage, click Run as administrator, and then click the option that you want to use. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
To change the printer properties or manage all documents in the print queue without logging on as an administrator each time you want to make a change, give yourself permission to perform these tasks. After you open the printer properties by running as an administrator, click the Security tab, click your user name, and then, under Allow, select the Manage printers and Manage documents check boxes.
If you have used the printer before without problems, try these options:
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Make sure that the network is working and that your computer is properly connected to the network. For more information, see the following Help topics:
Check the status of the printer in the print queue, or go to the printer to make sure that is it powered on and ready to use.
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If the printer is plugged in to another computer and shared on the network, make sure that computer is turned on. If it is turned on and the problem persists, contact the computer owner to make sure that the computer is connected to the network.
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If you are trying to print to a printer that you added using a TCP/IP address instead of a printer name, make sure that your computer is connected to the Internet or the network where the printer is installed. If you recently experienced a power outage, the printer TCP/IP address might have changed. The new address will not work with the printer port that you used to connect the printer to your computer. Try to add the printer again. For more information, see Add or remove a printer.
If you recently installed a new version of Windows, changed the printer driver software, or are trying to print to the printer for the first time, you might need to install printer drivers that are compatible with the version of Windows that you're running. If you are trying to use a printer that is plugged in to another computer and shared on the network, make sure that a driver for your version of Windows is installed on the other computer. For more information, see Find and install printer drivers.
To see which version of Windows you are running so you can choose compatible drivers, follow these steps:
1.
Open System Information by clicking the Start button , clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking System Tools, and then clicking System Information.
2.
Click System Summary, and then review the OS Name and System Type to find out which version of Windows you're running.
Port
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Port
A hardware- or software-based interface used to transfer information between a computer and other devices. Hardware ports are physical connections that are visible on the outside of the computer. Software ports are the numbered gateways in programs that software programs use to exchange information.
Driver
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Driver
Software that enables hardware or devices (such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard) to work with your computer. Every device needs a driver in order for it to work.
Bluetooth adapter
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Bluetooth adapter
A device used to connect a computer to a Bluetooth enabled device (for example, a keyboard or modem). Also known as a Bluetooth radio or Bluetooth transceiver.
Permissions
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Permissions
Rules associated with a shared resource on a network, such as a file, directory, or printer. Permissions can be assigned to groups, global groups, or individual users.
System administrator
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System administrator
A person responsible for planning, configuring, and managing the day-to-day operation of a computer network. Typically, a system administrator assigns user accounts and passwords, establishes security access levels, allocates storage space, and monitors systems to prevent unauthorized access and attacks by malicious software.
Print queue
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Print queue
The list of documents that are waiting to be printed.
Location
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Location
Any disk drive, folder, or other place in which you can store files and folders. Programs will commonly ask you to choose a location to save a file.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
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Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
A set of rules, called network protocols, that computers use to exchange information over the Internet and over home and business networks. TCP/IP includes standards for how computers communicate and conventions for connecting networks.
Domain
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Domain
A collection of computers on a network that share a common database and security policy. A domain is administered as a unit with common rules and procedures, and each domain has a unique name.
Network
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Network
A group of computers or other devices, such as printers and scanners, that communicate either wirelessly or by using a physical connection, such as an Ethernet cable or a phone line.
Help and How-to
