Unable to set up printer on windows 11

[Bill62]

Set printer with HP app on phone and tablet, on PC windows 11 unable to find printer, wi fi is set up on printer display

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Bill62 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

To resolve this, you’ll need to manually add the printer to your Windows 11 PC and ensure network discovery and permissions are correctly configured. The HP Smart app on your phone doesn’t automatically sync with your PC.

It’s incredibly frustrating when everything seems connected—your printer shows Wi-Fi is active, your phone and tablet are printing fine—but your Windows 11 PC just won’t cooperate. 

Let’s walk through the exact steps to get your printer recognized and working.

Step-by-step fix for printer not found on Windows 11:

 

1. Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing

Windows may be blocking device visibility.

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Advanced Sharing Settings
• Turn ON Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing

 

2. Manually add the printer via Windows Settings

Even if HP Smart doesn’t detect it, Windows can add it directly.

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners
• Click Add Device
• Wait for your printer to appear. If it doesn’t, click Add manually
• Choose Add a printer using TCP/IP address or hostname
• Enter your printer’s IP address (shown on the printer’s display or via its network settings)

 

3. Install HP Smart on your PC

This app helps manage setup and scanning.

• Download from Microsoft Store: HP Smart for Windows
• Open the app and click Add Printer
• Follow prompts to connect via Wi-Fi or IP

4. Update printer firmware and drivers

Outdated firmware can block Windows detection.

• Visit: HP Printer Software and Driver Downloads
• Enter your printer model and download the latest Full Software Solution for Windows 11

 

5. HP’s official troubleshooting guide

For deeper diagnostics and setup help:

• HP Printer Not Found by HP App or Windows

If the printer still isn’t found, let me know your exact printer model and I’ll guide you through model-specific setup or check for firmware updates.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye