Open Devices and Printer Settings on Windows
Whether you’re setting up a brand new printer, troubleshooting a printing issue, or managing connected hardware, knowing how to access the Devices and Printers settings in Windows 11 is an essential skill. Although Microsoft has modernized the Settings app, many printer and device management features are still available through the classic Devices and Printers window found in the Control Panel.
In this guide, you’ll learn multiple methods to open the Devices and Printers setting in Windows.
Open Devices and Printer Settings on Windows
Below are several reliable methods you can use.
Method 1: Open Devices and Printers Using the Settings App
The Settings app is Microsoft’s primary location for managing Windows features. Although the classic Devices and Printers window isn’t displayed directly inside Settings, you can easily reach printer management options from there. This method is ideal for beginners because it uses the modern Windows 11 interface.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Click the Start button on the taskbar and select Settings. If you don’t immediately see it, type Settings into the Start menu search box and open the matching result.
You can also press Windows + I on your keyboard. This keyboard shortcut opens the Settings app instantly from anywhere in Windows.
When the Settings window opens, you’ll see categories listed along the left side.
Step 2: Open Bluetooth & Devices
In the left navigation pane, click Bluetooth & devices.
This section contains settings for hardware connected to your computer, including Bluetooth accessories, cameras, scanners, USB devices, printers, mobile devices, and other peripherals.
After selecting Bluetooth & devices, the right side of the window displays several device-related categories. Scroll if necessary until you find Printers & scanners.
Step 3: Open Printer Management
Click Printers & scanners.
You’ll now see a list of printers currently installed on your Windows 11 PC.
Selecting any printer opens additional management options where you can view its status, print a test page, manage print jobs, adjust preferences, or begin troubleshooting.
If you need the traditional Devices and Printers window for advanced settings, this page also serves as a useful starting point.
Method 2: Open Devices and Printers Using Control Panel
The Control Panel remains one of the easiest and most reliable ways to access the classic Devices and Printers window. Although Windows 11 encourages users to use the Settings app, many advanced printer management features still reside within Control Panel.
If you’re following troubleshooting instructions from Microsoft or a printer manufacturer, they’ll often direct you to this location.
Step 1: Open Windows Search
Click the Search icon on the taskbar or press the Windows key.
A search box will appear where you can search for apps, settings, files, and system tools.
Type Control Panel into the search box.
Windows will immediately display the matching desktop application at the top of the search results.
Step 2: Launch Control Panel
Click Control Panel to open it.
If your Control Panel is displaying Category view, you’ll see several groups of settings.
Locate and click Hardware and Sound.
Inside this section, Windows organizes settings related to printers, sound devices, power options, Device Manager, AutoPlay, and other hardware features.
Step 3: Open Devices and Printers
Under the Devices and Printers section, click Devices and Printers.
The classic Devices and Printers window will open.
Here, you’ll see icons representing your installed printers, Bluetooth devices, scanners, multimedia devices, and other connected hardware.
From this window, you can right-click a printer to access additional options such as Set as default printer, Printer properties, Printing preferences, Troubleshoot, Remove device, and See what’s printing.
Method 3: Open Devices and Printers Using the Run Dialog
The Run dialog is one of the fastest ways to open hidden Windows tools without navigating through multiple menus. While many new users overlook this feature, it can save a lot of time once you become familiar with it. The Run dialog allows you to launch apps, folders, system utilities, and classic Windows components simply by typing a command.
If you want to access the Devices and Printers window in just a few seconds, this method is one of the quickest.
Step 1: Open the Run Dialog
Press Windows + R on your keyboard at the same time.
A small Run window will appear near the bottom left corner of your screen. This window contains a text box where you can type commands to open different Windows tools.
Step 2: Enter the Devices and Printers Command
Inside the text box, type the following command exactly as shown:
control printers
Double-check that you’ve typed the command correctly. Even a small typo may prevent Windows from opening the correct window.
Step 3: Open the Devices and Printers Window
Click OK or press Enter on your keyboard.
Windows will immediately open the classic Devices and Printers window.
From here, you can view every printer and supported hardware device connected to your computer. If you have multiple printers installed, they’ll all appear here along with their current status.
Method 4: Open Devices and Printers Using Windows Search
Another simple method is to use Windows Search. This approach is ideal for beginners because you don’t need to remember commands or browse through different menus. Windows Search can locate apps, settings, files, and classic Control Panel features within seconds.
Step 1: Open Windows Search
Click the Search icon on the taskbar.
You can also press the Windows key to activate the Start menu search.
A search box will appear where you can type what you’re looking for.
Step 2: Search for Devices and Printers
Type Devices and Printers into the search box.
Depending on your Windows 11 version, you may see the Devices and Printers Control Panel result appear directly.
If you don’t see it immediately, Windows may instead display Control Panel or Printers & scanners. Either option can help you reach the printer management tools.
Step 3: Open the Search Result
Click Devices and Printers if it appears.
If Windows opens Control Panel, simply select Devices and Printers from there.
Once opened, you’ll have access to the familiar hardware management window where you can manage printers, Bluetooth devices, scanners, and other connected equipment.
Method 5: Open Devices and Printers Using Command Prompt
Many people think Command Prompt is only for advanced users, but it can also be used to quickly launch Windows tools. You don’t need to learn complicated commands for this method because you’ll only enter a single line.
This approach can also be useful if you’re following technical troubleshooting instructions from Microsoft or a hardware manufacturer.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt
Click the Search icon and type Command Prompt.
Select Command Prompt from the search results.
You don’t usually need administrator privileges to open the Devices and Printers window, so simply opening the standard Command Prompt is sufficient.
When the Command Prompt window appears, you’ll see a blinking cursor waiting for your command.
Step 2: Enter the Command
Type the following command:
control printers
Take your time and type the command exactly as shown.
Step 3: Launch the Window
Press Enter.
Within a moment, Windows will open the Devices and Printers window.
You can now manage installed printers, remove unused devices, change printer settings, view hardware properties, or troubleshoot printing problems.
Method 6: Open Devices and Printers Using Windows Terminal or PowerShell
If you prefer using Windows Terminal or PowerShell, you can open the Devices and Printers window using the same command. Windows Terminal is the modern replacement for several command-line tools and comes preinstalled with Windows 11.
Even if you’ve never used Terminal before, this method is straightforward and only requires one command.
Step 1: Launch Windows Terminal
Right-click the Start button.
From the menu that appears, select Terminal.
Depending on your configuration, PowerShell may open automatically inside Windows Terminal.
Step 2: Type the Printer Command
Enter the following command:
control printers
Make sure there are no spelling mistakes before continuing.
Step 3: Press Enter
Press Enter.
The classic Devices and Printers window opens immediately.
Tips from GadgetsNurture’s Team
If you’re new to Windows 11, it’s a good idea to learn more than one way to open Devices and Printers. While the Settings app is the modern approach, the classic Devices and Printers window in Control Panel still offers several advanced options that aren’t always available in the newer interface. Knowing both methods can save time when you’re installing a new printer or troubleshooting hardware issues.
If you regularly use a printer, consider pinning the Control Panel to your Start menu or Taskbar. This makes it much faster to access Devices and Printers without searching for it every time.
Before attempting to troubleshoot a printer, make sure it’s powered on and properly connected to your computer or Wi-Fi network. Many printing issues are caused by loose USB cables, an offline printer, or a disconnected wireless connection rather than a Windows problem.
It’s also a good habit to keep your printer drivers updated. Manufacturers frequently release driver updates that improve compatibility, fix bugs, and enhance performance with newer versions of Windows 11.
If you’ve replaced an old printer, remove it from the Devices and Printers window once you no longer use it. Keeping only active devices makes the list easier to navigate and helps prevent accidentally selecting the wrong printer.
When multiple printers are installed, set the one you use most often as your default printer. This ensures Windows automatically selects the correct printer whenever you print a document, reducing the chances of sending a print job to the wrong device.
Finally, don’t hesitate to use the built-in Printer Troubleshooter if something isn’t working as expected. Windows 11 includes several diagnostic tools that can automatically detect and fix common printing problems without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
FAQs
Where is Devices and Printers located in Windows 11?
The classic Devices and Printers window is available through Control Panel. You can access it by opening Control Panel, selecting Hardware and Sound, and then clicking Devices and Printers. Alternatively, you can quickly open it by typing control printers in the Run dialog, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal.
Is Devices and Printers different from Printers & scanners?
Yes. The Printers & scanners page in the Settings app provides basic printer management features, while the classic Devices and Printers window offers additional controls and advanced options for managing printers and other connected hardware. Some legacy settings are still available only through the classic interface.
Why can’t I find Devices and Printers in Windows 11?
Microsoft has shifted many hardware settings to the Settings app, making the classic window less visible than in earlier versions of Windows. However, it hasn’t been removed. You can still access it through Control Panel, Windows Search, or by using the control printers command.
Can I manage Bluetooth devices from Devices and Printers?
Yes. Depending on the type of hardware and the drivers installed, the Devices and Printers window may display Bluetooth devices, wireless accessories, multimedia devices, and other connected hardware. However, most Bluetooth pairing and connection settings are now managed through Bluetooth & devices in the Settings app.
Why doesn’t my printer appear in Devices and Printers?
If your printer doesn’t appear, verify that it’s powered on, properly connected through USB or Wi-Fi, and connected to the same network as your computer if it’s a wireless printer. You may also need to install or update the appropriate printer driver before Windows can recognize the device.
Can I set my default printer from Devices and Printers?
Yes. Right-click your preferred printer in the Devices and Printers window and select Set as default printer. Once it’s set as the default, Windows will automatically use that printer unless you manually choose a different one.
Does the Run command work on all versions of Windows 11?
Yes. The control printers command works on virtually all supported editions of Windows 11, making it one of the fastest ways to open the classic Devices and Printers window.
Is it safe to remove an unused printer?
Yes. Removing an unused printer only deletes it from your computer’s list of installed devices. It doesn’t damage the physical printer. If you need to use it again later, you can simply reconnect or reinstall it.
Do I need administrator permission to open Devices and Printers?
No. In most cases, you can open the Devices and Printers window without administrator privileges. However, certain actions, such as installing drivers or changing system-level settings, may require administrator approval.
Which method is the fastest?
For most users, pressing Windows + R, typing control printers, and pressing Enter is the quickest way to open the classic Devices and Printers window. If you prefer a graphical interface, opening it through Control Panel is equally reliable.