Easily Find Printers and Scanners on Your Computer (Windows 11/10)
If you’ve ever tried to print a document or scan a file and couldn’t figure out which devices are actually connected to your system, you’re not alone. Modern PCs, especially those running Windows 11 or Windows 10, can manage multiple printers and scanners at once, including wireless, network-based, and virtual devices. That flexibility is great, but it can also make things confusing when you just want a clean list of what’s available.
Knowing how to find the complete list of printers and scanners on your computer is useful for troubleshooting, managing devices, setting defaults, or removing old hardware that’s no longer in use. Whether you’re dealing with a home setup or a more advanced multi-device environment, Windows provides several built-in ways to view and manage these devices.
This guide walks you through step-by-step methods to locate all printers and scanners connected to your system.
Printers and Scanners on Your ‘This’ Computer (Windows 11/10)
To find the list of printers and scanners on your computer in Windows 11 or Windows 10, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices or Devices, then click Printers & scanners. This section displays all connected, installed, and available printing and scanning devices. You can also access the list through Control Panel, Device Manager, or by using the Run command for advanced access.
Let me explain these steps!
Step 1: Open the Settings App
The easiest and most user-friendly way to get started is through the Settings app, which serves as the central hub for managing hardware and system configurations.
Press Windows + I on your keyboard to instantly open Settings. This shortcut works across both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and is the fastest route. Alternatively, you can click the Start menu and select Settings from the pinned apps list.
Once inside, you’ll notice that Windows 11 has a slightly redesigned layout compared to Windows 10. In Windows 11, settings are organized into a left-hand navigation panel, while Windows 10 uses a grid-based interface. Despite the visual differences, the functionality is nearly identical.
Step 2: Navigate to Devices or Bluetooth & Devices
After opening Settings, the next move depends on your Windows version.
If you’re using Windows 11, click on Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar. This section controls everything from wireless connections to external hardware.
If you’re on Windows 10, click on Devices instead. This category includes printers, scanners, Bluetooth devices, and other connected hardware.
Inside this section, Windows automatically groups all device-related settings, making it easier to locate specific categories. It also ensures that both wired and wireless devices appear in one unified interface.
This is where Windows starts pulling together information from drivers, network connections, and installed software to show you a comprehensive device list.
Step 3: Open Printers and Scanners Section
Once you’re inside the correct device category, look for the Printers & scanners option and click on it.
This is the core screen where Windows displays all printers and scanners associated with your system. The list includes:
- Installed printers connected via USB
- Wireless printers connected over WiFi
- Network printers shared across systems
- Virtual printers such as Microsoft Print to PDF
- Connected scanners and multifunction devices
Each device typically shows its name, status, and sometimes additional details like whether it’s set as the default.
If a device is actively connected and functioning, you’ll see it listed clearly. If it’s offline or disconnected, it may still appear, but with a status indicator.
Step 4: Review and Identify Device Status
Now that you can see the list, take a moment to review it carefully.
Each printer or scanner entry provides useful information. You might see labels such as Ready, Offline, or Driver Unavailable. These indicators help you quickly diagnose issues.
Clicking on any device opens additional options like managing queues, setting defaults, or removing the device entirely. This is especially helpful if you have duplicate entries or outdated devices cluttering the list.
For scanners, the listing may be simpler, but it still confirms whether Windows recognizes the hardware.
Understanding this screen helps you move beyond just viewing devices and into actively managing them for better performance and reliability.
Use Control Panel for a Classic View
While the Settings app is modern and streamlined, the Control Panel still offers a more traditional and sometimes more detailed way to view devices.
Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter. This opens the Control Panel.
From there, click on Devices and Printers. This section displays all connected devices in a visual format, including printers, scanners, and even other peripherals like keyboards or external drives.
The advantage here is that it shows device icons and categories, which can make identification easier. It also provides quick access to advanced options like troubleshooting and device properties.
Many experienced users prefer this method because it exposes deeper system-level configurations that the Settings app sometimes hides.
Check Device Manager for Hardware-Level Details
If you want a more technical view, Device Manager is the tool to use.
Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Once opened, scroll down to find categories like Printers, Imaging devices, or Print queues.
Expanding these categories shows all related hardware recognized by Windows. This includes devices that may not appear in the standard Settings view due to driver issues or incomplete installations.
Device Manager is especially useful for troubleshooting because it highlights problems with warning icons. It also allows you to update drivers, disable devices, or uninstall them completely.
This step gives you low-level visibility into how Windows interacts with your printers and scanners.
Use the Run Command for Quick Access
For users who prefer speed and shortcuts, the Run command offers a direct way to access printer settings.
Press Windows + R, type ms-settings:printers, and press Enter. This instantly opens the Printers and Scanners page in Settings.
This method skips navigation entirely and is ideal for power users or anyone writing guides or scripts.
It’s a small trick, but it can save time and make your workflow more efficient, especially if you frequently manage devices.
Verify Network and Wireless Devices
Many modern printers and scanners operate over WiFi or a network, which means they may not always appear instantly.
If you don’t see your device listed, ensure that it’s powered on and connected to the same network as your computer. Then return to the Printers and Scanners section and click Add device.
Windows will scan for available devices and display any it detects. Once found, you can add it to your list, making it available for use.
This step is crucial because network-based devices rely on discovery protocols, which can sometimes delay their appearance in the list.
Faqs
How do I find my default printer in Windows?
Open the Printers and Scanners section in Settings. The default printer is usually marked clearly. You can also click on a printer and set it as the default manually.
Why is my printer not showing in the list?
This usually happens due to connection issues, outdated drivers, or the device being turned off. Make sure it’s connected properly and try adding it again through the Add device option.
Can I remove old printers from the list?
Yes, click on the printer in the list and select Remove device. This helps keep your system clean and avoids confusion.
Is there a difference between printers and scanners in Windows?
Yes, printers handle output tasks while scanners capture input. However, many modern devices combine both functions and appear as a single entry.
Do I need internet access to see printers and scanners?
No, locally connected devices like USB printers will appear without internet. However, network devices require a proper connection to be detected.