Hi,
What is the printer model?
Is it connected via Wi-Fi or USB?
Thanks.
Printer not Recognized
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(166.4, 48%, 26%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EJB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Jennifer Bradley
0
Reputation points
My Windows 11 no longer recognizes my printer and when I go to Settings and try to add it Windows is unable to find it. Same port, same printer that I was using last week. I can't even add it manually.
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
2 answers
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![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(92.8, 25%, 18%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EIB%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Ivan B 124.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor2026-10-03T19:09:37.2833333+00:00 -
Jennifer Bradley 0 Reputation points
2026-10-03T22:38:26.6666667+00:00 Thank you for responding Ivan. This problem has been resolved. The printer was connected via a USB. In addition to shutting down and booting back up again, I tried completely disconnecting the printer then reconnecting it after booting up again. I was then able to add the printer. I don't understand why every time Windows has an update I have to reconnect everything but that's how it seems to go.
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Ivan B 124.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-10-03T22:42:04+00:00 Hi,
I'm glad to hear you resolved the issue. I can't say for certain, but when I installed the driver directly from the manufacturer's website along with the application, I stopped having that problem where I had to re-add the printer after an update. It might work for you, too; I can guide you through it if you'd like.
Thanks.
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GTS-NJ 1,000 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator2026-10-03T20:45:44.68+00:00 Windows 11 had been disabling some printers if Windows Protected mode (WPP) is enabled and the printer doesn't support it. (related to recent updates)
Check in Settings / Bluetooth and devices / Printers & scanners and Turn Off WPP if it is enabled. You may then need to reinstall the printer.
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/enable-or-disable-windows-protected-print-mode-in-windows-11.20670/