Printer disappeared. Nothing else to add. Can't add on same printer that recently disappeared. Nothing more to say. Yadda yadda yadda.

Add the network printer through the classic Devices and Printers wizard using its IP address, bypassing the unresponsive red Add button in Windows 11 Settings.

Add it directly by IP address

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter control printers, then press Enter.
3. Select Add a printer.
4. After the search begins, select The printer that I want isn’t listed.
5. Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname, then Next.
6. For Device type, select TCP/IP Device.
7. Enter the printer’s current IP address.
8. Continue through the wizard and select the printer’s manufacturer and model when prompted. If the model is absent:
   • Select Windows Update and wait for the driver list to refresh, or
   • Select Have Disk if the manufacturer supplied a driver.
9. Select Print a test page.

Windows officially supports manual installation when automatic discovery does not find or install a network printer.^1^ A similar IP-based workaround is documented for Windows printer installation through the classic wizard.^2^

Before entering the address, check the printer’s display or print its network-configuration page. Use its current IPv4 address, not an old address retained from before it disappeared.

If the classic wizard also freezes or does nothing

Repair the Print Spooler, which manages Windows printing:

1. Search for and open Services.
2. Double-click Print Spooler.
3. Select Stop, then OK.
4. Press Windows key + R, enter:

      %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS
   

5. Delete the files inside that folder. This removes pending print jobs, not printer documents.
6. Return to Services and open Print Spooler.
7. Set Startup type to Automatic, select Start, and then OK.
8. Retry the classic IP-address installation above.

Microsoft lists clearing spooler files and restarting the service as the next repair when printer reinstallation fails.^3^

If installation reaches the driver step but fails

Install the latest Windows 11 driver from the printer manufacturer, then repeat the IP installation. If this is a managed business PC, printer installation may require administrator permission; Windows notes that some printer installations require elevated rights.^3^

If none of these steps works, record:

• Printer manufacturer and exact model
• Windows version from Settings → System → About
• Printer IPv4 address
• Whether the classic wizard opens
• Exact error shown after entering the IP address

References

1. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/add-or-install-a-printer-in-windows#install-a-network-or-wireless-printer)
2. Can' t connect to any printers - Microsoft Q&A
3. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/printer/fix-printer-connection-and-printing-problems-in-windows#general-troubleshooting)