How to Put Printer Icon on Desktop Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking to make accessing your printer a breeze on Windows 11, adding its icon directly to your desktop is the way to go. This simple task involves accessing your printer settings, creating a shortcut, and then dragging it to your desktop. In no time, you’ll have your printer icon right where you need it, making printing documents quicker and more convenient.

How to Put Printer Icon on Desktop Windows 11

Let’s walk through the steps to place your printer icon on your Windows 11 desktop. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to create a shortcut that will allow you to access your printer settings with just a click.

Step 1: Open the Control Panel

First, you’ll need to access the Control Panel.

To do this, click on the Start button and type "Control Panel." Hit Enter to open it.

Step 2: Navigate to Devices and Printers

Once in the Control Panel, find the “Devices and Printers” option.

Click on this option to see a list of devices and printers connected to your computer.

Step 3: Select Your Printer

Find the printer you want to create a shortcut for and right-click on it.

This will open a context menu with several options.

Step 4: Create Shortcut

From the context menu, click on “Create shortcut.”

A message might pop up saying that Windows can’t create a shortcut here and will ask if you want to place the shortcut on the desktop. Click “Yes.”

Step 5: Drag the Shortcut to Your Desktop

If the shortcut wasn’t automatically placed on your desktop, you can manually drag it.

Find the shortcut in the Control Panel, click and hold it, and then drag it to your desktop.

After you complete these steps, you’ll see your printer’s icon on your desktop. Double-clicking this icon will open the printer’s settings, allowing you to manage print jobs, check ink levels, and more.

Tips for Putting Printer Icon on Desktop Windows 11

• Check Printer Name: Ensure you select the correct printer, especially if you have multiple printers connected to your computer.
• Update Drivers: Make sure your printer drivers are up to date to avoid any connection issues.
• Create Multiple Shortcuts: If you use different printers for different tasks, create shortcuts for each one.
• Name the Shortcut: Rename the shortcut to something easily recognizable, like “Office Printer” or “Home Printer.”
• Add Printer to Taskbar: For even quicker access, pin the printer shortcut to your taskbar by right-clicking the shortcut and selecting “Pin to taskbar.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove the printer icon from my desktop?

Simply right-click the icon and select "Delete." This will remove the shortcut without uninstalling the printer.

What if my printer doesn’t show up in Devices and Printers?

Ensure that your printer is connected properly and powered on. You may also need to install the latest drivers.

Can I add a printer icon for a network printer?

Yes, as long as the network printer is installed on your computer, you can create a shortcut for it using the same steps.

Will this work for all printer brands?

Yes, these steps are generally applicable to all printer brands compatible with Windows 11.

What if I can’t find the Control Panel?

You can also access Devices and Printers through the Settings menu by navigating to “Bluetooth & devices” and then “Printers & scanners.”

Summary

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Navigate to Devices and Printers.
3. Select your printer.
4. Create shortcut.
5. Drag the shortcut to your desktop.

Conclusion

Adding a printer icon to your Windows 11 desktop is a handy shortcut that saves you time and effort. By following these steps, you can quickly access your printer settings and manage your printing tasks more efficiently. This small change can have a big impact, especially if you frequently use your printer for work or school.

Feel free to explore other ways to improve your workflow on Windows 11. Consider pinning frequently used programs to your taskbar or creating additional shortcuts for other devices you use often. For more tips and tricks, check out our further reading on optimizing your Windows 11 experience. And don’t forget, if you have any other questions or run into issues, there’s a wealth of information available online to help you out. Happy printing!