In this post, I’ll show you how to easily create a printer shortcut in Windows 11. Unlike its predecessor, Windows 11 doesn’t include an option for adding the printer shortcut to the toolbar. But worry not, as it’s possible to achieve a similar result.

How to create a printer shortcut in Windows 11?

Most people prefer to place a printer shortcut on the desktop, but it’s possible to place it anywhere. Once you create the shortcut, you can use it control any running print job.

You can create a printer shortcut from the control panel or desktop. Both these methods are listed below.

Method 1 – Create a printer shortcut using Control Panel

• Type control panel in the Search bar in the taskbar and hit Enter
• In the Control Panel window set View by to Category using the drop-down menu

• Select Hardware and Sound

• Choose Devices and Printers

• In the Printers section, you’ll see all installed printers. Right-click the printer for which you want to create a shortcut and select Create shortcut
• A prompt message will pop up on your screen asking if you want the shortcut to be placed on the desktop. Click the Yes button
• You’ll now be able to see the printer shortcut on the desktop. You can use it to control any running printer job

Method 2 – Create a printer shortcut from the desktop

• Minimize all open windows and right-click on any blank part of the desktop
• Choose New > Shortcut

• In type the location of the item field, type the following path (in place of “Name of the Printer” insert your printer’s actual name):

rundll32.exe printui.dll,PrintUIEntry /o /n “Name of the Printer”

• Click the Next button
• Name the printer shortcut and click Finish

How to place the printer shortcut on Windows 11 computer’s taskbar?

Windows 11 has much going for it, but its taskbar is less customizable than Windows 10. For instance, you can pin the printer icon to a Windows 10 computer’s taskbar but not on the taskbar of a Windows 11.

While you can pin many things your taskbar (a drive, website, file or folder), but presently there’s no way to pin the printer’s icon. Placing the printer shortcut on the desktop is the next best option.

So, that’s just about it as far as creating a printer shortcut in Windows 11 is concerned. One last thing though before I wrap up today’s post. Always keep your printer drivers (and other device drivers) up-to-date. Outdated drivers not only impact your computer’s performance, but they can also trigger errors and pose a security risk. If you’re wondering how to keep the drivers up-to-date, my suggestion is to go for a third-party tool, such as Driver Updater. It can update your printer and other device drivers in a jiffy with just a single click.

Automatic driver update tools offer many benefits, the most important ones being:

• You can update device drivers automatically
• The software scans and updates all outdated or missing drivers at one go
• The tool picks the right drivers for your device and operating system, so you won’t have to worry about installing an incorrect driver by mistake
• Automatic driver updates are 100% safe

Driver Updater is one of the best driver update tools out there. Outbyte Driver Updater will give you access to a database of over 1 million drivers. It will regularly scan your PC, suggesting new driver versions to install. Driver Updater contains drivers for a variety of Windows devices. With just one click, you can update drivers in your system.

Step 1
Click here to Install and launch the app

Step 2
Scan all devices

Step 3
Install or update drivers automatically

 

Start Download