Printer got a new IP address and Windows still uses the old one

A router can give a network printer a different IP address after a restart or network change. Windows may then keep sending jobs to the printer's old address.

1. Find the printer's current IP address

On the printer, look under Network, Wi-Fi, TCP/IP, or print a network/configuration page. An IP address usually looks like 192.168.1.25 or 10.0.0.25.

2. Try adding the printer again

1. Open Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners.
2. Choose Add device.
3. If Windows finds the printer, add it and print one test page.

If that works, stop here.

3. Only check the port if the problem keeps returning

A Standard TCP/IP printer port can point to a specific address. If the printer has a new address and Windows still uses the old one, the port may need to be updated or the printer may need a reserved/fixed address.

This is a more technical step. If you are not comfortable changing printer ports or router address reservations, use the printer maker's setup tool or ask someone you trust rather than changing several network settings at once.

4. If you know how to check the Windows port

1. Open Printers & scanners and select the printer.
2. Open Printer properties, then the Ports tab.
3. Look for a Standard TCP/IP port and compare its address with the printer's current IP.

If they do not match, the safest simple option is often to remove and re-add the printer. On managed business networks, ask the network administrator before changing IP settings.

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