Printer related issues on Windows

Your wireless printer may become unreachable when your Windows PC has an active VPN connection. If that is the case, you can take steps to resolve this issue.

First, please turn off the 'Invisibility on LAN' option. This option is in the settings menu under the Advanced section.

On Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 32-bit: 

1. In the NordVPN app, click on the gear icon to open app settings.
   
   
   
   
2. Select Advanced and disable the Invisibility on LAN feature.
   
   
   
   

On Windows 10 64-bit and 11:

1. In the NordVPN app, open application settings by clicking the gear icon in the bottom left corner.
   
   
   
   
2. Go to connection settings.
   
   
   
   
3. Ensure the option 'Stay invisible on LAN' is turned off.
   
   

If the problem persists, try the following:

1. Locate the printer's IP address. The manual that came with the printer should have this information.
2. Now, open the Control Panel. You can do this by clicking Start and typing "Control Panel" into the search.
   
   
   
   
3. Inside Control Panel, navigate to Hardware and Sound.
   
   
   
   
4. You should see Devices and Printers. Click on it and select "Add a printer."
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. You will see a loading screen. Just below it, select "The printer that I want isn't listed".
   
   
   
   
6. Check the circle next to "Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or a hostname".
   
   
   
   
7. Add the following settings: 
   Device type: Autodetect
   Hostname or IP address: The IP address of the printer that you located during the first step.
   
   
   
   NOTE: If you get an error that says "A port with that name already exists. Choose another port name." like in the screenshot below:
   
   
   
   Then you will need to write the Port name and add the suffix _VPN at the end:
   
   
   
   
8. Finally, click Next and see if you can reach your printer now.
   NOTE: You may receive an additional prompt, "Add Printer, Additional port information required.". Follow these steps to rectify it:

1. 1. Under Device Type, select your printer, or if it is not listed, select Generic Network Card, and click Next.
      
      
      
      
   2. After that, a new dialogue box will appear asking to install the printer driver. Make sure to click on Windows Update and then Next.
      
      
      
      

If this solution does not help, please get in touch with our customer support team for additional assistance.