The short answer
Wi-Fi discovery is a local-network visibility problem first, not proof of a faulty driver. The printer, computer, network and discovery method all have to cooperate.
Where this applies
This concerns a wireless printer already set up for Wi-Fi on Windows 11 or macOS. A printer connected by USB to somebody else's computer is a shared-printer case, not direct Wi-Fi discovery.
Identify the right device and prepare
Read the printer panel or network information page for its connected network and status. Check whether the computer is on a guest network, behind a VPN or managed by an organization with device-isolation rules.
Work through the checks in order
After a router replacement, the computer may join the new network automatically while the printer still remembers the former one. The model's network-status page identifies that discrepancy.
- Confirm the printer is awake, error-free, and joined to the intended Wi-Fi network; 'wireless enabled' alone is not sufficient.
- Check the computer's network and, if permitted, temporarily disconnect a VPN to test local discovery without changing security policies.
- Look in Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners or macOS System Settings > Printers & Scanners; allow the list to refresh before deciding discovery failed.
- If it remains absent, test from another device on the same trusted network and consult the printer's official network setup or the network administrator.
Expected result and next branch
The printer is visible to an authorized computer on the intended network and can receive a test job. Visibility is a first check; successful output is the confirmation.
If visible but unable to print, switch to queue or offline-status checks. If not visible anywhere, inspect the printer network configuration and router policy; a driver reinstall is premature.
Safety and limits
Do not weaken Wi-Fi encryption or publish a printer to the internet as a discovery workaround. Use approved network settings.