Finding the Hostname of a Network Printer

Issue/Question

How do I find the hostname of a printer?

Environment

  • Windows
  • macOS

Resolution

Method 1: Active Directory Entry (Windows only)

Active Directory entries are created using the printer's hostname. To locate the printer in the directory:

  1. From a Windows computer, click (Start).
  2. Click Devices and Printers.
  3. Click Add a Printer.
  4. Click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.
  5. Click The printer that I want isn't listed.
  6. Select Find a printer in the directory, based on location or feature.
  7. Click Next.
  8. Locate the printer in the list that appears.
  9. Right-click the printer in question.
  10. Select Properties.
  11. Click Ports.
  12. The entry with a checkmark is the hostname of printer. Expand the Port column title to see the entire hostname.

Method 2: Use NSLookup

If the printer cannot be found in Active Directory, the IP address of the printer will be needed. The IP address can be found through the printer's configuration menu/output page. The steps to access the configuration varies by make and model. If the address cannot be obtained, please contact the ITS Service Desk to have an onsite visit to determine the address.

Once the IP address has been determined, nslookup can be used to discover the hostname.

Windows

  1. Click  (Start).
  2. Type cmd.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Type nslookup [ip address].
  5. Press Enter.
  6. The hostname will be displayed on the line labeled Name: .

macOS

  1. Click (Spotlight Search).
  2. Type terminal.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Type nslookup [ip address].
  5. Press Enter.
  6. The hostname will be displayed after label name =.
Print Article