Joseph Knauer (1 December 1764 – 16 May 1844) was great dean of Kladsko from 1808 to 1843 and Catholic Bishop of Wrocław from 1843 to 1844.

He earned his living as a chorister and through a private tutor, he began his studies in philosophy and theology at the University of Wrocław.

In 1808 while still a priest he was nominated by the King of Prussia Frederick William III of Prussia grand dean of the earldom, a position he filled on 16 January 1809[3] when Archbishop of Prague, Wilhelm Florentin Fürst von Salm appointed him archbishop's vicar of the County of Kladsko.

During his bishopric, Pope Pius VII, issued the bull De salute animarum on 16 July 1821 which confirmed the membership of the Kłodzko to the archbishopric of Prague, but also introduced a stronger link between the Deanery of the Diocese of Wroclaw.

His enthronement took place on 23 April 1843 and his episcopal ordination was performed by Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Latussek.