Posted on 08-11-2025 | Category: General | Views: 24
In Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can share a printer across a local network so multiple computers can print using the same device.
This feature is extremely useful for homes, small offices, and teams where not every computer has its own printer.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to share a printer, connect to it from other PCs, and fix the most common errors that occur during printer sharing.
Printer sharing offers several key advantages:
? Cost Saving: One printer can serve multiple computers.
? Convenience: You can print directly from any networked PC.
⚙️ Centralized Management: Drivers and settings are handled in one place.
? Compatibility: Even USB printers can be shared over the network.
?️ Efficiency: Reduces clutter and simplifies maintenance.
The host computer is the one to which the printer is directly connected.
Set Network to Private Mode
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi or Ethernet → Network Profile → choose Private.
Turn on Network Discovery and Printer Sharing
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Advanced sharing settings.
Turn on “Network Discovery” and “File and Printer Sharing.”
Open Printer Settings
Go to Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners.
Select your printer → click Printer properties → open the Sharing tab.
Enable Sharing
Check Share this printer and assign a simple name (e.g., “Office_Printer”).
Note your computer name (found in Settings → System → About) or your IP address (found in Network & Internet settings).
Ensure the Client Computer Is on the Same Network
Confirm the network is set to Private.
Add the Shared Printer
Go to Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a printer or scanner.
Wait for Windows to detect it automatically.
If it doesn’t appear, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
Select “Select a shared printer by name” and type the path:
\\ComputerName\PrinterShareName
or
Install Drivers (if prompted)
Windows may download and install the correct printer driver.
If it fails, manually install the driver from the printer manufacturer’s setup file.
Print a Test Page
Once added, print a test page to verify successful connection.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
The host computer is set to Public network. → Change it to Private.
Network Discovery or File and Printer Sharing is turned off. → Turn both on.
Firewall blocking the connection. → Allow File and Printer Sharing through Windows Firewall.
Host PC is asleep or turned off. → Keep it awake while printing.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Password-protected sharing is on. → Turn it off or use matching user credentials on both PCs.
Windows security mismatch between versions. → Make sure both PCs have updated security patches.
Try connecting via IP instead of name if name resolution fails.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Incorrect driver installed on the client. → Reinstall the correct printer driver.
Print Spooler service not running. → Restart Print Spooler in Services.
Function Discovery services disabled. → Set “Function Discovery Provider Host” and “Function Discovery Resource Publication” to Automatic.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Windows security updates blocking older network print protocols.
Reset the print spooler and re-add the printer.
Use the IP path instead of computer name.
If persistent, remove and re-add the printer share using a simple name.
Possible Causes & Fixes:
Host computer powered off or disconnected. → Keep host powered and connected.
Print queue overloaded. → Clear queue and restart printer.
Outdated printer firmware. → Update from the manufacturer.
Use Private Network mode for all connected PCs.
Keep the printer name simple (no spaces or special characters).
Regularly update Windows and printer drivers.
Avoid renaming the host computer after sharing.
Keep the host PC awake using Power Settings adjustments.
Enable “Render print jobs on client computers” for smoother operation.
Use a static IP for the host PC if possible to avoid IP changes.
If you print frequently, consider a dedicated print server or network printer.
Printer sharing in Windows 10 and Windows 11 allows everyone on your network to print easily from one shared device.
By configuring the correct sharing settings, network discovery, and drivers, you can make printing simple and reliable.
Even when you run into errors — like “access denied,” missing printers, or driver issues — the solutions are straightforward once you understand what’s going on.
With proper setup, printer sharing can save time, cost, and resources while keeping your workflow efficient.
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