Printer sharing is a useful feature in Windows 11 that allows multiple computers on the same network to use a single printer. Instead of connecting a printer to every computer individually, you can connect it to one Windows 11 PC and share it with other devices on your home, school, or office network. This can save money, reduce clutter, and make printing more convenient for everyone.
Printer sharing is particularly beneficial in environments where several users need access to the same printer. For example, a family may want to share a wireless or USB printer between multiple laptops, or a small business may need several employees to print documents from one central printer. Windows 11 includes built-in tools that make printer sharing relatively simple to configure.
Before you begin, ensure that the printer is properly installed and functioning on the primary computer. The computer connected to the printer must remain powered on and connected to the network whenever other devices need to print. This guide explains how to share a printer in Windows 11 and how other computers can connect to the shared printer.
Before You Start
Make sure the following requirements are met:
- The printer is installed and working properly.
- All computers are connected to the same network.
- Network Discovery is enabled.
- File and Printer Sharing is enabled.
- You have administrator privileges on the computer.
Completing these requirements helps ensure a smooth printer-sharing experience.
Method 1: Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing
Before sharing a printer, Windows must allow devices to discover each other on the network.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Click Network & Internet.
- Select Advanced network settings.
- Click Advanced sharing settings.
- Turn on:
- Network Discovery
- File and Printer Sharing
- Save the changes if prompted.
This allows other computers on the network to locate shared resources.
Method 2: Share the Printer
Once network sharing is enabled, you can share the printer.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Select Bluetooth & devices.
- Click Printers & scanners.
- Choose the printer you want to share.
- Click Printer properties.
- Open the Sharing tab.
- Check Share this printer.
- Enter a share name for the printer.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
The printer is now available to other computers on the network.
Method 3: Find the Computer Name
Other computers need the host computer’s name to connect to the shared printer.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to System > About.
- Locate Device Name.
- Note the computer name.
You will use this name when connecting from another Windows computer.
Method 4: Connect to the Shared Printer from Another Windows 11 PC
After sharing the printer, other computers can add it to their systems.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I.
- Select Bluetooth & devices.
- Click Printers & scanners.
- Choose Add device.
- Wait for Windows to search.
- If the printer does not appear, click Add manually.
- Select Select a shared printer by name.
- Enter the printer path:
\\ComputerName\PrinterShareName- Click Next.
- Follow the installation instructions.
Windows will install the printer and make it available for printing.
Method 5: Connect Through File Explorer
Another way to access a shared printer is through File Explorer.
Steps:
- Press Windows + E.
- In the address bar, type:
\\ComputerName- Press Enter.
- Locate the shared printer.
- Double-click the printer.
- Allow Windows to install the connection.
The printer should then appear in the Printers & scanners list.
Method 6: Set the Shared Printer as Default
After adding the printer, you may want to make it your default printer.
Steps:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the shared printer.
- Click Set as default.
Windows will automatically use this printer when printing documents.
How To Stop Sharing a Printer
If you no longer want to share the printer:
Steps:
- Open Printer properties.
- Go to the Sharing tab.
- Uncheck Share this printer.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
Other devices will no longer be able to access the printer through your computer.
Common Printer Sharing Problems
Shared Printer Not Visible
Try the following:
- Verify both computers are on the same network.
- Enable Network Discovery.
- Enable File and Printer Sharing.
- Restart both computers.
Access Denied Error
Possible causes include:
- Insufficient permissions.
- Incorrect network settings.
- Firewall restrictions.
Printer Appears Offline
Possible solutions:
- Ensure the host computer is powered on.
- Verify the printer is connected and functioning.
- Restart the printer and computer.
Driver Installation Problems
If Windows cannot install the printer automatically:
- Download the latest printer driver from the manufacturer.
- Install the driver manually.
- Reconnect to the shared printer.
Benefits of Sharing a Printer
Printer sharing offers several advantages:
- Reduces hardware costs.
- Simplifies office printing.
- Eliminates the need for multiple printers.
- Makes network printing more convenient.
- Saves desk space and power consumption.
These benefits make printer sharing ideal for homes, classrooms, and small businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Windows 11 share a USB printer?
Yes. A USB printer connected to one Windows 11 computer can be shared with other devices on the same network.
Does the host computer need to stay on?
Yes. The computer connected to the printer must remain powered on and connected to the network while others are printing.
Can I share a wireless printer?
Yes. Wireless printers can also be shared, although direct network printing is often the preferred option.
Why can’t another computer find my shared printer?
Network Discovery or File and Printer Sharing may be disabled, or both devices may not be connected to the same network.
Is printer sharing secure?
Yes, when used on trusted home or business networks. You should avoid enabling printer sharing on public networks.
Final Thoughts
Sharing a printer in Windows 11 is an effective way to provide printing access to multiple computers without purchasing additional hardware. Whether you have a USB printer connected to a desktop PC or want to create a centralized printing solution for your home or office, Windows 11 offers built-in tools that make the process relatively simple.
By following the steps in this guide, you can enable printer sharing, connect other devices to the shared printer, and manage network printing more efficiently. Once configured correctly, printer sharing can save time, reduce costs, and provide convenient access to printing resources across your entire network.
