Frequently Asked Question

Sharing a printer requires a few steps. First, on the computer that the printer is plugged in to, follow these steps.

To turn on file and printer sharing

1. Open Advanced sharing settings by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type network, click Network and Sharing Center, and then, in the left pane, click Change advanced sharing settings.
2. Click the chevron to expand the current network profile.
3. If printer sharing is off, under File and printer sharing, select Turn on file and printer sharing, and then click Save changes. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Now you need to share the printer itself.

To share your printer

1. Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button , and then, on the Start menu, clicking Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click the printer you want to share, and then click Printer properties.
3. Click the Sharing tab, and select the Share this printer check box.

Other people on your network can now connect to this printer. All they need to do is add a network printer (your printer) to their computers.

To add a network printer

1. Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button , and then, on the Start menu, clicking Devices and Printers.
2. Click Add a printer.
3. Click Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer, click the shared printer, click Next, and follow the instructions on the screen.