If you can’t connect to or print from a shared printer in Windows 11, the issue may be caused by network settings, printer sharing configuration, driver mismatches, or Windows security changes.
Follow the below steps to resolve the issue:
Step 1: Make sure the printer is shared on the host PC
The printer must be correctly shared on the computer it’s connected to.
On the host PC, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Select the printer that’s being shared.
Select Printer properties.
On the Sharing tab:
- Select Share this printer.
- Confirm the Share name.
Select Apply, then select OK.
Note
Make a note of the share name-you’ll need it when connecting from another device.
Step 2: Check network connectivity between PCs
Both devices must be on the same network.
- Make sure both PCs are connected to the same local network.
- Test access by opening File Explorer and typing \\ComputerName in the address bar.
- If the host PC isn’t accessible, fix network or name‑resolution issues first.
Step 3: Sign in using the correct network credentials
Shared printers may require valid user credentials.
- Use the same Microsoft account or local user account on both PCs, or
- When prompted, enter the username and password of the host PC.
Step 4: Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing
These settings must be enabled to use shared printers.
Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
Select Advanced sharing settings.
Turn on:
- Network discovery
- File and printer sharing
Save changes.
Step 5: Add the shared printer manually
If Windows can’t find the shared printer automatically, add it manually.
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Select Add device.
When the printer isn’t listed, select Add manually.
Choose Select a shared printer by name.
Enter the printer path:
- \\ComputerName\PrinterShareName
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 6: Remove and reconnect the shared printer
If the problem continues, reconnect the printer from scratch.
- On the client PC, go to Printers & scanners.
- Select the shared printer, then select Remove.
- Restart your PC.
- Add the shared printer again using the manual method in the above Step 5.
Note
- Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
- After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.
- Learn more
If you can’t connect to or print from a shared printer in Windows 10, the issue may be caused by network settings, printer sharing configuration, driver mismatches, or Windows security changes.
Follow the below steps to resolve the issue:
Step 1: Make sure the printer is shared on the host PC
The printer must be correctly shared on the computer it’s connected to.
On the host PC, select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
Select the printer that’s being shared.
Select Manage >Printer properties.
On the Sharing tab:
- Select Share this printer.
- Confirm the Share name.
Select Apply, then select OK.
Note
Make a note of the share name-you’ll need it when connecting from another device.
Step 2: Check network connectivity between PCs
Both devices must be on the same network.
- Make sure both PCs are connected to the same local network.
- Test access by opening File Explorer and typing \\ComputerName in the address bar.
- If the host PC isn’t accessible, fix network or name‑resolution issues first.
Step 3: Sign in using the correct network credentials
Shared printers may require valid user credentials.
- Use the same Microsoft account or local user account on both PCs, or
- When prompted, enter the username and password of the host PC.
Step 4: Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing
These settings must be enabled to use shared printers.
Select Start > Settings > Network & internet
Select Status, then select Network and sharing center.
Select Change advanced sharing settings.
Under Private, turn on:
- Network discovery
- File and printer sharing
Save changes.
Step 5: Add the shared printer manually
If Windows can’t find the shared printer automatically, add it manually.
Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
Select Add a printer or scanner.
When the printer isn’t listed, select The printer that I want isn’t listed.
Choose Select a shared printer by name.
Enter the printer path:
- \\ComputerName\PrinterShareName
Follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 6: Remove and reconnect the shared printer
If the problem continues, reconnect the printer from scratch.
- On the client PC, go to Printers & scanners.
- Select the shared printer, then select Remove device.
- Restart your PC.
- Add the shared printer again using the manual method in the above Step 5.
If you're facing a different printer issue, see Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
