Fix shared printer connection problems in Windows

The printer must be correctly shared on the computer it’s connected to.

1. On the host PC, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

2. Select the printer that’s being shared.

3. Select Printer properties.

4. On the Sharing tab:

   • Select Share this printer.

   • Confirm the Share name.

5. Select Apply, then select OK.

Both devices must be on the same network.

1. Make sure both PCs are connected to the same local network.

2. Test access by opening File Explorer and typing \\ComputerName in the address bar.

3. If the host PC isn’t accessible, fix network or name‑resolution issues first.

Shared printers may require valid user credentials.

1. Use the same Microsoft account or local user account on both PCs, or

2. When prompted, enter the username and password of the host PC.

These settings must be enabled to use shared printers.

1. Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.

2. Select Advanced sharing settings.

3. Turn on:

   • Network discovery

   • File and printer sharing

4. Save changes.

If Windows can’t find the shared printer automatically, add it manually.

1. Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

2. Select Add device.

3. When the printer isn’t listed, select Add manually.

4. Choose Select a shared printer by name.

5. Enter the printer path:

   • \\ComputerName\PrinterShareName

6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

If the problem continues, reconnect the printer from scratch.

1. On the client PC, go to Printers & scanners.

2. Select the shared printer, then select Remove.

3. Restart your PC.

4. Add the shared printer again using the manual method in the above Step 5.

The printer must be correctly shared on the computer it’s connected to.

1. On the host PC, select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.

2. Select the printer that’s being shared.

3. Select Manage >Printer properties.

4. On the Sharing tab:

   • Select Share this printer.

   • Confirm the Share name.

5. Select Apply, then select OK.

Both devices must be on the same network.

1. Make sure both PCs are connected to the same local network.

2. Test access by opening File Explorer and typing \\ComputerName in the address bar.

3. If the host PC isn’t accessible, fix network or name‑resolution issues first.

Shared printers may require valid user credentials.

1. Use the same Microsoft account or local user account on both PCs, or

2. When prompted, enter the username and password of the host PC.

These settings must be enabled to use shared printers.

1. Select Start > Settings > Network & internet

2. Select Status, then select Network and sharing center.

3. Select Change advanced sharing settings.

4. Under Private, turn on:

   • Network discovery

   • File and printer sharing

5. Save changes.

If Windows can’t find the shared printer automatically, add it manually.

1. Select Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.

2. Select Add a printer or scanner.

3. When the printer isn’t listed, select The printer that I want isn’t listed.

4. Choose Select a shared printer by name.

5. Enter the printer path:

   • \\ComputerName\PrinterShareName

6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

If the problem continues, reconnect the printer from scratch.

1. On the client PC, go to Printers & scanners.

2. Select the shared printer, then select Remove device.

3. Restart your PC.

4. Add the shared printer again using the manual method in the above Step 5.