How Do I Add a Network Printer to a Print Server?

Adding a network printer to a machine configured as a print server typically involves installing the printer directly onto the server operating system, often by using its IP address or hostname. This allows the server to manage the printer and share it with client computers.

Here's a standard method for adding a network printer using manual settings and a TCP/IP port, which is a common way to install the printer on the print server machine itself:

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Network Printer

Follow these steps on the computer designated as your print server:

1. Access Settings: Press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Open Settings: Click on Settings.
3. Navigate to Printers: In the Settings window, click on Devices, then select Printers & Scanners from the left-hand menu.
4. Initiate Add Printer: Click the Add a printer button at the top of the screen. Windows will search for printers, but since you're adding a network printer manually, wait a moment and then proceed.
5. Select Manual Setup: Click the link that says Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, and then click Next.
6. Create a New Port: On the "Choose a printer port" screen, select Create a new port.
7. Choose Port Type: Change the Type of port dropdown menu to Standard TCP/IP Port, and click Next.
8. Enter Printer Address: In the "Hostname or IP address" field, enter the IP address or hostname of your network printer. Ensure the "Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use" box is checked (unless you plan to manually select the driver in the next step). Click Next.
9. Install Driver: The system will attempt to detect the TCP/IP port. You will then be prompted to select the driver for your printer.
   • If Windows found a driver automatically, select it.
   • If not, you can choose from the list of manufacturers and models, click Windows Update to download more options, or click Have Disk to install a driver from a CD or downloaded file.
   • Select the appropriate driver and click Next.
10. Name the Printer: Give your printer a descriptive Name. This is the name that will appear on the server. Click Next.

Windows will now install the printer with the specified settings and driver.

What Happens Next?

Once the printer is successfully installed on the print server using these steps, it will appear in the "Printers & Scanners" list.

• Sharing: To make this printer available to other computers on the network via the print server, you will need to configure sharing. This is typically done through the printer's Properties or by using the Print Management console on Windows Server editions.
  • Right-click the installed printer.
  • Select Printer properties.
  • Go to the Sharing tab.
  • Check the box that says Share this printer and provide a Share name.
  • Click Apply, then OK.

By following these steps, you establish the connection and install the necessary driver for the network printer directly on the machine designated as your print server, preparing it for network sharing.