A printer can share on a network by being connected directly to a computer, which is then configured to allow other devices on the network to access it for printing.
Sharing a printer connected directly to your computer is a common way to provide printing capabilities to multiple users in a home or small office network without needing a dedicated network printer.
Steps to Share a Directly Connected Printer
To share a printer that is connected directly to your computer with others on a network, you can follow these steps:
- Click the Start button.
- Point to Settings.
- Click Printers.
- Select your printer from the list of installed printers.
- On the File menu, click Sharing.
- Select the option Shared as.
- Enter the desired name for the printer in the Share Name text box. This name is what other computers on the network will see and use to connect to the shared printer.
Key Considerations for Sharing:
- Host Computer: The computer to which the printer is directly connected must be turned on and connected to the network for others to be able to print.
- Network Visibility: Ensure network discovery and file/printer sharing are enabled on the host computer and the network.
- Printer Drivers: Other computers connecting to the shared printer may require the appropriate printer drivers installed to communicate correctly.
By following these steps, you enable your locally connected printer to be accessible and usable by other computers and users on your network, facilitating convenient shared printing.
