WINDOW 11

How to share a Printer in Windows 11 (Local Network & IP Address)

3 SOLUTIONS
OCTOBER 22, 2024

Sharing a printer on Windows 11 lets multiple devices print over the same network, saving time and hassle. But for everything to run smoothly, you will need to follow a few key steps. Here is a simple guide to help you get it right.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Active Printer Setup

Ensure the printer is connected and installed properly on the primary computer (host).

Sharing Settings

Enable printer sharing and configure network discovery, so the printer is visible to other devices.

Permissions

Ensure the shared printer has the necessary permissions for other users to access it.

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Using Printer Local Network

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

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METHOD
Method 1
Overview

Sharing a printer over a local network allows all devices connected to the same network to print directly through a shared host computer.

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Step 1

Connect the Printer

Plug your printer into the main computer and make sure it works.

Print a test page to be sure.

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Step 2

Turn on Sharing

Press Win + I to open Settings.

Go to Buletooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners.

Pick your printer, click Manage, then Printer Properties.

Under the Sharing tab, check Share this printer.

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Step 3

Change Network Settings

Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.

Click Change advanced sharing settings.

Turn on File and Printer Sharing. (You can open this directly with Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced Network Settings.)

Turn off Password-protected sharing if you don’t need it.

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Add the Printer on Other Computers

On the other computers, go to Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners.

Click Add a printer.

If it doesn’t show up, click on Manual and select the your connection or type in the printer or computer name.

Tip: Keep the main computer from sleeping and make sure Network Discovery is turned on.

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Using Printer IP Address

8 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

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METHOD
Method 2
Overview

This method works best for network printers or when you don’t want to depend on a host computer being available.

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Find the Printer’s IP Address

Check the printer’s display for its IP address, or print a Network Configuration Page from the printer’s menu.

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Open Printer Settings

On the other computers, go to Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners.

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Add Device

Click on 'Add Device'; it will show a refresh if no devices are added.

Wait a few seconds; the 'Add Manual' option will be displayed below, as shown in the image above.

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Choose 'Add a printer using an IP address or hostname'

Now, Click on the add manually button, now select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname from the popup list.

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Enter Printer Details

In the window titled "Type a printer hostname or IP address" will be displayed.

Device Type: Choose an option from the drop-down menu. You can select Autodetect for automatic detection or select TCP/IP Device, Web Services Device, or IPP Device depending on your setup.

Hostname or IP Address: Enter the printer's hostname or IP address.

Port Name: The system will automatically generate a port name or you can manually enter one.

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Enable Driver Query (Optional)

Ensure the checkbox for Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use is selected, allowing Windows to automatically detect and install the correct driver.

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Complete the Setup

Once you've filled in the required fields, click Next to continue.

Now it will start contacting your printer. If it’s unable to connect, it will ask for additional details to connect your printer. Provide these details, and it will establish the connection successfully.

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Confirm the Connection

Print a test page to ensure the printer is connected properly.

Pro Tip: Assign a Static IP Address to your printer through your router settings. This will stop the IP from changing and causing connection issues.

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Simulate HomeGroup Setups

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

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METHOD
Method 3
Overview

Even though HomeGroup has been removed in Windows 11, you can still recreate a similar setup for seamless printer sharing, ideal for older network environments.

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Step 1

Enable Network Discovery and Sharing

Open the Control Panel and navigate to Network and Sharing Center.

Click Change advanced sharing settings. Under both Private and Guest/Public networks, turn on File and Printer Sharing.

Open Advanced Sharing Settings (Optional):
(1) Open Settings (Win + I).
(2) Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
(3) Select Advanced sharing settings.
(4) Enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing for private/public networks as needed.

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Step 2

Manually Enter Network Path

Press Win + R and type \Host-Computer-Name\Shared_Printer_Name.

Hit Enter to connect.

Pro Tip: Save the printer’s network path so you don’t have to type it in again later if there’s a connection issue.

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Quick Tips

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Restart Devices After Configuration: Once the printer is shared, restart all computers to refresh the network settings and avoid any minor glitches.

Check Firewall Settings: Ensure that your firewall allows network printer traffic. Some firewall rules may block printer sharing, so check the settings if the printer isn't accessible.

Use Print Queue Management Software: If multiple users access the printer, consider using print queue management tools to prioritize and manage print jobs, reducing conflicts.

Methods (3)

Using Printer Local...
4 Steps
Using Printer IP Ad...
8 Steps
Simulate HomeGroup ...
2 Steps