How to Share a Printer in Windows 11 and Windows 10 Over Network

Sharing a printer over a network allows multiple devices to access the same printer without needing to connect it physically to each computer. This guide will help you enable printer sharing in Windows 11 and Windows 10 step by step.

Step 1: Connect and Set Up Your Printer

• Make sure your printer is properly installed and working on your main computer (host PC).
• Check that the printer is turned on and connected via USB or network.

Step 2: Enable File and Printer Sharing

• Press Windows + R, type control and hit Enter.
• Go to Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
• Turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
• Click Save changes.

Step 3: Share Your Printer

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Devices > Printers & scanners.
• Select your printer > click Manage > Printer properties.
• Go to the Sharing tab and check Share this printer.
• Give your printer a share name (e.g., OfficePrinter) and click OK.

Step 4: Connect from Another Computer

• On another PC, press Windows + R, type \\YourHostPCName and press Enter.
• Find your shared printer and double-click it to install automatically.
• Once installed, you can print documents over the network.

Note: Make sure both computers are on the same network. If prompted, enter the username and password of the host computer.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure both computers are on the same network (Wi-Fi or LAN).
• Check that File and Printer Sharing is enabled on the host PC.
• Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus that may block printer sharing.
• Make sure the shared printer drivers are installed on the client computer.
• Use the printer's IP address if network discovery fails: Press Windows + R, type \\IP_Address_of_HostPC.
• Open Control Pannel-Program and Features
• Select Print And Docoment Services -Select All Options Press Ok Wait 2 Mint
• Open Regeit- HKEY_Current_user\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows-Right Click On Permission-Full Control-EveryOne-ok-Apply Ok
• Open Regeit- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Polices\Microsoft\Windows NT-Right Click-Create New Key-Rename Printers-Agin-Right Click -
• New- Key- Rename RPC-Open RPC Folder-Create-New -DWORD32-Rename-RPCOVERTCP-Value-0-agon-Create-New -DWORD32-Rename-RPCovernamePipes-Value-1-ok
• Restart both computers and the printer if the connection does not work initially.

Sharing a printer saves time and allows multiple users to print efficiently without needing multiple printers. Follow these steps carefully to set up your network printer and troubleshoot any common issues.