Connect the printer to the host PC and install the driver, ensuring it works locally. 2. Enable network discovery and file and printer sharing in the Private network profile via Advanced Sharing Settings. 3. Share the printer by enabling "Share this printer" in its properties and assign a recognizable name. 4. On other PCs, add the shared printer manually using the path \\HostPCName\PrinterName if it doesn’t appear automatically. 5. Troubleshoot access issues by confirming both devices are on the same private network, the host PC is powered on and logged in, drivers are correctly installed, and firewall settings allow sharing, with alternative solutions like a print server for Mac or mobile access. The host PC must remain on for others to print successfully.

Sharing a printer over a network in Windows is a practical way to let multiple devices print to the same printer without needing to connect directly. Here’s how to set it up step by step.

1. Connect the Printer and Install It on the Host PC

The "host" PC is the one that’s physically connected to the printer (via USB or as a network printer). Start here:

• Connect the printer to the host computer.
• Install the printer driver if it hasn’t been already (Windows usually does this automatically).
• Make sure the printer works locally.

2. Enable Printer Sharing in Network Settings

You’ll need to turn on network discovery and printer sharing:

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on Change advanced sharing settings (on the left).
3. Under the current network profile (Private), make sure these options are turned on:
   • Turn on network discovery
   • Turn on file and printer sharing
4. Click Save changes.

Note: If your PC is on a Public network profile, switch it to Private so sharing features are available.

3. Share the Printer

Now, tell Windows to share the printer with others on the network:

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click on your printer, then select Printer properties (not "Manage").
3. Go to the Sharing tab.
4. Check Share this printer.
5. Give it a simple, recognizable name (e.g., "Office_Printer").
6. Click Apply > OK.

4. Connect Other Computers to the Shared Printer

On other Windows PCs on the same network:

1. Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click Add device > Add printer or scanner.
3. Wait a moment — it may show the shared printer automatically. If so, click it and select Add device.
4. If it doesn’t appear:
   • Click Manually add a printer or network printer.
   • Choose Select a shared printer by name.
   • Type: \\[HostPCName]\[PrinterName]
     Example: \\JohnsPC\Office_Printer
   • Press Enter.
5. Windows will try to install the driver. If prompted, install the correct driver when asked.

Tip: To find the host PC’s name, go to Settings > System > About > Device name.

5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• "Access Denied" or "Printer Offline"?
  Make sure both computers are on the same network (and set to Private). Also, check that the host PC is turned on and logged in — it needs to be running to share the printer.

• Driver Problems?
  If the client PC can’t print, manually install the same driver version used on the host.

• Firewall Blocking Sharing?
  Ensure Windows Defender Firewall allows file and printer sharing (usually handled automatically when you enable sharing).

• Need to Share with Mac or Mobile Devices?
  Consider setting up the printer on a router with USB support or using a print server.

Basically, once sharing is enabled and the path is correct, other devices should connect without much hassle. Just make sure the host computer stays on when others need to print.

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