Network setup
How to set up a network or shared printer
Prefer connecting a network-capable printer directly to the local network; if it is attached to one Windows PC, verify it works there before enabling printer sharing for other PCs on the same private network.
What you need
- All participating devices on the same trusted local network
- The printer already working on its host PC before sharing
- Administrator access and the host computer and printer share names
Connect the printer
- 1
Choose direct network or PC sharing
Use the printer's own Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection when available. Use Windows printer sharing when the printer is attached to one primary PC; that host PC must remain available for other computers to print.
Source: Microsoft Support — Share a printer as a network printer - 2
Test the printer on the host
Before sharing, confirm the printer is installed and completes a local test print on the primary Windows PC.
Source: Microsoft Support — Share a printer as a network printer - 3
Use a private, trusted network
Keep both PCs on the same trusted local network. Enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing only for the appropriate private-network profile.
Source: Microsoft Support — Fix shared printer connection problems in Windows - 4
Share the printer
Open the printer's properties on the host PC, enable Share this printer, and record the host computer name and printer share name.
Source: Microsoft Support — Share a printer as a network printer - 5
Add it on the second PC
Open Printers & scanners, choose Add device, then add manually if it is not found. Select a shared printer by name and enter the host and share name in the format shown by Windows.
Source: Microsoft Support — Share a printer as a network printer - 6
Print from the second PC
Send a one-page test from the client PC. Confirm the host remains on, the job reaches its queue, and the shared printer produces the page.
Source: Microsoft Support — Share a printer as a network printer
How to confirm it worked
The printer is installed on the second PC and completes a test print while the host PC is powered on and connected.
If it did not work
Choose the symptom that best matches what happened. These links lead to the existing diagnostic pages rather than repeating generic setup steps.
Documented from official support guidance. Last verified 2026-08-13.
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