In modern offices and home environments, it's rare for each user to have their own printing device. Much more common is the need to share access to a single, high-quality device. MFP (multifunctional device) or laser printer for all family members or colleagues. If your printer doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi or a network card, but is connected via USB to one of your computers, you can still make it available for printing over the wireless network.
The essence of the method is that the computer to which the device is physically connected acts as a print server. It relays print jobs from other users located in the same local network, to a physical device. This solution allows you to save money by avoiding the need for a network printer and avoid cable clutter by keeping the USB cable in only one place. However, for this setup to work reliably, you need to properly configure security and sharing settings in the operating system.
In this article, we'll cover all setup steps in detail, from checking basic connections to resolving complex driver conflicts. You'll learn how to turn a regular USB printer into a network resource accessible from laptops, tablets, and other PCs without a direct cable connection. The key requirement for this setup is that all devices must be connected to the same network. router, whether via cable or Wi-Fi.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
Before beginning software configuration, ensure the physical connections are secure and the underlying components are functioning correctly. The computer to which the printer is connected (hereinafter referred to as the host computer) must have a stable connection to the router. If you are using a Wi-Fi adapter on your PC, ensure the signal strength is sufficient to transfer large amounts of data, as graphic files for printing can be large.
The second important aspect is drivers. On the host computer, the printer should function perfectly: scan, print test pages, and display no errors. Make sure there are no yellow exclamation marks in Device Manager. For client computers (those from which you will be printing), it's advisable to download the drivers from the manufacturer's official website in advance, as automatic installation over the network can sometimes fail or select a universal but incomplete driver.
⚠️ Attention: If the host computer has an antivirus program with a built-in firewall, it may block incoming connections to the printer. In this case, you will need to create an exception in the firewall rules for the print service.
It's also worth checking whether all computers on the network have unique names. Two devices with the same name WORKGROUP or COMPUTER will cause a conflict and the connection will become impossible. You can change the name in the system properties by going to the section System and Security → System.
Setting up sharing on the host computer
The first and most important step is activating the sharing feature on the computer to which the printer is connected. Without this step, the operating system will ignore any external requests, treating the device as a local resource. The setup process in Windows 10 and 11 is virtually identical, although the interfaces may differ slightly.
To begin, open the Devices and Printers control panel. You can do this from the Start menu by typing "Devices and Printers," or from the classic Control Panel by clicking Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Devices and PrintersFind your model in the list, right-click on it, and select "Printer properties" (specifically, printer properties, not just properties).
In the window that opens, go to the "Sharing" tab. Here, check the box next to "Share this printer." The system will prompt you to set a network name. The name must be written in Latin letters without spaces or special characters.to avoid compatibility issues with older operating systems or mobile devices. Write down this name; you'll need it when connecting from other PCs.
After applying the settings, the system may warn you that you need to change sharing settings in the Network and Sharing Center to complete the setup. Agree and go to the Network and Sharing Center. Here, select "Change sharing settings." In the "Private" profile (your current network), enable the following options:
- 📡 Turn on network discovery.
- 🖨️ Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔐 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections (if available).
Don't forget to save your changes. Your computer is now visible on the network, and the printer is ready to accept connections. However, if you have a complex security system, you may need to adjust your firewall settings.
☑️ Check access settings
Connecting client devices to a local network
Once the server side is configured, you can move on to the computers you plan to print from. There are several ways to add a network printer, and the method you choose depends on your operating system version and the devices' visibility on the network.
The easiest way is to use automatic search. Go to "Settings" → "Devices" → "Printers & Scanners." Click "Add a printer or scanner." Windows will search for available devices on the network. If your printer appears in the list, simply click it and wait for the drivers to install. The system will automatically download the necessary files from the host computer.
If the automatic search doesn't yield results, use the manual method of adding a printer by IP address or name. This is a more reliable method, especially on unstable networks. Click "The printer I want isn't listed." In the window that opens, select "Select a shared printer by name."
In the input field, you must specify the path to the resource. The path format is as follows: \\Computer_Name\Printer_Name or \\Computer_IP_Address\Printer_NameYou can find out the IP address of the host machine by running the command line (cmd) on the main PC and entering the command ipconfigWe are interested in the line IPv4 address.
What to do if Windows doesn't see the printer?
If the search yields no results, check that the Print Spooler service is enabled on both computers. Also, make sure your antivirus software isn't set to "Public Network" mode, which blocks all incoming connections. Try temporarily disabling your firewall for diagnostic purposes.
Troubleshooting driver and compatibility issues
One of the most common connection issues is a mismatch in the bitness of the operating systems. For example, if the host computer is running 64-bit Windows 10, and you're trying to connect a printer from a laptop running 32-bit Windows 7, the standard driver installation will fail. The host computer simply won't be able to transmit the correct driver to the client.
In this case, when adding a printer on the client computer, select the "Install driver manually" option. You'll need to download the driver specifically for the client PC's processor architecture from the manufacturer's website. After selecting the driver file, the system will complete the installation, and printing will become possible.
Sometimes the error "Unable to connect to printer" appears with the code 0x0000011b or similar. This is often related to Windows security updates that change RPC connection rules. Resolving the issue may require editing the registry on the host computer, but this should be done carefully, after creating a restore point.
The table below will help you quickly navigate common errors and how to fix them:
| Error Code / Symptom | Probable cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| Error 0x0000007e | Driver conflict | Remove the driver completely and reinstall it with administrator rights. |
| Offline printer | Host PC sleep mode | Disable sleep mode or disable USB port shutdown settings |
| Access denied | Blocked by firewall | Allow the Print Service application in the firewall. |
| Path not found | Name or IP has changed | Use a static IP for the host computer |
Features of working with mobile devices
Printing from smartphones and tablets via a computer connected to the printer is possible, but requires additional effort compared to printing from a PC. Standard Windows protocols are not always understood by mobile operating systems like Android or iOS without an intermediary.
Android devices often require the installation of specialized applications such as PrinterShare Or use a utility from the printer manufacturer (HP Smart, Epson iPrint). In these apps' settings, select "Wi-Fi" or "Local Area Network" as the connection method. The app will scan your network and, if shared access is enabled on your PC, offer to install a virtual printer.
iOS (iPhone, iPad) users may face difficulties, as the Apple ecosystem is tailored to the technology AirPrintStandard Windows sharing is not AirPrint-compatible by default. In this case, additional software emulating an AirPrint server must be installed on the computer to which the printer is connected, such as oPrint or FingerPrint.
It's important to understand that when printing from a phone to a PC, the PC itself must be on and not in sleep mode. The mobile device sends data to the PC, which then prints it. If the PC goes to sleep, the job will be queued or lost.
⚠️ Attention: Mobile app interfaces and functionality may be updated by developers. If the standard method doesn't work, check the official documentation from your router or printer manufacturer for cloud printing support.
Print network optimization and security
Sharing your network offers both opportunities and potential risks. Anyone connecting to your Wi-Fi could theoretically access your printer and, in some cases, your computer's files if security settings are relaxed. Therefore, it's recommended to use a guest network or set up complex password protection.
To optimize printing speed for large documents, ensure that "Print directly to the printer" is unchecked in the printer settings (under the "Advanced" tab in the printer properties). It's better to select "Use Print Spooler." This will allow jobs to be queued and processed sequentially without blocking applications on client computers.
Check the print queue regularly. Stuck documents can block the entire service, making the printer unavailable to all users. Clearing the queue on the host machine usually resolves the "stuck" status issue.
In conclusion, setting up Wi-Fi sharing is a cost-effective and efficient solution for small groups of users. It doesn't require expensive networking equipment and is easily implemented using standard operating system tools. The key is to keep your drivers and firewall settings up-to-date.
Why can't my computer see my printer on the network even though Wi-Fi is working?
Most often, the problem lies with the network profile. If Windows considers your network "Public," it hides your computer from other devices. Switch the profile to "Private" in the network settings. Also, check if the "Function Discovery Host" service is enabled.
Is it possible to print if the main computer is turned off?
No, in the described setup, the host computer acts as a server. If it's turned off or in sleep mode, data transfer to the printer is impossible. To print at any time, the printer must have its own network connection (Ethernet/Wi-Fi) or be connected to the router via USB (if the router supports print server functionality).
How do I delete a network printer if I no longer need it?
Go to "Devices and Printers" on the client computer, right-click the unwanted printer, and select "Remove device." On the host computer, you can uncheck "Shared" in the printer properties to disable access for everyone.