How to Connect a Second Computer to a Printer via Wi-Fi: A Complete A-Z Guide

Connecting a second computer to a printer via Wi-Fi is a common problem in both homes and small offices. It would seem simple: the printer is already working with one PC, all that's left is to share it with other devices. However, in practice, users encounter problems: the printer isn't detected on the network, the drivers won't install, or printing fails. In this article, we'll cover all connection methods—from standard network access to manual configuration via IP address—and discuss common errors and their solutions.

It's important to understand that the connection procedure depends on the printer type (Wi-Fi, network, USB with wireless printing support), the computer's operating system, and even the router model. We won't limit ourselves to generic advice like "plug the printer into a power outlet"—instead, we'll offer detailed instructions for various scenarios, including when the printer is connected to the first PC via USB but needs to print from the second via Wi-Fi. If you've already tried setting up access without success, please pay attention to problem solving section — it contains non-obvious nuances that are rarely written about in standard manuals.

1. Checking printer and Wi-Fi network compatibility

Before you begin setup, make sure your printer supports wireless connectivity, even if it has a logo on the printer body. Wi-Fi, this doesn't guarantee compatibility with your network. Here are the key points to check:

• 🔍 Printer model: Check the documentation or the manufacturer's official website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother), does the device support Wi-Fi Direct, WPS or a classic connection to a router. For example, budget models Canon PIXMA MG2540S require a USB for initial Wi-Fi setup, and HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e Supports automatic connection via the app.
• 📶 Wi-Fi standardPrinters older than 2018 may not work with networks 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) or dual-band routers (2.4/5 GHz). If your router only broadcasts in the 5 GHz band and the printer only supports 2.4 GHz, connecting will be impossible without changing the router settings.
• 🔒 Encryption type: Some older printers do not support modern security protocols such as WPA3In this case, you will have to temporarily switch the router to WPA2-PSK (AES) or mixed mode.

If the printer was previously connected to the network via cable or USB, reset its network settings to factory defaults. This is usually done by holding down the button. Wi-Fi or Reset for 10-15 seconds (the exact time is specified in the instructions). This will clear the connection cache and avoid IP address conflicts.

⚠️ Attention: If your printer is connected to the first computer via USB cable, and you want to print from the second one via Wi-Fi, you will need to either set up public access Through the first PC (see Section 3), or connect the printer directly to the router. The second option is preferable, as it doesn't depend on the first computer being turned on.

2. Methods for connecting a printer to a Wi-Fi network

There are three main ways to connect a printer to Wi-Fi so it's accessible to multiple computers. The method you choose depends on your printer model and your network infrastructure:

1. Direct connection to the router (recommended): The printer connects to your Wi-Fi network as a standalone device. All computers on the network will be able to print to it.
2. Wi-Fi DirectThe printer creates its own network to which computers connect. This is convenient for temporary printing, but not suitable for permanent use (you'll have to switch between networks).
3. Connecting via the first computerThe printer is connected via USB to one PC, which then shares it with other devices over the network. The downside is that the first computer must always be on.

Let's consider each method in detail.

2.1. Connecting a printer to a router (basic method)

This is the most universal and reliable method. The instructions are suitable for most modern printers (HP Envy, Epson EcoTank, Brother DCP and others).

Make sure the printer is turned on and has paper loaded|

Place the printer close to the router (up to 1 meter away)|

Connect the printer to a power source (not via USB)|

Press the Wi-Fi button on your printer (if available)|

Prepare your Wi-Fi network password.

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Next, select one of the connection options:

• 📱 Through the printer control panel: Go to the printer menu (usually the button Setup or Menu), select Wi-Fi Setup → Standard Setup, then find your network in the list and enter the password. On some models (Canon MAXIFY) you will need to enter the SSID manually.
• 🖥️ Via the manufacturer's software: Install the official app (eg. HP Smart, Epson Software Updater) to any computer connected to the same network. The program will automatically find the printer and prompt you to set up Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Via WPS: If your router supports WPS (button on the back panel), press it, then hold the button for 2 minutes Wi-Fi on the printer. The connection will be established automatically.

After successful connection, the printer will print a test sheet with network settings, where its IP address (useful for manual configuration on computers). If the sheet does not print, the IP can be found through the printer menu (Network Settings → Wi-Fi → IP Address).

2.2. Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct

This method is convenient if your printer doesn't support connecting to a router or you want to print from your laptop while on the go. However, there are some limitations:

• 🚫 The computer will not be connected to the Internet and the printer at the same time (you will have to switch between networks).
• 🔄 Not all operating systems work stably with Wi-Fi Direct (especially older versions Windows 7).
• 📱 On some printers (Brother HL-L2350DW) to activate Wi-Fi Direct You need to connect to it via USB first.

To turn on Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On the printer, go to Network Settings → Wi-Fi Direct → On.
2. Remember the network name (SSID) and the password that the printer will generate (usually it is a combination like DIRECT-xx-HP OfficeJet Pro 9015).
3. On your computer, connect to this network as you would to a regular Wi-Fi network.
4. Install the printer drivers (if not installed) and add it as a network printer.

⚠️ Attention: If after connecting to Wi-Fi Direct If your printer isn't detected, check if Windows Firewall is blocking the connection. Temporarily disable it or add the printer to the exceptions list.

2.3. Connecting via the first computer (shared access)

This method is useful if the printer is connected to the first PC via USB, but a second computer cannot be connected directly. The downside of this method is that the first PC must be turned on to print from the second.

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. On the first computer, open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
2. Right click on the printer, select Printer properties → tab Access.
3. Check the box Share this printer and set a name (for example, HP_LaserJet_Shared).
4. Click Apply and restart your computer.

On the second computer:

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Add a printer.
2. Select Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer.
3. In the list, find the printer with the name you specified on the first PC (for example, \\PC-NAME\HP_LaserJet_Shared).
4. Install drivers (if required) and complete setup.

For macOS the algorithm is similar, but the path will be: System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Add (+) → Windows tab.

3. Setting up the printer on the second computer

Once the printer is connected to the network (either via a router or shared access), it needs to be added to the second computer. The process varies depending on the operating system.

3.1 Adding a Printer in Windows 10/11

If the printer is connected to a router:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click Add a device → Add manually.
3. Select Add a printer by TCP/IP address or hostname.
4. In the field Name or IP address Enter the printer's IP (for example, 192.168.1.105). If you don’t know the IP, find it in the router settings (section DHCP Clients or Connected Devices).
5. Click Next, select the driver from the list or install it manually from the manufacturer's website.

If your printer is not detected automatically:

• 🔧 Make sure the protocol is enabled on your router mDNS (necessary to discover devices by name, for example, HPOfficeJetPro9015.local).
• 📡 Check that the printer and computer are on the same subnet (for example, both have an IP of the type 192.168.1.xxx).
• 🔄 Restart your printer and computer.

3.2. Adding a printer in macOS

On Mac The process is easier thanks to built-in support Bonjour (protocol for discovering devices on a local network):

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + (add printer).
3. Select your printer from the list. If it's not there, go to the tab IP and enter the IP address manually.
4. Select the driver (usually macOS selects it automatically) and click Add.

If your printer does not appear in the list, check:

• 🔌 Is the printer connected to the same network as Mac (Sometimes macOS connects to the router's guest network, and the printer to the main one).
• 🔄 Are the drivers updated (go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest version for macOS).

3.3. Setting up on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

In distributions based on Debian (including Ubuntu) adding a network printer is done through CUPS (Unix printing system):

1. Open your browser and go to the address http://localhost:631.
2. Select Administration → Add Printer.
3. Find your printer in the list (if it is not there, select LPD/LPR Host or Printer and enter the IP in the format lpd://192.168.1.105).
4. Select the driver from the list or download it PPD file from the manufacturer's website.

To install drivers in the terminal, use the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install printer-driver-all

⚠️ Attention: On some printers (Epson, Canon) Proprietary drivers are required for Linux. Download them from the official website in the following format: .deb or .rpm and install through dpkg -i.

4. Solving typical problems

Even after proper setup, the connection may not work. Below is a list of the most common errors and how to fix them.

If the printer is shared from the first computer, but the second PC does not see it:

• 🔐 Make sure network discovery is enabled on the first PC (Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings).
• 👥 Make sure both computers are in the same workgroup (default WORKGROUP for Windows).
• 🔑 On the first PC, share the printer with all users or add an account from the second PC.

What should I do if my printer requires authentication when printing?

If you're prompted for a login/password when sending a document to print, this means that public access protection is enabled on the first computer (the one the printer is connected to via USB). To remove this prompt:

1. On the first PC, open Control Panel → Administrative Tools → Computer Management → Local Users and Groups → Users.

2. Create a new user (for example, PrintUser) with a simple password.

3. In the printer properties (tab Security) add this user and give him printing rights.

4. On the second PC, when prompted for authentication, enter the login and password of the new user.

5. Optimizing network printing

If your printer is connected successfully but printing is slow or delayed, use these tips to optimize it:

• 📡 Reserve an IP address for the printer: In the router settings (DHCP Reservation or Static Lease) Bind the printer's MAC address to a fixed IP address. This will avoid problems if the router assigns a new address to the printer.
• 🔄 Update your printer firmware: Go to the manufacturer's website, download the latest firmware and install it via Printer web interface (usually accessible via the printer's IP address in a browser).
• 📄 Adjust print settings: In the printer driver, select the mode Draft (Draft) to save toner and speed up printing. Disable this option. Double-sided printing, if it is not needed.
• 🔒 Restrict access to the printer: If the printer is used in an office, in its settings (Web interface) set a password for printing to prevent unauthorized use.

To speed up printing of large documents (for example, PDF with graphics):

• Before sending to print, save the document in format PDF/XPS, and then print this file - this will reduce the load on the driver.
• In the printer settings, disable the option Improving print quality (Print Quality Enhancement).

6. Alternative printing methods

If standard methods don't work or are inconvenient, consider alternative options:

• 🌐 Cloud printing: Services like Google Cloud Print (obsolete, but there are alternatives) HP ePrint or Epson Connect Allows you to print from any device over the internet. To do this, you need to register the printer in the manufacturer's account.
• 📱 Printing via smartphone: Install the manufacturer's official application (HP Smart, Canon PRINT) on your phone, connect the printer to Wi-Fi, and then print documents from your smartphone. Many apps allow you to share the printer with other devices on your local network.
• 🖧 Print server: If your printer does not support Wi-Fi, purchase an external print server (for example, TP-Link TL-PS310U) and connect the printer to it via USB. The server connects to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, and the printer becomes accessible to all devices on the network.

For cloud printing via Google Cloud Print (if it is still supported by your printer):

1. On the first computer, open Chrome and go to the address google.com/cloudprint.
2. Add your printer to the service.
3. On a second computer or smartphone, log in using the same Google account and send documents to print via Google Cloud Print.

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (eg HP) block third-party cloud printing services, requiring the use of only their applications (HP Smart). Before setting up, check compatibility on the manufacturer's website.

7. Network Printing Security

A printer connected to Wi-Fi can become a weak point in your network. Here's how to protect it:

• 🔐 Change the printer's default password: Many printers have a factory password like admin/1234Go to . Printer web interface (by its IP address) and set a complex password.
• 📡 Disable unnecessary protocols: In the printer settings, deactivate FTP, Telnet and other legacy protocols if not used.
• 🔄 Update your firmwareManufacturers regularly release updates to patch vulnerabilities. Check them every 3-6 months.
• 🌐 Configure MAC address filtering: In your router, allow only the MAC addresses of your devices (including the printer) to connect to the network.

If the printer is used in an office:

• 📊 Keep a print log: Enable logging in your printer settings (Print Log) to track who printed and when.
• 🔒 Restrict access by time: Set up a printer schedule (for example, only during business hours).

Critical vulnerability: some printer models HP (manufactured before 2020) contain a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute code remotely over the network. Check if your model is on the list of vulnerable devices and install the latest firmware.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a router?

Yes, if the printer supports it Wi-Fi Direct or Ad-hoc mode. In this case, the printer creates its own network to which computers connect. However, this method is inconvenient for continuous use, as the computer cannot be connected to the internet and the printer at the same time. For stable operation, it's better to use a router.

The printer is connected to Wi-Fi, but the second computer can't see it. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

1. Make sure both computers are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not a guest network).
2. Check if network discovery is enabled on both PCs (Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings).
3. If the printer is shared, make sure the user is enabled on the first PC. Guest or a special user for printing has been created.
4. Try adding the printer manually by IP address (see section 3).

How do I connect a printer to Wi-Fi if it doesn't have a screen?

For printers without a display (e.g. Brother HL-L2300D or HP LaserJet Pro M404n) use one of these methods:

• Connect the printer to your computer via USB and set up Wi-Fi using the manufacturer's program (HP Smart, Brother iPrint&Scan).
• Use WPS: press the button WPS on the router, then on the printer (if there is such a button).
• On some models Canon And Epson You can set up Wi-Fi by printing a configuration sheet with the default settings and following the instructions on it.

Do I need to install drivers on each computer?

Yes, drivers must be installed on each device you plan to print from. However, there are exceptions:

• IN Windows 10/11 And macOS Many printers are supported out of the box (drivers are already built into the system).
• Some printers (HP Neverstop, Epson EcoTank) use universal drivers that are automatically loaded upon first connection.
• For Linux Manual installation of drivers may be required (see section 3.3).

To avoid problems, always download drivers from the manufacturer's official website, even if the system states that "the device is ready for use."

Is it possible to connect a printer to two different Wi-Fi networks at the same time?

No, the printer can only be connected to one Wi-Fi network at a time. However, some models (HP OfficeJet Pro 9025, Epson WorkForce Pro) support fast switching between networks (for example, between office and home), but not simultaneous connection.

If you need to print from two different networks (for example, from work and from home), consider these options:

• Use cloud printing (HP ePrint, Google Cloud Print).
• Connect the printer to a router that supports multiple SSIDs (guest and main network).
• Set up a VPN on your router to connect to your home network remotely and print.