Modern wireless technologies allow for the creation of flexible home and office networks where access to peripheral devices is independent of the physical location of cables. However, not all printing equipment models are equipped with a built-in module. Wi-Fi, which often forces users to organize shared access through one of the desktop computers. This configuration is called a "host-client" configuration, where one PC acts as a print server, managing the print queue and data transfer.
Implementing this scheme requires careful configuration of local network settings, as errors in firewall configuration or access rights can make the device invisible to other users. You'll need to ensure that all computers are on the same subnet and have the correct IP addresses assigned by the router. Windows offers built-in tools for sharing resources, which we will discuss in detail in this article.
The advantage of this method is the ability to use an old USB printer in a new wireless environment without purchasing additional hardware. Furthermore, centralized driver management simplifies maintenance of the equipment fleet in a small office. Let's look at how to turn a regular USB printer into a fully-fledged network device.
Network infrastructure and equipment requirements
Before starting setup, it's crucial to verify the basics between devices. All computers that will use the printer must be connected to the same router, whether via Wi-Fi or a LAN cable. If the devices are on different subnets (for example, a guest network and the main one), the standard discovery protocol SMB may not work without manual routing configuration.
Make sure the computer to which the printer is physically connected (the host PC) has the latest drivers installed and the device is working correctly in local mode. This computer's network card must have a static IP address or a reserved address in the router settings so that the path to the device doesn't change after a reboot.
⚠️ Warning: Dynamically changing the host computer's IP address will result in loss of printer connectivity on all client machines. We recommend securing the address in your router's DHCP settings or setting a static IP address in the network adapter's properties.
It's also worth checking the network type in your operating system. For sharing to work correctly, the network profile must be set to "Private" or "Home," not "Public," as the latter mode blocks device discovery for security reasons.
- 📡 All devices are connected to the same router (same IP range, for example, 192.168.1.x).
- 💻 The host PC is turned on and does not go into sleep mode while printing.
- 🔌 The printer works properly when connected directly via USB.
- 🛡️ Antivirus software does not block local network ports.
Setting up sharing on the host computer
The first configuration step is performed directly on the machine to which the printer is connected via USB. You need to enable the sharing feature in the control panel. WindowsOpen "Settings" from the Start menu and go to "Devices", then select "Printers & scanners".
Find your model in the list, click on it, and select "Manage." In the window that opens, click the "Printer Properties" link (not just properties, but printer properties). In the dialog box that opens, look for the "Access" tab. This is where you'll find key switch, making the device visible to the network.
Check the box next to "Share this printer." Create a descriptive network name that will be visible to other users. Avoid using Cyrillic characters and special characters in the name, as this may cause compatibility issues with older operating systems or Linux machines.
After applying the settings, the system may prompt you to install additional drivers for other versions of Windows. If you have a mixed fleet of computers (for example, Windows 10 and Windows 7), it makes sense to download the appropriate driver packages so that clients automatically receive the necessary software upon first connection.
Configuring network and firewall settings
Even with properly configured access, the built-in Windows firewall may block incoming connections. Ensure that network discovery and file and printer sharing are enabled. Go to "Control Panel" -> "Network and Sharing Center" -> "Change advanced sharing settings."
In the "Private" profile, enable the following options: "Turn on network discovery" and "Turn on file and printer sharing." It's also recommended to enable "Let Windows manage HomeGroup connections" if this feature is available in your OS version. This will allow the system to automatically open the necessary ports.
If you're using a third-party antivirus (Kaspersky, ESET, Avast), its built-in firewall may ignore Windows system settings. In this case, find the "Network Connections" or "Firewall" section in the antivirus interface and add your local network to the list of trusted zones.
Checking port availability is an important diagnostic step. The standard port for LPR printing is 515, and for Raw printing the port is used 9100The firewall should not block incoming connections via these protocols within the local subnet.
Connecting client computers to a network printer
After completing the host settings, move on to the computers you plan to print from. The easiest way to find a device is to use the automatic search feature. Open "Settings" -> "Devices" -> "Printers & Scanners" and click "Add a printer or scanner."
The system will begin searching for available devices on the network. If network discovery is working correctly, you'll see the printer name you specified earlier, possibly with the host computer name in the format COMPUTER_NAME\PRINTER_NAMESelect it and click "Add device." Windows will automatically download the drivers from the host machine.
If the automatic search doesn't yield results, use the manual method to connect by IP address or name. Click "The printer I want isn't listed," select "Select a shared printer by name," and enter the path manually. The path format is as follows: \\192.168.1.5\HP_LaserJet, where the first part is the IP address of the host computer.
☑️ Checking client connection
When you first connect, the system may ask you to confirm your credentials. If the host computer has a password, you will need to enter the username and password of the user logged into Windows on the host computer. This is a standard security procedure for the protocol. SMB.
Troubleshooting and Error Codes
During the setup process, users often encounter access errors. Error code 0x0000011b This error became especially common after Windows security updates that affected the RPC protocol. This error means that the client cannot connect to the server's print queue due to encryption requirements.
Another common issue is "Access Denied." This indicates that accounts are out of sync. If you're logged in as "UserA" on the client PC, but the host computer doesn't have that account or doesn't have permissions, the system will deny your request. In such cases, creating identical accounts with the same passwords on both computers can help.
| Error code | Description of the problem | A probable solution |
|---|---|---|
| 0x0000011b | RPC error while connecting | Editing the registry (RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled) |
| 0x0000007e | Print module not found | Reinstalling the driver on the host PC |
| 0x000006ba | The print server is not working | Checking the Print Spooler service |
| Access denied | Problems with user rights | Setting up shared accounts or guest access |
Resolving the 0x0000011b error often requires editing the registry on the computer the printer is connected to. You need to create or change a setting RpcAuthnLevelPrivacyEnabled in the branch HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print, setting the value 0After this, you need to restart the print service or the entire computer.
⚠️ Caution: Editing the registry requires caution. Before editing, create a system restore point to be able to roll back changes if your operating system becomes unstable.
Alternative methods and using third-party software
If built-in Windows tools are unstable or cause difficulties, you can use specialized software. Programs like PrintNode or Google Cloud Print (via emulators) allow you to forward a local USB printer to the cloud, making it accessible from anywhere in the world, not just from the local network.
Another option is to purchase an external Wi-Fi adapter for your printer. There are compact print servers that connect to the printer's USB port and broadcast it to the network regardless of the state of any computer. This turns the device into a completely autonomous network node.
Is it worth buying a Wi-Fi router with a USB port for a printer?
USB routers often have limited compatibility with printer drivers. They may only work with specific HP or Canon models. Before purchasing, be sure to check the compatibility list on the router manufacturer's website.
Usage Raspberry Pi with an installed server CUPS — an advanced option for enthusiasts. The minicomputer acts as a print server, supports AirPrint for Apple devices, and even allows printing from mobile phones without the need to keep a powerful PC running.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the host computer need to be always on for printing?
Yes, this is a requirement. Since the printer is connected via USB, the host computer's operating system processes the print queue and sends data to the device. If the host PC is turned off or in sleep mode, printing is impossible.
Is it possible to connect a printer directly to a Wi-Fi router if it does not have a Wi-Fi module?
Only if your router has a USB port and supports the "Print Server" feature. Otherwise, you'll need a separate device—an external print server—that connects to the router via cable or Wi-Fi, and the printer is connected to it via USB.
Why can't the client computer see the printer on the network?
The most common causes are different network profiles (public instead of private), firewall blocking, disabled Print Spooler service, or different SMB protocol versions (SMBv1 is disabled by default in newer Windows).
How to find out the IP address of the host computer?
On the host computer, click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. In the black window, enter the command ipconfigYou're interested in the "IPv4 address" line, which typically looks like 192.168.xx.