Many people are familiar with the situation where they need to print a document from a laptop or smartphone, but the printer is connected to another computer via USB. This creates a lot of inconvenience, forcing them to search for flash drives or transfer files via instant messaging, which is time-consuming and frustrating. Fortunately, modern technology makes it easy to turn any USB printer into a network device accessible to all gadgets on your local network.
There are several proven ways to solve this problem without purchasing new equipment. You can use the capabilities of your router, if it has a USB port, or use one of the computers as a permanent print server. In this article, we'll examine both options in detail, focusing on the intricacies of operating system configuration. Windows and routers.
Before beginning software configuration, ensure physical hardware compatibility. Not all older printer models can work correctly via network interfaces, and some routers have limitations in supported file systems or types of connected devices. Check your router for a USB port or have a PC that will be constantly on to manage the print queue.
Connecting via a router with USB support
The most elegant solution is to use the router's built-in features. If your router has a USB port, it most likely supports wireless mode. Print ServerThis method frees computers from the need to be turned on for printing, as the task is taken over by the network equipment.
To begin, connect the printer to the router's USB port using a cable and wait for the device to boot up. Then, log in to the administrator's web interface, usually accessible at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1In the settings menu, find the section related to USB applications or print server and activate the corresponding function.
⚠️ Please note: Not all routers support drivers for all printer models. Before purchasing a new router, check the device compatibility list (HCL) on the manufacturer's official website.
After activating the printing service, the router will assign a network address to the device. You will need to know the IP address of the router itself, as it will act as the gateway for the printer. Some models require manual port assignment; the default value is usually 9100.
It's important to understand that printing via a router may be slower than with a direct connection, especially when working with large graphics. However, for text documents and spreadsheets, this method is optimal in terms of ease of use.
Setting up sharing in Windows
If your router doesn't have a USB port or doesn't support printers, you can use a Windows computer as a host. This method requires the PC to be turned on and connected to the network when printing. To do this, open "Settings," go to "Devices," and select "Printers & Scanners."
Find your USB printer in the list, click on it, and select "Manage." In the window that opens, go to "Printer Properties" and open the "Sharing" tab. Here, you need to check the box next to "Printer Properties" Share this printer and set a clear network name.
Next, make sure device discovery is enabled in your network settings. Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings. In the current network profile (private or guest), enable network discovery and file and printer sharing.
☑️ Check Windows settings
It's worth noting that Windows Firewall may block the connection when updating the system or changing security settings. If other devices can't see the printer, check the inbound rules in your security settings.
Installing a network printer on client devices
Once the server is configured, you need to connect the client devices. On a Windows computer, open "Devices and Printers" and click "Add a printer." The system will begin searching, but if the device isn't found automatically, select "The printer I want isn't listed."
In the window that opens, select the "Select a printer by name" option and enter the path to the device. The address format is \\Computer_Name\Printer_Name or IP Address Printer NameFor routers, the router's IP address is used.
The operating system will prompt you to install drivers. If the printer is a popular model, Windows may find them automatically. Otherwise, you will need a driver disc or download the software from the manufacturer's website. Make sure the driver version matches the bit depth of the client PC.
| Connection type | A powered PC is required. | Difficulty of setup | Speed of work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via a router | No | Average | High |
| Via Windows (host) | Yes | Low | Maximum |
| WiFi adapter (external) | No | High | Average |
For Android or iOS mobile devices, the process may differ. Often, you'll need to install a dedicated app from the printer manufacturer or use a protocol. AirPrint (for Apple) and Mopria (for Android), if the router supports their forwarding.
Using WiFi adapters for older models
If your router doesn't support printers and you don't want to keep your PC on, you can purchase an external WiFi printer adapter. This is a small device that plugs into the printer's USB port and emulates a network connection. These adapters are often called "WiFi dongles" or network print servers.
Setting up such devices is usually done using the included software or the adapter's web interface. You'll need to connect the adapter to your computer via USB, configure the connection to your WiFi network, and then reconnect it to the printer.
Adapter compatibility issue
Not all USB WiFi adapters for PCs are compatible with printers. Printers require specific firmware and support for printing protocols, so standard 500-ruble dongles won't work. Look for devices labeled "Print Server."
The main advantage of this method is its autonomy. The printer becomes a fully-fledged network device, accessible to everyone without restrictions related to the state of other computers on the network.
Diagnosis and solution of typical problems
During the setup process, errors such as "Unable to connect to the printer" or "Access denied" may occur. Often, the issue lies in different SMB protocol versions or Windows 10/11 security settings that block guest access by default.
If the printer is visible but not printing, check the queue status. The print spooler service may be frozen. Restart the service. Spooler This often solves the problem. To do this, open the Command Prompt as administrator and enter the command:
net stop spooler
net start spooler
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and operating system versions are constantly updated. The layout of menu items may differ from those described. Always consult the official documentation for your specific hardware model.
It's also worth checking whether your router changes the IP addresses of devices each time it reboots. For stable operation, it's best to assign different IP addresses to the printer and host computer. static IP address in the DHCP server settings.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a printer to WiFi without a router?
Yes, if the printer itself has a built-in Wi-Fi module and supports Wi-Fi Direct. In this case, it creates its own network to which phones or laptops can connect. However, functionality may be limited compared to connecting via a router.
Why can't my computer see my printer on the network?
Make sure both devices are on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168.1.x). Check if your antivirus or firewall is blocking network discovery. Also, make sure sharing is enabled on the host computer.
Will print quality be reduced when connected via a network?
No, print quality remains identical to a direct connection. Data is transferred digitally without loss. The latency to start printing (the first byte) may increase slightly, but the printing process itself will not be affected.
Does this method work for MFP (scanner + printer)?
Network printing works perfectly. However, network scanning often requires installing additional software from the manufacturer on each client computer and may not work with simple router print servers.
Finally, the choice of method depends on your infrastructure. For a home, where computers are frequently turned off, a router or external adapter is better. For a small office, where PCs are constantly running, Windows settings are sufficient. In any case, eliminating the USB cable will significantly improve the ease of use of your equipment.