Sharing a printer in Windows 11 is a breeze if you know where to click. In just a few steps, you can make your printer available to other computers on your network. Follow this guide to learn how to easily share your printer and make printing jobs accessible to everyone in your home or office.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to sharing your printer in Windows 11. This will ensure that anyone connected to your network can use the printer without needing a direct connection.
Step 1: Open Settings
To begin sharing your printer, open the ‘Settings’ app on your Windows 11 computer.
You can do this by clicking on the Start menu and selecting ‘Settings,’ or simply pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
Step 2: Navigate to Bluetooth & devices
In the Settings window, go to the ‘Bluetooth & devices’ section.
This section is where you’ll find all the devices connected to your computer, including your printer. Navigating here is essential to manage your devices effectively.
Step 3: Select Printers & scanners
Once in the Bluetooth & devices section, click on ‘Printers & scanners.’
Here, you’ll see a list of all printers and scanners connected to your Windows 11 device. This is where you can select the printer you want to share.
Step 4: Choose the printer you want to share
Find the printer you wish to share from the list and click on it.
Clicking on the printer will open up more options and settings specific to that printer, allowing you to adjust its sharing settings.
Step 5: Open Printer properties
In the printer’s settings, look for the ‘Printer properties’ option and click on it.
This will open a new window where you can find the settings needed to share your printer.
Step 6: Go to the Sharing tab
In the Printer properties window, navigate to the ‘Sharing’ tab.
The Sharing tab is where you’ll configure the settings to make your printer accessible to other computers on your network.
Step 7: Check the box to share the printer
Check the box that says ‘Share this printer.’
By checking this box, you are enabling the printer to be available for other computers connected to your network.
Step 8: Name your shared printer
Give your shared printer a name that will be recognizable by other users on the network.
A clear and easy-to-remember name will help other users quickly identify the printer they need to connect to.
Step 9: Apply the changes
Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ to save your changes.
Applying these changes will officially share your printer, making it available for use by other devices on your network.
After completing these steps, your printer will be available for other devices on the same network. They can now connect to and use the printer without needing to be directly connected to it.
Tips for Sharing a Printer in Windows 11
- Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to your Windows 11 computer.
- Ensure that all computers on the network have the correct printer drivers installed.
- Keep your computer awake to maintain the printer’s availability on the network.
- Use a strong Wi-Fi connection to avoid interruption during printing.
- Regularly check for Windows updates to keep your system running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share any printer on Windows 11?
Yes, as long as the printer is properly connected to your Windows 11 computer, you can share it on the network.
Do other computers need to install drivers?
Yes, other computers on the network will need the correct printer drivers installed to use the shared printer.
Can I share a wireless printer?
Absolutely. Just make sure the wireless printer is connected to the network and properly set up on your Windows 11 computer.
Will sharing a printer slow down my computer?
Not significantly. However, if multiple users are printing at the same time, you may notice a slight decrease in performance.
How do I stop sharing my printer?
Simply go back to the ‘Sharing’ tab in the Printer properties and uncheck the ‘Share this printer’ box.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Bluetooth & devices
- Select Printers & scanners
- Choose the printer you want to share
- Open Printer properties
- Go to the Sharing tab
- Check the box to share the printer
- Name your shared printer
- Apply the changes
Conclusion
Sharing a printer in Windows 11 is not just a useful feature—it’s a game-changer for efficiency and convenience, both at home and in the workplace. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that everyone on your network has easy access to printing capabilities without the hassle of physical connections. Keep in mind the additional tips to optimize your printer sharing experience, such as maintaining a strong Wi-Fi connection and keeping your drivers updated. If you run into any issues, our FAQ section is here to help. Happy printing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.