Share and Add a Printer on Windows and Mac

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A guide to sharing a printer on any version of Windows or macOS
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Sharing printers on a network used to be a nightmare, especially if the computers were all running different operating systems. Technology has progressed, however, and sharing a printer now is simpler than it has ever been. This wikiHow teaches you how to share and add a printer on all versions of Windows and macOS, with expert tips from computer expert Luigi Oppido.

Quickly Share a Printer on Windows

Ensure Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing are turned on in the Advanced Sharing Settings menu. Open the Printers & scanners menu and select your printer. Click Printer properties and click the Sharing tab. Click the checkbox next to “Share this printer” and click Ok .

Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Using Windows 10 & 11

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  1. 1
    Install the printer drivers. According to Oppido, a printer must be installed on the computer it’s connected to in order to function properly or be shared over a network. Most modern printers connect via USB, Bluetooth, or a wireless connection. The drivers will be installed automatically. [1]
    • If it is a wired printer, you can connect it to a computer using a USB cable. If it is a Bluetooth printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to pair it with your computer. If it is a wireless (Wi-Fi) printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to connect the wireless printer to the network.
    • If the drivers are not installed automatically, you can download them from the manufacturer’s website.
  2. 2
    Turn on Network Discovery and File and Printer sharing. You can do so in the Settings menu. Use the following steps to do so:
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click the Gear/Settings icon.
    • Click Network & Internet .
    • Click Advanced Network Settings (Windows 11 only).
    • Click Advanced sharing settings (Windows 11) or Network Sharing Center (Windows 10).
    • Expand Private Networks and Public Networks .
    • Turn on Network Discovery for both private and public networks.
    • Turn on File and printer sharing for both private and public networks.
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  3. 3
    Share the printer over the network. Once a printer is connected to a primary computer, use the following steps to share it over a network:
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click the Gear/Settings icon.
    • Click Bluetooth & devices (Windows 11) or Devices (Windows 10).
    • Click Printers & scanners.
    • Click your printer.
    • Click Manage (Windows 10 only).
    • Click Printer properties .
    • Click the Sharing tab .
    • Click the checkbox next to “Share this printer . ”
    • Enter a name for the printer (optional).
    • Click Ok .
  4. 4
    Add a shared printer to your computer. Once the printer has been shared on the primary computer, you’ll need to add the printer to other computers you want to share the printer with. Use the following steps to add a shared printer on a Windows computer (see below to learn how to add a shared printer on a Mac): [2]
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click the Gear/Settings icon.
    • Click Bluetooth & devices (Windows 11) or Devices (Windows 10).
    • Click Printers & scanners.
    • Click Add device (Windows 11) or + Add printer or scanner (Windows 10).
    • Click Add device next to the printer you want to add (it may take a few minutes to appear).
    • Click Add new device manually (Windows 11) or The printer I want isn’t listed (Windows 10) if the printer isn’t listed or is on a Mac.
    • Click Select a shared printer by name .
    • Enter the computer name or IP address of the computer in one of the following formats:
      • \\computer_name\printer_name
      • \\ip_address\printer_name
      • http://computer_name/printer_name/.printer
      • http://ip_address/printer_name/.printer
      • Alternatively, you can click Browse and select the primary computer and printer.
    • Enter the Windows (or Mac) login password if prompted.
    • Click Next followed by Finish .
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Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Using macOS 13 (Ventura) and Above

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  1. 1
    Install the printer drivers. According to Oppido, a printer must be installed on the computer it’s connected to in order to function properly or be shared over a network. Most modern printers connect via USB, Bluetooth, or a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. They will install the drivers automatically. [3]
    • If it is a wired printer, you can connect it to a computer using a USB cable. If it is a Bluetooth printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to pair it with your computer. If it is a wireless printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to connect the wireless printer to the network.
    • If the drivers aren’t installed automatically, you’ll need to download them from the manufacturer’s website. Some printers may not be compatible with a Mac.
  2. 2
    Share your printer. Use the following steps to share a printer that is connected to your Mac: [4]
    • Click the Apple icon.
    • Click System Settings .
    • Click General .
    • Click Sharing .
    • Toggle on the switch next to “Printer Sharing” to enable printer sharing.
    • Click the icon that resembles an i with a circle next to “Printer Sharing.”
    • Check the box next to the printer you want to share.
    • Select Can print from the dropdown next to “Everyone.”
      • Alternatively, you can click the plus ( + ) next below “Users” and select the users you want to share the printer with.
    • Click Done .
  3. 3
    Add a shared printer. If your printer is connected to another computer, you can use the following steps to add the printer to your Mac: [5]
    • Click the Apple icon.
    • Click System Settings .
    • Click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar to the left.
    • Select a printer on the network (it may take a couple minutes to appear).
    • Click Add .
    • Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax if the printer doesn’t appear in the list.
    • Click IP at the top (it looks like a globe with grid lines).
      • Alternatively, you can click Default (the icon of a printer at top left) and see if the printer appears in the list.
      • Alternatively, if the printer is connected to a Windows computer, click Windows at the top right (another icon of a printer). Select the workgroup the printer is connected to, and then select the computer name. Enter the login password if prompted. Select the proper printer software for the printer (see the printer’s user manual). Select the printer and click Add .
    • Enter the IP address for the printer on the network.
    • Select the appropriate printer protocol (see your printer’s user manual).
    • Enter the rest of the information.
    • Select the proper printer software next to “Use” (see your printer’s user manual).
    • Click Add .
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Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Using macOS 12 (Monterey) and Below

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  1. 1
    Install the printer drivers. According to Oppido, a printer must be installed on the computer it’s connected to in order to function properly or be shared over a network. Most modern printers connect via USB, Bluetooth, or a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. They will install the drivers automatically. [6]
    • If it is a wired printer, you can connect it to a computer using a USB cable. If it is a Bluetooth printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to pair it with your computer. If it is a wireless printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to connect the wireless printer to the network.
    • If the drivers are not installed automatically, you can download them from the manufacturer’s website.
  2. Use the following steps to do so: [7]
    • Click the Apple icon.
    • Click System Preferences .
    • Click the Sharing icon.
    • Click the checkbox next to “Printer Sharing.”
  3. 3
    Share your printer. Once you enable printer sharing, you can use the following steps to share your printer with users on your network in the Sharing menu:
    • Click the plus ( + ) below “Users.”
    • Select users on your network next to “Can Print.”
      • You can also select Everyone .
    • Click Add .
  4. Use the following steps to add a printer shared from another computer on your Mac: [8] \
    • Click the Apple icon.
    • Click System Preferences .
    • Click Printers & Scanners .
    • Click the plus ( + ) button below the list on the left.
    • Select the printer you want to add.
    • Click Add .
    • Click Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax if the printer doesn’t appear in the list.
    • Click IP at the top.
      • Alternatively, you can click Default and see if the printer appears in the list.
      • Alternatively, if the printer is connected to a Windows computer, click Windows at the top. Select the workgroup the printer is connected to and then select the computer name. Enter the login password if prompted. Select the proper printer software for the printer (see the printer’s user manual). Select the printer and click Add .
    • Enter the IP address for the printer on the network.
    • Select the appropriate printer protocol (see your printer’s user manual).
    • Enter the rest of the information.
    • Select the proper printer software next to “Use” (see your printer’s user manual).
    • Click Add .
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Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Using Windows 7 and 8

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  1. 1
    Install the printer drivers. According to Oppido, a printer must be installed on the computer it’s connected to in order to function properly or be shared over a network. Most modern printers connect via USB, Bluetooth, or a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. They will install the drivers automatically. [9]
    • If it is a wired printer, you can connect it to a computer using a USB cable. If it is a Bluetooth printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to pair it with your computer. If it is a wireless printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to connect the wireless printer to the network.
  2. You can access the Control Panel in Windows 7 by clicking the Start menu and selecting Control Panel . In Windows 8, press Win + X and select Control Panel from the menu.
  3. If your Control Panel is in Category view, click Network and Internet , and then select Network and Sharing Center . Click on Network and Internet . If your Control Panel is in Icon view, click the Network and Sharing Center icon.
  4. This is located in the left navigation pane of the Network and Sharing Center.
  5. You will see three different options when you open the "Advanced share settings": Private, Guest or Public, and All Networks. If you are on a Home network, expand the Private section. [10]
  6. Toggle this on to allow other devices to connect to your printer. This will also allow you to share files and folders with other computers on the network.
  7. You can decide whether or not you want to enable password protection for your printer. If it is turned on, only users who have a user account on your computer will be able to access the printer.
    • You can toggle password protection in the "All Networks" section.
  8. Now that file and printer sharing has been turned on, you will need to share the printer itself. To do this, go back to the Control Panel and open the Devices and Printers option. Right-click on the printer you want to share and click Printer properties . Click the Sharing tab, and then check the "Share this printer" box. [11]
  9. To add a network printer in Windows Vista, 7, and 8, open the Control Panel and select Devices and Printers . Click the Add a printer button at the top of the window. [12] Wait for the scan to complete, and the printer should appear in the list of available printers. Select it and click Next to add it to your computer.
    • If the printer you are looking for cannot be found, click The printer that I want isn't listed . You can then manually connect to the printer by entering the printer's network name.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Using Windows Vista

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  1. 1
    Install the printer drivers. According to Oppido, a printer must be installed on the computer it’s connected to in order to function properly or be shared over a network. Most modern printers connect via USB, Bluetooth, or a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. They will install the drivers automatically. [13]
    • If it is a wired printer, you can connect it to a computer using a USB cable. If it is a Bluetooth printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to pair it with your computer. If it is a wireless printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to connect the wireless printer to the network.
  2. You can access the Control Panel in Windows Vista by clicking the Start menu and selecting Control Pane l. [14]
  3. If your Control Panel is in Category view, click Network and Internet , and then select Network and Sharing Center . Click on Network and Internet . If your Control Panel is in Icon view, click the Network and Sharing Center icon.
  4. Expand the Printer Sharing field and toggle printer sharing on. You can decide whether or not you want to enable password protection for your printer. If it is turned on, only users who have a user account on your computer will be able to access the printer.
  5. Now that file and printer sharing has been turned on, you will need to share the printer itself. To do this, go back to the Control Panel and open the Devices and Printers option. Right-click on the printer you want to share and click Printer properties . Click the Sharing tab, and then check the Share this printer box. [15]
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Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Using Windows XP

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  1. 1
    Install the printer drivers. According to Oppido, a printer must be installed on the computer it’s connected to in order to function properly or be shared over a network. Most modern printers connect via USB, Bluetooth, or a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. They will install the drivers automatically. [16]
    • If it is a wired printer, you can connect it to a computer using a USB cable. If it is a Bluetooth printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to pair it with your computer. If it is a wireless printer, you’ll need to check the user’s manual to learn how to connect the wireless printer to the network.
  2. Before you can share your printer, you need to make sure that printer sharing is enabled. To do so, click the Start menu and select My Network Places . Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties . Click the General tab, and then check the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks box.
    • You may be asked to reboot the computer once you are done.
  3. Open the Control Panel from the Start menu and select Printers and Faxes . Right-click on the printer that you want to share and click Sharing . Click the Share this printer option, and give the printer a name so that it can be identified on the network. [17]
  4. To add a network printer in Windows XP, open the Control Panel and select Printers and Faxes . Look for the "Printer Tasks" section and click the Add a printer option. This will open the "Add Printer Wizard". Select A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer .
    • The quickest way to connect to a network printer is to enter in the network address for it. This means you will need to know the computer name and the printer name. Enter in the address using the following syntax: \\computername\printername .
    • You can also browse for available printers, though this method is not as reliable as simply entering the name of the printer.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are some factors that can slow down a computer's wireless connection to a printer?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Printing is one of the largest things that we do over a network, and it sends an incredible amount of data quickly to a printer. I find the main bottlenecks for wireless printing are an older router or using the stock router modem combo that came from your ISP.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Should all the computers be connected in a network?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this gives them access to shared and network resources (such as the printer) and access the Internet. They do not need to be physically connected via Ethernet cable; the wireless router will act as a central access point for them.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • It's a good idea to make sure that your network (when you set it up on your computer) is set to "Private." This setting allows greater sharing because virtually all operating systems automatically allow more extensive sharing options on a private network as opposed to a public one.
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      • Password-protected sharing allows an extra layer of protection. When connecting to a shared printer that is password-protected, you will have to put in the username and password of the host computer.
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      • Some printers come with a wireless card installed. It is also possible to attach a printer directly to a wireless router (if the router has a USB port) and share it that way. If you connect your printer to a network without going through a computer, then learning how to share a printer is easy. Shared wireless printers should be available to all computers on the network.
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      References

      1. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/share-a-printer-as-a-network-printer-c9a152b5-59f3-b6f3-c99f-f39e5bf664c3
      3. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/share-your-printer-on-mac-mchlp2424/15.0/mac/15.0
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-a-printer-to-your-mac-mh14004/15.0/mac/15.0
      6. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/share-your-printer-on-mac-mchlp2424/12.0/mac/12.0
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/add-a-printer-list-mac-mh14004/mac
      9. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ https://support.brother.com/g/b/faqend.aspx?c=us_ot&lang=en&prod=p750weus&faqid=faqp00100016_000
      2. ↑ https://support.brother.com/g/b/faqend.aspx?c=us_ot&lang=en&prod=p750weus&faqid=faqp00100016_000
      3. ↑ https://chem.ku.edu/connect-network-printer-windows-7
      4. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://files.support.epson.com/htmldocs/sc92__/sc92__ug/how_1.htm
      6. ↑ https://files.support.epson.com/htmldocs/sc92__/sc92__ug/how_1.htm
      7. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://www.eduhk.hk/ocio/content/faq-how-do-printer-sharing-windows-xp

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Install the printer drivers.
      2. Open Control Panel .
      3. Click Network and Sharing Center .
      4. Click Changed advanced sharing settings .
      5. Expand the profile you need to edit.
      6. Enable File and printer sharing .
      7. Toggle password protection on or off.
      8. Share the printer.

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