Sharing a printer can connect one printer to multiple computers in a network. This method is cost-effective and saves space because there is no need to prepare a printer for each computer. There are several ways to share printers, but the most common ones are using LAN and WiFi. This tutorial is equipped with pictures to make it easier for you to apply. This method can be used on Windows 7, 8, and 10 because the method is not much different. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Sharing Printer on Windows
You need to make some settings on your Windows computer that is already connected to the printer.
– Open the Control Panel by pressing Windows+R, typing Control Panel in the search and pressing Enter, or clicking OK.
– Control Panel will appear, and you need to activate File and printer sharing by entering the Network and Internet menu in the Control Panel menu.
– When in the Network and Internet menu, click the Network and Sharing Center option.
– Then click Change advanced sharing settings.
– To share printers or files, activate the option by selecting Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing. This way, other users can access shared files or printers.
– Next is an optional step (you can activate it or not), but we recommend that you activate it. If you do not want to bother so that other computers can immediately access shared files and printers, then turn off the password by opening the All Networks menu.
– Then select Turn off password-protected sharing. With this, other computers that want to access the printer do not need to enter the password first. Don’t forget to click Save changes to save the settings.
– Then open the main Control Panel menu and select View devices and printers in the Hardware and Sound category.
– Then right-click on one of the printers you want to share and select Printer properties. For example, we use the EPSON L360 Series printer.
– Click the Sharing tab and check Share this printer to share printer access. You can name the printer.
– Click OK to save.
By applying the sharing printer method above, you have successfully connected computers to each other in the same network. Maybe you are wondering, how do I access a shared printer? Here are the steps.
Step 2: Accessing a Shared Printer
If you want other computers to access the shared printer, you also need to make some simple settings on your PC.
– Make sure you activate Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing. Then click Save changes.
– To access a shared printer, you can use File Explorer. Press Windows+E to open it, then click Network. The name of the computer that is connected to the printer will appear. For example, as shown in the picture below.
– Open the computer name, and shared files from other computers will appear. Right-click on the printer, then click Connect and wait for the process to finish.
– Finally, you can access and use the printer that has been shared. Make sure to choose the printer in Ready condition.
Step 3: Sharing Printer with HomeGroup
If you have tried the method above but it doesn’t work, as an alternative, you can use the HomeGroup feature provided by Windows for Windows 7 and above users. HomeGroup can be used to share various data or printers with other computers connected to the same network (the same WiFi).
– Open the Control Panel on Laptop A by pressing Windows + R and typing control panel, then Enter.
– Click Choose homegroup and sharing options.
– You must change your network profile to Private before creating HomeGroup. If the network profile is already Private, then you will not find a notification like this.
– If not, then select Change network location, and choose Yes to change the network profile to private.
– Click Create a homegroup to create HomeGroup.
– Then click Next. Choose the file you want to share. Leave the defaults at this step, but make sure to select Shared in the Printers & Devices column. Then click Next.
– Then the HomeGroup password that has been created will appear. Each computer that wants to enter the HomeGroup must enter the password first. Then click Finish.
– On Laptop B, which wants to join the HomeGroup on Laptop A, open the HomeGroup menu through the Control Panel. But sometimes the created HomeGroup doesn’t appear. You can fix this by selecting Start the HomeGroup troubleshooter.
– Then click Next and wait for the troubleshooting process to finish. Generally, it takes only a few minutes.
– Then the HomeGroup created by Laptop A will appear, select Join now.
– Choose Next and Next again until you are asked to enter the password created by Laptop A. If you have entered the correct password, you will connect to the HomeGroup successfully.
Conclusion
Sharing a printer in a network can save time and resources. With this guide, you can learn the step-by-step process of printer sharing and accessing shared printers. Windows provides several methods for sharing printers, so choose the one that suits your needs.
