5 Ways To Share Printer Windows 10 Wired LAN and Wi-Fi 2023

In today’s digital age, where convenience is key, sharing resources like printers across multiple devices has become a common need. Windows 10, one of the most widely used operating systems, offers various methods to share printers, catering to both wired LAN (Local Area Network) and Wi-Fi connections. In this guide, we will explore five effective ways to share a printer on Windows 10 in 2023, combining ease of use with the latest technology.

Whether you are at home or in a workplace, the ability to share a printer seamlessly can enhance productivity and reduce hassles. We will walk you through the methods that ensure a hassle-free printing experience for Windows 10 users. Moreover, these techniques are not limited to one environment; they are adaptable to a wide range of scenarios, from home networks to corporate settings.

Table of Contents

1. Share a Printer Using Windows Settings
2. Share a Printer via Homegroup (Legacy Method)
3. Utilize Printer Properties for Sharing
4. Employ a Third-Party Printer Sharing Software
5. Use Advanced Sharing Options

1. Share a Printer Using Windows Settings

Sharing a printer through Windows settings is one of the easiest and most straightforward methods. It’s ideal for small office networks or home LAN setups. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Connect the printer to the computer that will serve as the host. Ensure that the printer drivers are installed and updated on this machine.

Step 2: Go to “Settings” by clicking on the Windows Start button and then selecting “Settings.”

Step 3: In the Settings window, click on “Devices.”

Step 4: Select “Printers & scanners” on the left side panel. You should see your connected printer listed.

Step 5: Click on your printer, and then click “Manage.”

Step 6: In the next window, enable “Printer sharing.” You can also rename the printer if you wish.

Step 7: Save your changes.

Step 8: To connect to the shared printer from another Windows 10 computer on the same network, simply navigate to “Printers & scanners” and click on “Add a printer or scanner.” Your shared printer should appear in the list, and you can select it.

2. Share a Printer via Homegroup (Legacy Method)

Homegroup was a convenient way to share resources in earlier versions of Windows, but it’s now considered a legacy feature. Nevertheless, if you’re using an older version of Windows 10 or if Homegroup still works for your setup, you can use it to share a printer. Keep in mind that Microsoft has deprecated Homegroup in recent Windows 10 updates, so this method may not be available in future releases.

Step 1: Ensure that all the computers you want to share the printer with are part of the same Homegroup. You can create a Homegroup by going to “Control Panel” > “Homegroup” > “Create a homegroup.”

Step 2: After creating or joining a Homegroup, go to “Control Panel” > “Devices and Printers.”

Step 3: Right-click on the printer you want to share and select “Printer properties.”

Step 4: In the printer properties window, navigate to the “Sharing” tab.

Step 5: Tick the checkbox that says “Share this printer.“

Step 6: Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

Now, other devices within the same Homegroup should be able to find and install the shared printer.

3. Utilize Printer Properties for Sharing

Sharing a printer through its properties can be a useful method if the options in Windows Settings do not provide the level of control you need. This method offers more granular control over sharing settings.

Step 1: Connect the printer to the host computer and install the necessary drivers.

Step 2: Right-click on the printer you want to share and select “Printer properties.“

Step 3: Navigate to the “Sharing” tab.

Step 4: Tick the box that says “Share this printer.”

Step 5: Click on “Additional drivers” if you have devices with different architectures (32-bit and 64-bit) that need to use the printer. This step ensures compatibility with a broader range of devices.

Step 6: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

Step 7: From other Windows 10 computers, add the shared printer as you would in the first method by going to “Printers & scanners” and clicking “Add a printer or scanner.“

4. Employ a Third-Party Printer Sharing Software

If you find Windows’ built-in methods limiting, or if you require advanced features like user authentication, job tracking, or print quotas, third-party printer sharing software can be a valuable solution. These applications offer enhanced control over print management, making them particularly suitable for business environments.

Some popular third-party printer sharing software options include Papercut, Print Manager Plus, and ThinPrint. The exact steps for sharing a printer will vary depending on the software you choose, but generally, you will need to install the software on the host computer and then follow the software’s setup wizard to configure printer sharing.

5. Use Advanced Sharing Options

For more tech-savvy users who prefer to dive into advanced sharing options, you can share a printer via Windows’ built-in sharing features. This method allows you to customize permissions, set up user accounts, and manage the shared printer with greater precision.

Step 1: Connect the printer to the host computer and ensure the printer drivers are installed.

Step 2: Right-click on the printer and select “Printer properties.”

Step 3: In the “Sharing” tab, click on “Advanced Sharing.”

Step 4: Tick the checkbox that says “Share this printer.”

Step 5: Click on the “Permissions” button to customize who can access the printer. You can add users or groups and set their permissions accordingly.

Step 6: Click “OK” to save the sharing settings.

Step 7: To connect to the shared printer from other Windows 10 computers, follow the same steps as mentioned in the first method by going to “Printers & scanners” and clicking “Add a printer or scanner.”

FAQs:

Conclusion

In conclusion, Windows 10 provides multiple ways to share a printer, allowing you to choose the method that best suits your network setup and preferences. Whether you prefer the simplicity of Windows Settings or require the advanced control of third-party software, you can ensure efficient and convenient printer sharing in 2023. By following these methods and considering the specific requirements of your network, you can optimize your printing experience on Windows 10.

Remember that as technology evolves, some methods may become obsolete or less secure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest Windows 10 updates and best practices for printer sharing in your specific environment.