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How to Network a Printer
Add a printer to your home network
By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 18, 2021 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless What to Know
Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings > Turn on file and printer sharing > Save Changes.Go to Printers and Scanners. Right-click the computer, select Printer properties, and check off Share this printer on the Sharing tab.Newer macOS versions can automatically detect and add most printers. You can do a manual configuration via System Preferences. This article explains how to add a printer to your home network using an ethernet or wireless connection on Windows and Mac devices. Add a Network Printer Using Microsoft Windows
All modern versions of Windows include a feature called File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks. This feature allows a printer connected to one PC to be shared with other PCs on a local network. This method requires the printer to be actively connected to the PC and the computer to be turned on so that other devices can reach the printer through it. To network a printer using this method: Enable sharing on the computer. Go to Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings. Then select Turn on file and printer sharing, then select Save Changes. Close the window and choose the Devices and Printers or Printers and Scanners option on the Start menu. Right-click the target computer, select Printer properties, go to the Sharing tab and then select the Share this printer check box. Printers can be installed on a PC using Devices and Printers. Some printers come with software utilities (either on a CD-ROM or downloadable from the web) to simplify the installation process, but these are generally optional. A HomeGroup includes support for networking a printer and sharing files. To use a homegroup for sharing a printer, create one using the HomeGroup option on Control Panel, ensure the Printers setting is enabled (for sharing), and join other PCs in the group. The feature works only with Windows PCs joined into a homegroup enabled for printer sharing. Network Printers Using Non-Windows Devices
Operating systems other than Windows incorporate slightly different methods to support network printing: Current versions of macOS have the ability to automatically detect and add certain kinds of printers, with manual configuration options in the Print & Fax section of System Preferences. Older versions of Mac OS X provided a utility called Print Center for setting up printers connected to Mac computers. Apple AirPrint enables Wi-Fi wireless printing capability on Apple iOS devices, including the iPhone and iPad. AirPrint support requires using a specially manufactured printer of the same brand. Different Unix and Linux distributions provide generic support for network printing. User interface details differ, but most are based on a common Unix printing mechanism called CUPS. Bluetooth Printers
Some home printers offer Bluetooth network capability, usually enabled by an attached adapter rather than being built-in. Bluetooth printers are designed to support general-purpose printing from cellphones. Because it is a short-range wireless protocol, phones running Bluetooth must be placed close to the printer for the operation to work. Printers With Built-In Network Capability
Network printers for home and small businesses look similar to other types. However, these network printers feature an Ethernet port, while many newer models incorporate built-in Wi-Fi wireless capability. Network printers typically allow entering configuration data through a small keypad and screen on the front of the printer. The screen also displays error messages that are helpful in troubleshooting problems. Update the printer settings (such as WPA wireless encryption keys or DHCP addressing) as needed to join the local network. For Ethernet-capable printers, connect the printer to a network router using an Ethernet cable. For Wi-Fi capable printers, associate the printer with a wireless router or another wireless access point. Wireless Print Servers
Many older printers connect to other devices using USB but don't have Ethernet or Wi-Fi support. A wireless print server is a special-purpose gadget that bridges these printers to a wireless home network. To use wireless print servers, plug the printer into the server's USB port and connect the print server to a wireless router or access point. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Find the Printer on Your Network in Windows 10 How to Connect Two Home Computers Through a Network How to Map a Network Drive in Windows 11 How to Connect Two Routers on a Home Network How to Add a Printer to Windows 10 How to Add and Connect a Printer to Your Chromebook How to Print From an iPad Connecting a PC to a Wireless Home Network Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? How to Share Internet Access The 4 Best Wireless Printer Adapters of 2022 Enable or Disable File and Printer Sharing in Windows How to Change Windows 10 Network to Private How to Connect a Printer to a Laptop How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista How to Change DNS Servers in Windows Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies