Windows 11 can share a printer connected to one PC with other Windows computers on the same trusted network. This is useful for a USB printer that has no built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet, but it is not the same as installing the Print Server role on Windows Server.
The Windows 11 computer hosting the printer must stay powered on, connected to the network, and able to print locally. If the printer needs to remain available while that PC is shut down, connect the printer directly to the network instead and add it to each computer by IP address or IPP.
What Windows 11 can provide
Windows 11 provides basic shared-printer hosting. You install a printer on one Windows 11 PC, share its printer queue, and connect other PCs to that queue using a path such as \\PRINTPC\HP_LaserJet.
It does not provide the formal Windows Server Print and Document Services role. Use Windows Server when you need centralized printer administration, Group Policy deployment, several print queues, delegated management, or high availability. For a home or small office with one or a few printers, Windows 11 printer sharing is usually sufficient.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- WIRED NETWORK USB PRINT SERVER: Connect a single USB 2.0 printer to a wired Ethernet LAN (RJ45); 10Base-T, 100Base-TX auto-sensing to ensure a reliable connection, letting you print from any network computer, across the office or over the Internet
- MANUAL NETWORK SETUP REQUIRED: Configuration via web interface (static IP or DHCP) using LPR queue “LP1"; Not plug-and-play, requires intermediate network knowledge for installation; Access our online FAQs for additional helpful tips and instructions
- USB PRINTER COMPATIBILITY: Works with most USB 2.0 printers using standard drivers; Not compatible with USB hubs, multi-function printers with proprietary drivers, or printers requiring full bi-directional communication
- COMPATIBILITY: The USB to Ethernet print server is USB 2.0 compliant and works with macOS and Windows; It also supports LPR network printing and Bonjour Print Services for broad compatibility; Included software is compatible with Windows only
- PRINT FROM ANYWHERE: Print from any computer connected to the Ethernet; This print server doesn’t require a wired connection to a computer, however it must be connected to your networking device (eg. router or switch) with the included RJ45 network cable
Requirements
- A Windows 11 PC with the printer installed and printing successfully.
- The host and client PCs connected to the same trusted local network.
- The host network profile set to Private.
- Network discovery and File and printer sharing enabled on the host.
- An administrator account, if Windows requests elevation while enabling sharing or installing a driver.
- The host PC left running whenever clients need to print.
Do not enable ordinary printer sharing on a public Wi-Fi network, such as a hotel, airport, or café network.
1. Install and test the printer on the host PC
The host is the Windows 11 computer physically connected to the printer or otherwise responsible for the queue.
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select Add device.
- Follow Windows’ installation steps. If Windows cannot find the printer or exposes only limited features, install the current driver from the printer manufacturer.
- Open the installed printer and print a test page.
Fix local printing first. Sharing a queue will not make a printer work if the host itself cannot print.
2. Change the host network profile to Private
- On the host, open Start > Settings > Network & internet.
- Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on the connection.
- Select the connected network.
- Under Network profile type, select Private network.
A Private profile allows the PC to be discoverable by other devices on a trusted network. A Public profile is designed to hide the PC and block the normal file and printer-sharing workflow.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute3. Enable network discovery and printer sharing
- Open Start > Settings > Network & internet.
- Select Advanced network settings.
- Select Advanced sharing settings.
- Expand Private networks.
- Turn on Network discovery.
- Turn on File and printer sharing.
Both settings matter. Network discovery alone does not configure the firewall and sharing rules required for a shared printer.
4. Share the printer queue
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the printer you want to share.
- Select Printer properties. Do not select only the basic printer preferences page.
- Open the Sharing tab.
- Select Change Sharing Options and approve the User Account Control prompt if requested.
- Select Share this printer.
- Confirm or change the Share name.
- Select Apply, then OK.
Keep the share name short and simple. Avoid spaces and punctuation when possible. For example, if the host computer is named PRINTPC and the share name is HP_LaserJet, clients use \\PRINTPC\HP_LaserJet.
The share name is not necessarily the same as the printer’s full display name. Use the name shown on the Sharing tab.
5. Find the host name or IP address
Find the computer name
- Open Start > Settings > System > About.
- Under Device specifications, note the Device name.
Find the IPv4 address
- Open Settings > Network & internet.
- Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Select the connected network.
- Note the IPv4 address.
Try the computer name first because it is easier to maintain. If name resolution fails, use the host’s IPv4 address. For example: \\192.168.1.25\HP_LaserJet.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →An address can change when the router renews DHCP. If you use the IP path regularly, reserve the host’s address in DHCP or assign a suitable stable address according to your network design.
Rank #2
- 【WIRELESS PRINTING & SHARING】 Convert your old USB printer into a high-performance network printer without messy cables. Our wireless print server allows multiple computers on the same LAN to share one printer simultaneously, enabling automatic queue printing to boost productivity. Access print server efficiently via its assigned IP address from any corner of your office or home.
- 【DUAL-PORT WIRED BRIDGE & SWITCH】 Featuring two 10/100Mbps Ethernet ports, our server supports a "daisy-chain" setup: connect one port to your network and the other directly to your computer. It acts as a mini-switch to save a router socket and keep your desk organized. NOTE: The second port provides internet to your PC ONLY in wired mode; it does NOT support wireless-to-ethernet bridging.
- 【UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY】 Supports 95% of USB printers, including Inkjet, Laser, Thermal Label, and Dot Matrix models using RAW/IPP protocols. Compatible with major brands like HP, Brother, and Canon. IMPORTANT: Not compatible with dye-sublimation printers (e.g., DNP), Roland BN series, or Canon LBP CAPT series printers. Mobile printing and AirPrint are not supported.
- 【STABLE DUAL CONNECTIVITY】 Features both 2.4GHz WiFi (802.11b/g/n) and a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port for flexible placement anywhere in your home or office. Equipped with a high-performance processor and smart indicator lights for real-time status monitoring and fast data processing.
- 【FLEXIBLE & EASY SETUP】 Use our Windows Quick Installation Tool for a streamlined 2-step setup: network config and printer addition. For advanced users or Mac/Linux, we fully support manual configuration via web-based management and standard TCP/IP port settings (IP/Hostname.local). Detailed manuals and video tutorials are provided for a hassle-free experience.
6. Add the shared printer to a Windows 11 client
Use automatic discovery
- On the client PC, open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select Add device.
- Wait for the printer list to populate.
- Select the shared printer and choose Add device.
Add it by UNC path
Automatic discovery is not required. If the printer does not appear:
- On the Printers & scanners page, select Add device.
- Select Add manually or Add a new device manually, depending on the Windows 11 build.
- Select Select a shared printer by name.
- Enter the host and share name, for example \\PRINTPC\HP_LaserJet.
- Select Next and follow the driver-installation prompts.
Before troubleshooting the printer, test the host itself. Open File Explorer and enter \\PRINTPC in the address bar.
If Windows cannot open the host, investigate network connectivity, the firewall, name resolution, or credentials first. The printer queue cannot be reached until the host is reachable.
7. Add a shared printer with PowerShell
On a client, PowerShell can connect to an existing shared queue:
Add-Printer -ConnectionName “\\PRINTPC\HP_LaserJet”
The UNC path must identify the print host and the exact share name.
You can also create and share a queue on the host with PowerShell, provided the driver and port already exist:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAdd-Printer -Name “HP LaserJet” -DriverName “HP Universal Printing PCL 6” -PortName “USB001” -Shared -ShareName “HP_LaserJet”
-DriverName and -PortName must exactly match installed objects. To inspect existing printers, drivers, and ports, use Get-Printer, Get-PrinterDriver, and Get-PrinterPort.
Rank #3
- SHARE A PRINTER: This compact wireless print server supports 802.11b/g/n wireless standards for functionality with almost any wireless network and offers an RJ45 port for 10/100 Mbps wired connections
- DETAILED INSTALLATION STEPS: Perform initial setup following our online step-by-step instructional video or user manual; Access the online FAQs and IT Pro Community for additional helpful tips and instructions
- GREAT FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT: This USB print server adapter is the perfect printing solution; It's ideal for home or small office applications, and places that require shared printing capabilities
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY: This USB to Ethernet print server is USB 2.0 compliant, and works w/ Mac & Windows; The print adapter also supports Simple Network Management Protocol; NOTE: iOS, iPadOS, and Airprint are not supported
- THE IT PRO’S CHOICE: Designed and built for IT Professionals, this wireless network print server is backed for 2 years, including free lifetime 24/5 multi-lingual technical assistance
For a printer with a fixed network address, create a standard TCP/IP port first:
Add-PrinterPort -Name “IP_192.168.1.50” -PrinterHostAddress “192.168.1.50”
Then create and share the queue:
Add-Printer -Name “Office Printer” -DriverName “Exact installed driver name” -PortName “IP_192.168.1.50” -Shared -ShareName “Office_Printer”
Run these commands in the appropriate administrator context. A driver name copied from a product label is not necessarily the driver object name installed in Windows.
8. Install Print Management, if needed
The Print Management Console is optional. Settings is enough for one basic shared printer, while Print Management is useful for managing multiple queues, drivers, ports, and print servers.
Open Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin) and run Add-WindowsCapability -Online -Name “Print.Management.Console~~~~0.0.1.0”.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Alternatively, use an elevated Command Prompt and run DISM /Online /Add-Capability /CapabilityName:Print.Management.Console~~~~0.0.1.0.
Launch the console with printmanagement.msc.
If the capability installation fails, Windows may be unable to obtain Features on Demand from Windows Update or the organization’s configured source. In a managed environment, use a matching Features on Demand source for the installed Windows release.
9. Set printer permissions
Sharing a queue does not automatically mean every account should be allowed to administer it. Open Printer properties > Security on the host and review the users and groups.
Rank #4
- Compatible with more than 320 printer models on the market
- Supports Multi-Protocol and Multi-OS, easy to set up in almost all network environments
- High-Speed microprocessor and USB 2.0 compliant printing port make processing jobs faster
- Simple setup and management, very easy to operate
- NOTE *** For more Printer Compatibility information, see the PDF File of Compatibility Guide under Product Guide & Documents
| Permission | Purpose | Typical assignment |
|---|---|---|
| Submit jobs to the queue | Ordinary users | |
| Manage this printer | Change printer settings and properties | Administrators or support staff |
| Manage documents | Pause, resume, reorder, or delete queued jobs | Designated support staff |
Give normal users Print only unless they have a specific administrative responsibility.
Recommended Free Tools
Troubleshoot common shared-printer failures
The printer is visible but cannot be added
Check these causes in order:
- Confirm the host uses a Private network profile.
- Confirm Network discovery and File and printer sharing are enabled.
- Test \\ComputerName in File Explorer.
- Try the host’s IP address instead of its computer name, or vice versa.
- Check that the host firewall permits the built-in File and Printer Sharing rules.
- Check whether the client can install the required printer driver.
Windows asks for credentials
Enter credentials for an account that exists on the host PC. Using the same local or Microsoft account on both PCs can avoid repeated prompts; otherwise enter the host computer’s account name and password when Windows requests them.
Do not make guest access or anonymous SMB access the default solution. Modern Windows disables insecure guest logons by default, and enabling them weakens the network’s security.
Access denied or an administrator prompt appears during driver installation
Modern Windows print security can require elevation when a client installs or updates a driver from a print host. This is associated with Point and Print restrictions.
Do not broadly disable Point and Print security to make an installation work. In a business environment, use signed, package-aware drivers and configure approved print servers through the applicable policies, including Package Point and print – Approved servers where appropriate.
RPC or firewall errors occur
Since Windows 11 version 22H2, print communication uses RPC over TCP by default. TCP port 135 must be available for the RPC Endpoint Mapper, and the server must permit the applicable dynamic RPC range, normally TCP 49152–65535, unless the environment uses a deliberately restricted range.
For normal home and small-office sharing, first enable the built-in File and Printer Sharing firewall rules. Avoid changing RPC registry settings or switching to Named Pipes unless you are implementing a documented compatibility configuration.
A legacy printer stopped working after enabling Windows protected print mode
Windows protected print mode is intended for the modern Windows print stack and Mopria-certified, IPP-based printers. It can remove incompatible printers or prevent manufacturer-specific legacy drivers from installing.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Under Printer preferences, find Windows protected printer mode.
- If the printer is incompatible, select Turn Off.
- Select Yes in the confirmation window.
If Group Policy controls this option, a local user cannot change it. Turning it off reduces the protection of the modern print stack, so use it only when a legacy printer requires it.
Best Value
- Easily share your USB printer across multiple computers on the same local network. Enjoy automatic print queue management and wireless connectivity. No dedicated host computer is needed—this compact, low-power device reduces maintenance costs and improves efficiency. Note: Mobile printing and AirPrint are not supported.
- Wide compatibility: Supports standard TCP/IP printing (Raw mode / IPP protocol). Printers can be added in both Windows and macOS systems by specifying the device’s IP address or hostname, using the system’s built-in print function. Compatible with 95% of printer models including inkjet, laser, thermal label, and dot-matrix printers. Important: Some printers require sleep mode and bidirectional communication to be disabled for proper operation.
- Supports both wireless Wi-Fi and wired LAN connections, allowing flexible setup based on your office environment. Connects to your local network to ensure file security and prevent data leakage. With Wi-Fi connectivity, there's no need to physically link your printer to the router or PC, reducing cable clutter and improving convenience.
- Easy to setup: Just two steps to get started: configure the network and add the printer. Windows users can use our installation tool for quick setup. We provide detailed illustrated guides, video tutorials, and professional support on our website to help you resolve any issues you may encounter.
- Read before shopping: This product supports printers that use standard Raw mode or IPP protocol. If your printer uses proprietary protocols (e.g., CAPT, DDST), it may not be compatible. Installation is required, but we have greatly simplified the process. If you encounter any problems, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The host is asleep or shut down
A shared USB printer is available only while its Windows host is powered on and connected to the network. Sleep, shutdown, network disconnection, or a failed host prevents clients from submitting jobs.
If the printer must be available independently, connect it directly to the network and add it to clients using its IP address or IPP discovery.
The printer appears twice
You may have installed both a direct IP/IPP queue and a shared UNC queue. These are separate printer entries. Remove the duplicate and keep the connection type that matches your intended setup. A directly networked printer does not depend on the Windows host.
Removing and adding the printer does not fix it
Use Microsoft’s basic reset sequence:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the shared printer and choose Remove.
- Restart the client PC.
- Add the printer again manually with a path such as \\PRINTPC\HP_LaserJet.
Important limitations and outdated advice
| Claim | What is actually true |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 has the Windows Server Print Server role. | Windows 11 shares installed queues; the formal Print and Document Services role belongs to Windows Server. |
| The host can be turned off after sharing. | The host must be running and connected whenever clients print. |
| Network discovery is sufficient. | File and printer sharing must also be enabled. |
| A Public profile supports ordinary printer sharing. | Use a Private profile on a trusted network. |
| Disable Point and Print restrictions everywhere. | Use trusted-server policies, elevation, and signed drivers instead. |
| Enable SMB1 or guest access to fix printer sharing. | Modern Windows uses SMB2/SMB3 and RPC over TCP by default; insecure guest access is not a general fix. |
FAQ
Can Windows 11 be used as a print server?
Yes, for basic local-network printer sharing. Windows 11 can host a shared printer queue, but it does not include the formal Print and Document Services server role available in Windows Server.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Does the Windows 11 host have to stay on?
Yes. Clients submit print jobs through the host, so it must be powered on and connected to the network. A directly networked printer does not have this dependency.
What is the UNC path for a shared printer?
Use two backslashes, followed by the host computer name and share name: \\ComputerName\PrinterShareName. For example: \\PRINTPC\HP_LaserJet.
Why cannot another PC see my shared printer?
Set the host network to Private, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing, confirm the host is reachable with \\ComputerName, and check the firewall, credentials, and printer-driver compatibility.
Should I enable guest access or SMB1 for an old printer?
Not as a general fix. Modern Windows disables insecure guest access and uses newer SMB versions and RPC over TCP. Investigate the specific compatibility problem and use a supported driver or a directly networked printer where possible.
Can I manage a shared printer with PowerShell?
Yes. Use Add-Printer -ConnectionName “\\PRINTPC\HP_LaserJet” to connect a client to an existing share. On the host, Add-Printer can create and share a queue when the exact driver and port are already installed.
The Bottom Line
To set up a basic print server on Windows 11, install and test the printer, set the host network to Private, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing, share the queue from Printer properties > Sharing, and add it to clients with its UNC path. Keep the host running and avoid insecure fixes such as disabling Point and Print protections, enabling guest access, or turning on SMB1.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
