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# How to share a printer between two computers on the same network
- URL: https://aabie.com/share-printer-two-computers-network/
- Published: 2026-10-27T05:49:21.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-27T05:49:21.000Z
- Author: Daniel Carter
- Tags: Technology

If you have two computers but only one printer, you can share that printer over your local network instead of buying another. Printer sharing lets both computers send print jobs to the same printer without plugging it into each device. To do this, you set up printer sharing on the computer connected to the printer (the host), then connect the other computer to that shared printer. The setup steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Windows or macOS, but following them carefully will get both computers printing quickly.

## What you need before sharing a printer

Before you begin, make sure of the following:

- Both computers are connected to the same local network, either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- The printer is connected to one computer (the host) by USB or is already a network printer accessible from one computer.
- The printer is installed and working on the host computer. Print a test page to confirm.
- Both computers use operating systems that support printer sharing: Windows 10 or 11, or macOS Catalina or later.
- You have administrator rights on the host computer to change sharing settings.
- Understand your printer’s connection type: USB printers require the host computer to be on for others to print, while network printers may be accessible independently.

Checking these points first will make setup smoother and reduce problems later.

## How to share a printer on a Windows computer

To share a printer from a Windows PC:

1. Open the Start menu and go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Select the printer you want to share, then click Manage.
3. Click Printer properties (not just Properties).
4. Go to the Sharing tab.
5. Check the box labeled Share this printer.
6. Optionally, enter a share name. This name identifies the printer on the network.
7. Click Apply, then OK.
8. Next, enable network discovery and file/printer sharing if they aren’t already on. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
9. Under your current network profile (usually Private), turn on Network discovery and file and printer sharing.
10. Save changes.

Make sure your network is set to Private, not Public, because sharing is disabled on Public networks for security.

![Windows 11 computer screen displaying printer sharing settings for a desktop printer.](https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Windows%2011%20computer%20screen%20showing%20printer%20sharing%20settings%20with%20desktop%20printer%20photo&w=624&h=352&c=7)

## How to share a printer on a Mac computer

To share a printer from a Mac:

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
2. Go to Printers & Scanners.
3. Select the printer you want to share.
4. If you don’t see a Share this printer checkbox here, open System Settings > General > Sharing.
5. In the Sharing pane, check Printer Sharing.
6. Under Printer Sharing, select the printer to share.
7. Set who can access the printer by selecting users or groups. For home use, allowing Everyone is simplest.

Your Mac will now share the printer over the network.

The Mac sharing the printer must be powered on and awake for others to print.

![Mac computer screen open to System Preferences on printer sharing settings for a desktop printer.](https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mac%20computer%20System%20Preferences%20showing%20printer%20sharing%20settings%20with%20desktop%20printer%20photo&w=624&h=352&c=7)

## How to connect the second computer to the shared printer

After setting up printer sharing on the host computer, connect the second computer as follows:

- On a Windows computer:
1. Open Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
3. Wait for the shared printer to appear in the list, then select it and click Add device.
4. If it doesn’t appear, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
5. Choose Find a printer by other options, then enter the network path, for example:

```text
\\HostComputerName\PrinterShareName
```

- On a Mac computer:
1. Open System Settings > Printers & Scanners.
2. Click the Add button (+).
3. In the Default tab, look for the shared printer by name.
4. Select it and click Add.

If the computer prompts you to install drivers, follow the instructions to complete installation.

If the printer is USB-connected, the host computer must be on and on the network whenever you want to print from the second computer.

## How to confirm your printer is shared and working

To confirm printer sharing works:

1. On the second computer, open any document or file.
2. Choose Print and select the shared printer from the list.
3. Print a test page.
4. Check if the host computer shows the print job or if the printer actually prints.

If it prints successfully, your setup works.

If not, check:

- The host computer is on and connected to the network.
- The printer is ready and error-free.
- Both computers are on the same network.
- The shared printer appears correctly on the second computer.

Address any error messages shown during printing to identify the problem.

## Common problems when sharing a printer and how to fix them

Common issues include:

- **Firewall blocking:** Firewalls on either computer can block printer sharing. Temporarily disable firewalls to test, then create exceptions for file and printer sharing.
- **Network discovery off:** If network discovery is disabled, the shared printer won’t appear. Make sure it’s turned on, especially on Windows.
- **Driver mismatches:** The second computer may need the exact printer driver installed. Download the latest drivers from the printer manufacturer’s website if automatic installation fails.
- **Host computer sleep mode:** If the host computer sleeps or shuts down, the printer won’t be accessible. Adjust power settings to keep it awake while printing.
- **Incorrect sharing permissions:** Verify sharing permissions allow full access to the printer.
- **Public network settings:** If the network is set to Public, sharing is blocked. Change it to Private or Home.

Fixing these usually resolves most sharing issues.

## Conclusion

After setting up printer sharing and connecting the second computer, you can print from both devices without buying a second printer. Keep the host computer on and maintain the correct network sharing settings for reliable printing. If problems arise, check firewall settings, drivers, and network profiles — these are often the cause. This setup makes efficient use of your existing printer across multiple computers.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I share a USB printer connected to one computer with another computer?

Yes. As long as the host computer with the USB printer is turned on and connected to the network, other computers on the same network can share the printer.

### Do both computers need the same operating system to share a printer?

No. Windows and Mac computers can share printers with each other, but the computer connecting to the shared printer might need compatible drivers installed.

### What if the shared printer doesn’t show up on the second computer?

Make sure both computers are on the same network, network discovery and printer sharing are enabled, and firewalls aren’t blocking connections. You can also add the printer manually using its network path.