There are two ways to share a printer at home: connect the printer to your network directly so any device can reach it, or share it through one computer that stays on. The first is easier to live with, while the second helps older printers that have no network support.
Option A: Put the Printer on the Network
- Connect the printer to your router by Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable, following the maker’s setup guide.
- Print a network page from the printer’s menu and note the name shown.
- On each computer, open printer settings and choose to add a printer.
- Select the printer from the list that appears.
- On phones and tablets, use the print option or the maker’s app.
Every device now prints on its own, and no single computer needs to stay awake.
Option B: Share Through a Host Computer
If the printer connects by cable to one computer, you can share it through that computer’s settings.
- Install the printer on the host computer and confirm it prints.
- Open that computer’s printer properties and turn on sharing.
- Give the shared printer a simple name without spaces or symbols.
- On other computers, add a network printer and browse to the host’s name.
The host must be on and awake whenever someone wants to print. That is the main drawback.
Comparing the Two
| Point | Direct network | Host computer |
|---|---|---|
| Needs a computer on | No | Yes |
| Setup effort | Lower | Moderate |
| Works with older printers | Only if network-capable | Often yes |
| Phones and tablets | Usually easy | Often harder |
Keeping Shared Printing Tidy
- Choose a printer name the whole household will recognize.
- Keep the printer in a place with decent signal and some airflow.
- Agree who refills paper and replaces supplies.
- Use a strong network password and change any default admin password on the printer.
- Update the printer’s software when the maker offers updates.
If Sharing Stops Working
Check that the network name has not changed, that the printer still shows as connected, and that the host computer is awake if you used option B. Removing the printer from a device and adding it again often clears a stale entry.
Managing Access and Privacy
A shared printer is part of your home network, so treat it with the same care as any other device. Use a strong, unique password for the network. Change any default login for the printer’s settings page, as described by the maker. Turn off features you do not use, such as remote printing, if the maker’s guide shows how. If you have visitors who need to print, consider a guest option rather than sharing your main password. These small steps keep the convenience without exposing documents to people who should not see them.
FAQ
Can guests print without joining my network?
Some printers offer a direct connection or email printing for this. Check the maker’s guide for guest-friendly options.
Can several people print at the same time?
Jobs go into a queue and print in turn, so nobody loses a page.
The Short Version
Put the printer on your home network for the simplest sharing, or share it through a host computer if it cannot join the network itself. Keep names simple and passwords strong.