🔗 How to Connect to a Shared Printer on Another Computer

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🧠 Why Can’t I Connect to a Shared Printer? Understanding the Issue

If you’re trying to connect to a shared printer from another computer, but it’s not showing up or won’t connect, you’re likely facing one of the many common issues in Windows network printing.

Here are some typical reasons:

• Printer sharing is not enabled on the host computer
• Network discovery and file sharing are turned off
• Firewall settings block printer access
• Incorrect IP address or hostname used during setup
• The printer driver is missing on the client machine
• Workgroup mismatch between computers
• Outdated Windows versions or updates

Thankfully, most of these problems can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through professional-grade methods to successfully connect to a shared printer over your local network — including success rates for each solution.

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🔧 Step-by-Step Ways to Connect to a Shared Printer

✅ Method 1: Enable Printer Sharing on Host PC (Success Rate: 95%)

Before connecting from another device, ensure the printer is shared properly.

Steps:

1. On the host computer, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
2. Select your printer > Manage > Printer properties
3. Go to the Sharing tab > Check Share this printer
4. Give it a share name like HP_Shared

📌 Make sure Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing are enabled under Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings

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✅ Method 2: Connect via Run Dialog Using IP Address (Success Rate: 90%)

This method is fast and works across different Windows versions.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R on the client computer
2. Type:

   \\[Host_PC_IP_Address]

(e.g., \\192.168.1.10)

3. Press Enter and locate the shared printer
4. Right-click and select Connect
5. Follow the prompts and install necessary drivers if prompted

💡 You can find the host PC’s IP address by typing ipconfig in Command Prompt.

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✅ Method 3: Add Printer via Control Panel (Success Rate: 85%)

A more guided way to connect to a shared printer.

Steps:

1. Go to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Add a printer
2. Wait for Windows to detect available printers
3. If not listed, click The printer that I want isn’t listed
4. Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname
5. Enter the host PC’s IP address and proceed

📌 This method may require manual driver installation depending on the printer model.

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✅ Method 4: Use UNC Path in File Explorer (Success Rate: 80%)

Quickly access shared printers through File Explorer.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer
2. In the address bar, type:

   \\[Host_PC_Name]\[Shared_Printer_Name]

(e.g., \\DESKTOP-ABC\HP_Shared)

3. Press Enter and connect when prompted

💡 Tip: You can find the host PC name via Settings > System > About > Device name

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✅ Method 5: Enable Guest or Specific User Access (Success Rate: 75%)

If you’re prompted for a username/password when connecting:

Steps:

1. On the host PC, enable Guest account or create a shared user account
2. When connecting, enter the host PC’s username and password
3. Optionally check Remember my credentials

📌 Alternatively, disable password-protected sharing temporarily under Advanced sharing settings

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✅ Method 6: Manually Install Printer Driver (Success Rate: 90%)

Sometimes Windows doesn’t have the right driver.

Steps:

1. Download the correct driver from the printer manufacturer’s website
2. During connection, choose Install new driver
3. Point to the downloaded driver and complete installation

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🛠️ Tools That Help Manage Shared Printers

Tool Name	Description	Success Rate
PerfectUninstaller	Cleanly removes old printer drivers before reinstalling	⭐ 98%
HP Smart App	Easy setup and management of shared HP printers	⭐ 90%
Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY	Simplifies shared printing for Canon devices	⭐ 85%

🌟 Why PerfectUninstaller Stands Out

When switching between networks or updating printers, leftover drivers can cause conflicts. PerfectUninstaller ensures a deep clean of outdated printer software, making it easier to reconnect without errors.

🔗 Download PerfectUninstaller Here

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✅ Summary: Best Way to Connect to a Shared Printer

Here’s how to choose the best method based on your needs:

• Beginner: Use the Run dialog (\\IP) method or UNC path
• Intermediate: Add printer via Control Panel and enable network sharing
• Advanced: Manually install drivers and configure user permissions

Always remember to restart both devices after making major changes to ensure connectivity.

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💡 Final Pro Tip

For long-term use, map the shared printer as a network printer so it appears every time you log in. To do this, check the box “Use a remote printer” or run the command:

net use lpt1: \\HostPC\SharedPrinter /persistent:yes

Also, keep all PCs on the same workgroup for seamless communication.

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