The ability to share printers is one of the main draws when setting up a home network. By setting up a network printer, you can print from any computer in your home. Follow this guide to set up a network printer using Windows or Mac OS X.
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Method 1 of 4: Windows 7 & 8 HomeGroup
Step 1. Create a HomeGroup
If every computer on your network is running Windows 7 or Windows 8, you can create a HomeGroup that allows easy printer sharing. The network is password protected and also allows for easy file sharing.
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If you have a computer running a version of Windows (XP or Vista) or Mac OS X, check out other ways to network the printer traditionally.
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Step 2. Create a HomeGroup on Windows 7
Click the Start/Windows button and open Control Panel. Select Network and Internet and open HomeGroup. Windows will automatically detect any Home Groups on the network.
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To create a new HomeGroup, click the "Create a homegroup" button. Choose what you want to share. To share a printer, make sure the Printer checkbox is checked. Click Next to create a HomeGroup.
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Take note of the generated password so that you can connect other computers to the HomeGroup.
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To join an existing HomeGroup, open the HomeGroup program and Windows will automatically ask if you want to join an existing group. You must enter the HomeGroup password.
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Step 3. Create a HomeGroup in Windows 8
Open the PC Settings menu by moving your mouse to the top right corner of the screen. A menu will appear from the right side. Click Settings, then click the Change PC Settings link. Select HomeGroup from the menu.
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Click Create. Choose what you want to share. To share a printer, make sure the Printers checkbox is checked. Click Next to create a HomeGroup.
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Take note of the generated password so that you can connect other computers to the HomeGroup.
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To join an existing HomeGroup, open the HomeGroup program and Windows will automatically ask if you want to join an existing group. You must enter the HomeGroup password.
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Step 4. Print your document
Once you are connected to the HomeGroup, the printer that is already connected will appear as an option when you want to print your document. The computer to which the printer is connected must be turned on and connected to the network in order to print.
Method 2 of 4: Windows Vista & 7
Step 1. Open Network and Sharing Center
Click the Start/Windows button. Open Control Panel and click Network and Internet. Select Network and Sharing Center.
Step 2. Enable printer sharing
Expand the "Printer sharing" section by clicking the arrow. Click the "Turn on printer sharing" link then click Apply. You may be asked to enter an administrator password.
Step 3. Make sure password protection is off
If you want to share the printer easily, make sure password protection is turned off. Expand the "Password protected sharing" section by clicking on the arrow. Select the Off option and click apply. You may be asked to enter an administrator password.
Method 3 of 4: Windows XP
Step 1. Set up the network
In order for Windows XP computers to share a printer, all computers must be in the same workgroup. Click the Start menu and open Control Panel. Select Network and Internet.
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Open the Network Setup Wizard and follow the onscreen instructions to set up your home network.
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In the "Name your network" window, make sure to enter the same workgroup as the other PCs on the network.
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In the “File and printer sharing” window, select “Turn on file and printer sharing.” Select OK to save your settings.
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Step 2. Share your printer
Open Control Panel and select Printers and Faxes. Right-click on the icon that represents the printer you want to share. Select Sharing from the menu. Click the "Share this printer" button and press OK.
Step 3. Add the shared printer
To add a shared printer to the list of available printers, open the Printers and Faxes option in Control Panel. Click the "Add printer" link in the left frame. Click Next then select "A network printer".
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Windows will scan for printers connected to the network. Double-click on the printer you want to add.
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You may be prompted to install the driver for your selected printer. Windows will try to download the driver automatically. If that doesn't work, you may need to use the installation disc that came with the printer, or download the driver from the manufacturer's site.
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Method 4 of 4: Mac OS X
Step 1. Open System Preferences
Click the Apple button in the upper-left corner of the screen and select System Preferences from the menu. Under Internet & Network, or Internet & Wireless, select Sharing. This will open Sharing Preferences.
Step 2. Enable Printer Sharing
In the left frame of Sharing Preferences, check the box next to Printer Sharing. All of your connected printers will be automatically shared on the network.
Step 3. Add a network printer
Open System Preferences from the Apple menu. Select Print & Fax from the Hardware section. Click the Add (+) button. Select the network printer you want to add from the list. Click the Add button.
