How to get Windows 11 computer to network to Windows 10 computer to allow for networked printing on USB printer?

Question

I have three computers that I use for my work: a desktop running Windows 11 and two laptops running Windows 10. They are all connected to the same wireless network. The network was set up as a password restricted public network. I have two USB label printers connected to the desktop. Sharing has been turned on in printer properties. "Network discovery" and "File and printer sharing" has been turned on for all three computers.

However, the desktop is not showing up on the network for either laptop. I can see the laptops from the desktop though. Since I can't see the desktop I am unable to add the printers to the laptops.

Previously I had just the two laptops (one had the USB printers connected) and was able to print without an issue. However, now that I have connected the printers to new desktop, it seems that I can't get them to communicate with each other.

Answer 1

Hello Micheal,

You can try adding the printer manually by filling in the IP address of the computer connected to the printers, this would be your Windows 11 desktop. If you don't know how, you can find it by opening the network adapter in the Settings app and going to the network properties.

Afterward, go to your laptops and add the IP address that is on your Windows 11 desktop. This IP address will change every couple days because of DHCP leases renewing, so make sure you either assign a static IP to your Win11 PC. A quick google search will show you results plenty.

Lastly, these label printers are connected via USB. Does the device support network printing?

Let me know if you encounter any issues

Answer 2

Hello,

 

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Please kindly follow below steps for troubleshooting:

1.On Windows 11, go to Devices -> USB printer -> properties and make sure this printer is shared in the sharing tab.

2.Moreover, go to the Security tab and add the group or user “everyone”, apply the settings and restart your computer.

3.Check if the Network discovery and File and printer sharing are turned on.

 

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

 

Best regards，

Jill Zhou

 

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