Sharing Windows 10 computer printer to Windows 11 printer

Question

I don't know if my printer is successfully sharing. It's connected to the Win 10 computer.

I try, but it's not visible to the Windows 11 computer.

When I'm on the Windows 10 computer the printer does not show up when I navigate to network in file explorer, not sure if it should.

*** Moved from Windows / Windows 10 / Devices and drivers ***

Answer 1

Hello,

On the Windows 10 Computer (Printer Host)

1. Enable File and Printer Sharing:

• Open Control Panel > Network and Internet >  Network and Sharing Center.
• Click on Change advanced sharing settings.
• Under your current network profile (Private or Guest/Public), turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
• Apply the changes.

2. Share the Printer:

• Go to Settings > Devices > Printers and scanners.
• Select your printer, click on it, and toggle the option Make this printer available to others.

3. Check Printer Sharing Options:

• In Control Panel, go to Devices and Printers.
• Right-click on your printer, choose Printer properties.
• Navigate to the Sharing tab, check Share this printer, and give it a share name.
• If there is a Security tab, ensure that the appropriate users have permissions to print.

On the Windows 11 Computer

1. Connect to the Shared Printer:

• Open Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Printers and scanners.
• Click Add a printer or scanner and wait for it to find the shared printer.
• If it doesn't appear automatically, choose The printer that I want isn't listed.
• Then select Add a local or network printer.
• Choose Select a shared printer by name and enter the path to the printer (e.g., \\Windows10ComputerName\PrinterShareName).

2. Install Necessary Drivers:

• When adding the printer, Windows will attempt to install drivers automatically. If not, you may need to install them manually from the printer manufacturer's website.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

• Firewall Settings: Ensure that the firewall on both computers allows file and printer sharing. You might need to add exceptions for the printer sharing service.
• Driver Compatibility: Make sure that the drivers installed on the Windows 11 computer are compatible with it. Sometimes, you may need to install specific drivers for Windows 11 even if the printer is connected through a Windows 10 machine.

I hope this information helps.

Best regards,

Karlie Weng