How to share printer in Windows

Network-capable printers can be accessed directly from the network using various protocols such as IPP and AirPrint. Locally connected printers, commonly via USB, can only be used by the computer that it is connected to.

In Windows, you can allow other users in the network to print on your USB printers by configuring your printer's sharing option. It uses the CIFS protocol and can be accessed by other Windows and even Linux or macOS computers within the same network.

1. Launch Printers & scanners option within System settings from the search bar.
2. Click on the printer that you want to share from the list.
3. Click on Printer properties.
4. Click on the Sharing tab.
5. Click on the Change Sharing Options button to enable printer sharing feature.
6. Tick the Share this printer option.
7. Change the share name of the printer if necessary.
8. Click on the OK button to implement the printer sharing changes.