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What sets apart sharing printers across Windows, Mac, and Linux on the same network? Typically, we only share printers when using the same operating system, ensuring a quick and error-free process. But what about operating systems like Linux and Mac OS?
There are numerous ways to share printers among Windows, Mac, and Linux, such as setting up IP printers or using LAN. The main challenge lies in finding the right approach for seamless sharing between all three operating systems, whether configuring IP printers or using LAN. Explore the insights in the article below.
Explore sharing printers across Windows, Mac, and Linux on the same network
Effortlessly share a printer on Windows
Step 1: Ensure printer sharing is activated on Windows. If not, enable it in Advanced Sharing Settings. Open the Start Menu, type 'Advanced sharing setting', and access the search results.
Step 2: If printer sharing is not active, click on Turn on file and printer sharing.
Step 3: Navigate to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printer. Choose the printer you want to share. Right-click and select Printer Options.
Step 4: Look for the Sharing section. Click on it and check 'Share this Printer'. Remember to give your printer a name.
Step 5: Easily spot shared printers within the same network and system.
Additionally, access them through the Add Printer tool, where all system printers will be listed.
Share printers on Mac OS X
Step 1: Click the Apple Menu icon in the top-left corner, then choose System Preferences > Printers and Scanners. Select your printer, check 'Share this printer on the network,' and proceed.
Afterwards, press Sharing Preferences to fine-tune printer sharing between Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Step 2: In Sharing Preferences, click Printer Sharing. Choose your printer (test Printer) and adjust connection permissions to Everyone.
Step 3: Now it's time to share your printer. Here's a guide on connecting your printer to this operating system. Still in the Printer & Scanners section, click on the plus icon and then choose Add Printer under Scanner.
Step 4: Next, select the printer that has been connected to your system.
Note: Mac OS can be quite picky about printers; not all printer types can establish a connection.
Afterwards, you can effortlessly use this printer for regular printing tasks on Mac OS X.
Sharing Printers on Linux
Linux, often overshadowed by the other two operating systems, has seen a shift in user interest with the development of the Ubuntu graphical user interface. For those using Ubuntu, sharing and connecting printers is entirely feasible.
Step 1: On Ubuntu, click on the Menu icon at the top, then choose Printer. Here, a Server menu will appear; click on it and then select Settings.
Step 2: In Settings, you'll find the section 'Publish shared printers connected to this system'; click here if you want to share printers between Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Step 3: After sharing, go back to the previous section and right-click on the printer you want to share, then choose Properties.
In the Properties, make sure to check the Shared option.
Step 4: If you want to connect a printer on Linux, still within the Printers section, simply click on the add icon.
Step 5: In the list of printers, you need to choose Windows Printer via Samba, where you'll find a list of genuinely shared printers.
Finally, you'll instantly see the printer that has just been connected.
So, we've completed the process of sharing printers between Windows, Mac, and Linux. Printer sharing also includes connections for printers. Of course, be mindful of the printer types with Mac OS and Linux; not all types can run and connect, with Windows being the most common and easily recognizable.
During the printing process, unexpected issues may arise. If, unfortunately, your printer receives commands but doesn't print, don't worry. Check out our guide on resolving this issue, how to fix the problem of a printer receiving commands but not printing by Mytour.
