Buzz
Owning multiple computers doesn't necessarily mean having a separate printer for each one [Spector, Strohmeyer]. This guide will teach you how to set up printer sharing between multiple PCs on your Windows 7 network.
Before you can share your printer, you need to enable file and printer sharing. Follow these steps to set it up:
- Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner. A menu will appear.
- Select Control Panel from the menu and type network in the search box.
- Click Network and Sharing Center.
- In the left pane, click Change advanced sharing settings.
- Click the arrow to expand your network profile.
- Enable File and printer sharing by selecting Turn on file and printer sharing.
- Finally, click Save changes.
You're all set to begin sharing your printer now.
- Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner. A menu will pop up.
- Select Devices and Printers from the menu.
- Right-click on the printer you wish to share. A menu will appear.
- Choose Printer properties from the menu.
- Go to the Sharing tab.
- Check the box labeled Share this printer.
To allow others to access the printer, they simply need to add the network printer you shared to their computers. Here's how they can do this.
- Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner. A menu will appear.
- Select Devices and Printers from the menu.
- Click on Add a printer.
- Choose Add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer.
- Select the shared printer.
- Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions [source: Microsoft].
