How to Connect to a Shared Printer in Windows 11

Do you want to print from your computer but don’t have a printer plugged in? If someone else on your home or work network has a printer shared from their PC, you can connect to it and print without needing to be near the printer.

What is a Shared Printer?

A shared printer is a printer connected to one computer but set up so other computers on the same network can print to it. This saves money. You don’t need to buy printers for every device. It also makes printing easier for everyone.

Why Use a Shared Printer?

Shared printers help your home or office run smoothly. One printer can serve many computers. This cuts costs and reduces clutter.

What Do You Need?

To connect, you need to know the printer’s network address. It usually looks like this:

\ComputerNamePrinterName

For example:

\MyHomePCCanon TS300 series

Here, MyHomePC is the name of the computer sharing the printer. Canon TS300 series is the printer’s name.

How to Add a Shared Printer Using Windows Settings

This is the easiest method for most users. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Settings app. You can do this by:
   • Clicking the Start button and then selecting Settings
   • Or pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard
2. In Settings, click Bluetooth & devices on the left side.
3. Click on Printers & scanners.
4. Click the Add device button at the top.
5. When the new window opens, click Add a device manually at the bottom.
6. Select Select a shared printer by name.
7. Type the network path of the printer (like \MyHomePCCanon TS300 series).
8. If you’re not sure about the path, click the Browse button to find printers on your network.
9. Click Next and wait for Windows to connect to the printer.
10. You can print a test page to make sure it works.

How to Add a Shared Printer from Devices and Printers Folder

You can also add a shared printer this way:

1. Open the Devices and Printers folder. You can search for “Devices and Printers” in the Start menu.
2. Click the Add a printer button at the top.
3. When it searches for printers, click the The printer that I want isn’t listed link at the bottom.
4. Choose Select a shared printer by name.
5. Type the printer’s network path (for example, \MyHomePCCanon TS300 series).
6. Or click Browse to find it on the network.
7. Click Next and then Finish when done.

How to Add a Shared Printer Using PowerShell

If you like using commands, PowerShell lets you add a shared printer quickly. This method requires admin privileges.

1. Open Windows Terminal as an administrator:
   • Search for “Windows Terminal” in the Start menu
   • Right-click it and choose Run as administrator
2. Open the PowerShell tab inside Windows Terminal.
3. Type this command to add the printer:
   

   Add-Printer -ConnectionName "\ComputerNamePrinterName"

   
   
4. For example:
   

   Add-Printer -ConnectionName "\MyHomePCCanon TS300 series"

   
   
5. Or, if you prefer using the IP address:
   

   Add-Printer -ConnectionName "\192.168.1.2Canon TS300 series"

   
   
6. Press Enter and the printer will be added.

Summary

A shared printer on your network lets you print from your computer without being near the printer. This saves money by avoiding the need to buy multiple printers. Windows 11 gives you three ways to add shared printers: using Settings, the Devices and Printers folder, or PowerShell. All methods need the printer’s network path, which includes the computer name or IP address and the printer’s shared name. Once you set it up, you can print easily and make the most of the printer shared on your network.