How to Connect to a Shared Printer in Windows 11

Connecting to a shared printer in Windows 11 lets you print documents using a printer that someone else on your local network has set up and shared from another machine. This means you can skip plugging a physical printer directly into your own computer, which is especially helpful in homes or offices where multiple people use one device.

You need the network name of the host computer to locate and add the printer. Windows 11 detects shared network devices through standard settings menus so you can finish the setup process in a few quick steps.

What is a Shared Printer?

A shared printer connects to one computer, allowing others on the network to use it. Sharing a single printer saves money compared to buying one for each device and makes printing efficient for everyone.

Why Use a Shared Printer?

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

What Do You Need?

Connecting to a shared printer in Windows 11 requires its network address. You can find this address written as numbers and periods like 192.168.1.100, or as a computer and printer name like \\MyHomePC\Canon TS300 series. Having this information ready helps you set up shared printer Windows 11 connections without any errors.

\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

Adding a shared printer in Windows 11 using the Settings app takes just a few clicks. You can set up a shared printer Windows 11 device by opening your main system settings, heading to the Bluetooth & devices menu, and following the prompts to find and install the network printer connected to another computer in your home or office.

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

The classic Devices and Printers folder provides another reliable way to set up a shared printer Windows 11 network device. You can open this control panel view from the Start menu, click the button to add a new printer, and manually select the network option if Windows does not automatically detect the shared device right away.

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

Setting up a shared printer Windows 11 connection via PowerShell requires running a command prompt with administrator rights. You can use this command-line method to quickly install a network printer by launching Windows Terminal as an administrator and executing the specific printer connection command for your shared device.

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"

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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

Connecting to a shared printer in Windows 11 lets you print from any computer on your network without needing a printer nearby, saving money and offering convenience.