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 someone else on your network has set up.

This means you don’t need a physical printer connected directly to your computer. Shared printers are often found in offices or homes where multiple people use one device.

You’ll need to know the computer name that the printer is shared from. Windows 11 makes finding and adding these printers straightforward, so you can start printing in just a few 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 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 to a shared printer in Windows 11, you need its network address. The printer network address appears as numbers and periods, like `192.168.1.100`, or as the computer name and printer name, like `\MyHomePCCanon TS300 series`.

\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 is straightforward using the Settings app. This is the fastest way to connect your computer to a printer that another person has shared on your network.

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 in Windows 11 using the older Devices and Printers folder. This method offers a familiar way to find and connect to network printers if you prefer this view.

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’re comfortable with commands, you can add a shared printer in Windows 11 using PowerShell. This method lets you connect to network printers quickly with a command, but you’ll need administrator access first.

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

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.