How to Share a Printer

It is possible to share a printer with all of the computer users in your home. A printer shared between multiple users is typically referred to as a "network printer." Learn to change your Windows XP settings and share a printer between multiple users.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Click "Start" at the bottom, left corner of the computer screen. Select "Control Panel" and click twice on the "Printers and Faxes" window.

2. Select the printer you want to share. Put the cursor over the icon for that printer and right-click on it. A menu opens up.

3. Arrow down to "Sharing Options" and select it. The printer's "Properties" screen pops up.

4. Click once on the "Share this Printer" option to select it.

5. Choose a name for the shared printer. Type the name you want to appear on the network and click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• To get to your "Printers and Faxes" screen in an alternate way, click on "Start" and arrow up to "Run." Type "Control Printers" in the blank text box and then click "OK."
• Before you name your shared printer, note that a default name is already given to it. The option to customize the name is completely up to you and does not affect the shared printer.
• In order to share a printer you must have administrator rights. If you want to set up a shared printer in your workplace, first verify that you are the administrator.