How to Add a Printer to Share on a Computer & Laptop

Sharing a printer can save you money.

Sharing your home or office printer is an excellent way to save money. By sharing resources you eliminate the need to purchase separate desktop printers for everyone in your family or everyone in your office. By using an inexpensive wireless printer you can easily share resources between your laptop and desktop computer.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• Paper

Instructions

1. Check the printer you are using and make sure it is wireless enabled. This will allow to share the printer between computers on your home network.

2. Log on to your computer and click on the "Start" button. Choose "Control Panel" from the menu.

3. Double-click on the "Printers and Faxes" icon and click the "Add a printer" option. Click "Next" to get started.

4. Choose "Local Printer" and uncheck the "Detect automatically" box. Click "Next" to continue.

5. Choose the appropriate port for your printer, i.e. LPT1 for a parallel printer or USB for a USB printer. Click "Next" to continue.

6. Choose the make and model of your printer and click "Next." Give your printer a descriptive name and click "Next." Click the "Share Name" option and enter a name for the shared printer and click "Next." Click "Next" and then click "Finish" to complete the printer installation.

References

• Microsoft Support: Adding a Printer