How to Fix Printer Sharing Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Sharing a printer on Windows 11 can make printing from multiple devices easy and convenient. However, sometimes printer sharing might stop working for various reasons. This guide will help you fix printer sharing issues step-by-step in the simplest way possible.

Whether you’re trying to share a printer across a home network or office setup, these solutions cover the most common problems. Each step includes clear explanations to help you understand why it’s necessary.

Follow the steps carefully, beginning with the easiest fixes and moving to more advanced options if needed. By the end, you should have your printer sharing working smoothly again.

Let’s get started and resolve your printer sharing issues on Windows 11.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Make sure all devices are connected to the same network. Printer sharing only works if your PC and other devices are on the same Wi-Fi or LAN.
Check that your printer is turned on and properly connected to the PC that is sharing it.
Ensure that Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes updates fix network and printing problems automatically.
Confirm you are signed in with an administrator account on the PC sharing the printer, as some settings require admin privileges.

Step 1: Enable Printer Sharing on the PC with the Printer

The first and most basic step is to make sure printer sharing is turned on for your printer. Without this, other devices cannot see or use the printer.

Open Settings by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon, or press Windows + I.
Go to Bluetooth & devices and then click Printers & scanners.
Find your printer in the list and click on it.
Click Printer properties (not just “Properties”).
Switch to the Sharing tab.
Check the box that says Share this printer.
Give the shared printer a simple name so other devices can easily find it.
Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Why this matters: Enabling sharing makes the printer visible on the network. Without this, no other device can find or connect to it.

Step 2: Check Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing Settings

Windows must allow your PC to be seen on the network and to share printers. If network discovery or file and printer sharing is off, sharing won’t work.

Open Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
On the left, click Change advanced sharing settings.
Under your network profile (usually “Private”), make sure these two options are turned on:
- Turn on network discovery
- Turn on file and printer sharing
Save changes if you made any.

Why this matters: Network discovery allows your PC to be visible to other devices, and file and printer sharing allows them to access shared printers.

Step 3: Confirm the Printer Driver is Installed on Client PCs

Other computers must have the correct printer driver installed to print successfully. If they don’t, printing will fail even if sharing is enabled.

On the client PC (the computer trying to print), open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Click Add device and then Add a printer or scanner.
Wait for the shared printer to appear in the list, select it, and follow prompts to install the driver.

Why this matters: Drivers translate the print job into a language your printer understands. Without the right driver, printing won’t work.

Step 4: Restart Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service manages print jobs. If it’s stuck or malfunctioning, sharing and printing won’t work properly. Restarting it can fix many issues.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
Find Print Spooler in the list.
Right-click it and select Restart.
If it’s not running, select Start.

Why this matters: Restarting the service clears any stuck print jobs and refreshes the printer sharing function.

Step 5: Allow Printer Sharing Through Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall might block printer sharing. You need to make sure sharing is allowed through the firewall.

Open Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall on the left.
Scroll down and look for File and Printer Sharing.
Make sure both Private and Public checkboxes are checked.
If not, click Change settings, then check the boxes and click OK.

Why this matters: Firewalls protect your PC but can block printer sharing if not configured correctly.

Step 6: Use the Printer’s IP Address as an Alternative

If sharing still doesn’t work via the network name, try connecting using the printer’s IP address directly. This can bypass name resolution issues.

On the PC with the printer, get the printer’s IP address from the printer’s control panel or by printing a network configuration page.
On the client PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Click Add device > Add a printer or scanner.
Instead of selecting the shared printer, click The printer that I want isn’t listed.
Choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname, then click Next.
Enter the printer’s IP address and follow the prompts to install the driver.

Why this matters: Using the IP address connects directly to the printer and can avoid network discovery problems.

FAQs

Why can’t I see the shared printer on other devices?

You may have network discovery or file and printer sharing turned off, or your firewall might be blocking sharing. Check those settings first.

Do all devices need to be on the same network?

Yes. Printer sharing works only when devices are on the same local network, such as the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

Can I share a wireless printer connected to one PC?

Yes, as long as the printer is installed and shared on the PC, other devices on the network can print through it.

What if the printer driver isn’t available on the client PC?

You can download the driver from the printer manufacturer’s website and install it manually.

Is it necessary to restart the Print Spooler often?

Not usually. Restarting the Print Spooler is a troubleshooting step if print jobs get stuck or sharing stops working.

Can I share a printer over the internet?

Windows printer sharing is designed for local networks only. For internet sharing, consider cloud printing services or VPN setups.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still cannot share your printer, consider the following options:

Run the built-in Windows troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the Printer troubleshooter.
Check for updated printer drivers on the manufacturer’s website and reinstall them.
Reset your network settings: Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
Visit the official Microsoft support page for printer sharing issues: Microsoft Printer Troubleshooting

Conclusion

Fixing printer sharing problems on Windows 11 is usually a matter of checking simple settings such as sharing options, network discovery, and firewall permissions. Make sure your printer is shared properly and that other devices are on the same network with the correct drivers installed.

By following the step-by-step solutions in this guide, you can resolve most issues without needing advanced technical help. Remember to try the Windows troubleshooter and consult official resources if problems persist.

With a little patience and these instructions, your printer sharing should be up and running smoothly in no time.