Shared printer isn't showing on other computers
A printer shared from one Windows PC won't appear or connect on others. Check sharing, network discovery, the host PC's sleep settings and common errors.
Quick fix
On the PC the printer is connected to (the host), make sure the printer is shared, the network is set to Private, and network discovery and file and printer sharing are on. Keep the host switched on and awake. Then connect from the other PC using the host's name and the printer's share name, such as \\HOST-PC\Printer.
You might see
- The shared printer doesn't appear on other PCs
- Windows says it can't connect to the printer
- Errors such as 0x0000011b or 0x00000709 appear when connecting
- It worked until the host PC went to sleep or restarted
- You're asked for a username and password that doesn't work
Usually caused by
- Printer not shared, or its share name changed
- Network set to Public, or discovery turned off
- Host PC asleep or switched off
- Missing or wrong sign-in details for the host PC
- Windows security changes to how shared printers connect
Step-by-step fix
Work through the steps in order and check each one off. Most people are printing again before the last step.
Windows 11 / 10
0 of 8 steps tried
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Share the printer on the host
On the host PC, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer and open Printer properties (Windows 10: Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > the printer > Manage > Printer properties). On the Sharing tab, click Change Sharing Options if shown, tick Share this printer and give it a short share name without spaces.
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Set both PCs to a Private network
In Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and your network's properties (or open Ethernet for a wired PC), then set Network profile type to Private network. In Windows 10, select the network under Settings > Network & Internet and choose Private. Public mode hides the PC from other devices.
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Turn on discovery and sharing
In Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings and, under Private networks, turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing. In Windows 10, use Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings. Do this on both PCs.
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Keep the host awake
A sleeping or switched-off host can't share its printer. On the host, open Settings > System > Power (or Power & battery) in Windows 11, or Settings > System > Power & sleep in Windows 10, and set it not to sleep while plugged in, or to a long delay.
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Connect by name from the other PC
Find the host's name under Settings > System > About > Device name. On the other PC, press Win + R, type two backslashes and the host name, such as
\\HOST-PC, and press Enter. Right-click the printer and choose Connect. You can also use Add device > Add manually (Windows 10: The printer that I want isn't listed) > Select a shared printer by name. -
Enter the right sign-in details
If you're asked to sign in, use an account that exists on the host PC, not the one on your own PC. For a local account, enter it as
HOST-PC\username; if the host uses a Microsoft account, enter its email address and password rather than a PIN. Tick Remember my credentials so you aren't asked every time. -
Fix connection errors
Windows security updates have changed how PCs connect to shared printers, which is behind errors such as 0x0000011b, 0x00000709 and Windows cannot connect to the printer. Fully update both PCs, then install the printer's driver from the manufacturer's official support site on the other PC before connecting. Our pages on each error cover the details.
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Restart the Print Spooler on both PCs
Select Start, type
cmd, choose Run as administrator and run the command below on the host and then on the other PC. Both parts should report success. On the host this briefly interrupts printing for everyone, so pick a moment when nothing is printing.net stop spooler && net start spooler
Did this fix it?
Good. To confirm everything is healthy, print a test page. It takes a minute and shows any quality problems early.
Try these next
Still stuck? Our printer assistant can walk you through it by live chat, free. . Or the The troubleshooter asks a few questions and narrows it down. If your printer is under warranty, the manufacturer can repair or replace it at no cost. Find their official support site on our brand pages.
Common questions
Does the host PC need to stay on?
Yes. A shared printer is only available while the host PC is on, awake and connected to the network. If that's inconvenient, connect the printer to the network directly instead.
Should I turn off password protected sharing to make it work?
It's better not to, because it can let anyone on your network reach the PC's shared folders without a password. Sign in with an account that exists on the host PC instead.
Why did printer sharing stop after a Windows update?
Microsoft has tightened security for shared printers several times since 2021, and older setups sometimes stop connecting. Updating both PCs and installing the printer's driver on each one usually fixes it.