Windows 11 USB Printer Sharing 

Sharing a USB Printer Between Two Windows 11 Computers

Basic Setup — Example Used in This Guide

Administrator Account Requirement

Q1. Is an administrator account required?

A: Yes — administrator access is normally required on PC1 to install the printer, enable printer sharing, configure Windows sharing/firewall settings, and make system-level changes. On PC2, administrator permission may also be requested when installing the shared printer or its driver, depending on Windows security settings and the printer driver.

Q2. How do I connect to the shared printer?

On PC2:

●       Press Windows + R.

●       Enter the following, then press Enter:

\\OFFICE-PC1

●       Find the shared printer in the window that opens.

●       Double-click the printer.

●       Follow the prompts to install/connect it.

Q3. What if the computer name does not work?

Try using the PC1 IP address instead:

\\192.168.1.100

The PC1 IP address can be checked by opening Command Prompt on PC1 and running:

ipconfig

Q4. What username should I enter if Windows asks for credentials?

Use an account that exists on PC1 and has permission to access the shared printer, for example:

OFFICE-PC1\Administrator

— or, preferably, a dedicated authorized local user account rather than routinely using the built-in Administrator account.

Q5. What if the printer shows as Offline?

Check the following:

●       PC1 is powered on.

●       PC1 is connected to the network.

●       USB printer is connected to PC1.

●       Printer is working locally on PC1.

●       Printer sharing is still enabled.

●       PC2 can access \\OFFICE-PC1.

●       Windows Firewall is allowing printer/file sharing.

Q6. Can PC2 print when PC1 is switched off?

No. With USB printer sharing, PC1 must be powered on and connected to the network, because PC1 is acting as the host for the printer.