Administrator Updated on March 17, 2023 One of the common printer questions is how to connect multiple computers to one printer. When you print to a single, shared printer resource from a workgroup, you don't have to use an actual computer. The same goes for connecting a printer to a computer with a different operating system, such as Windows and Mac OS X. In this article I'll try to explain in an easy way how to make multiple computers print to one printer using the LPT port.
The printer has been an all-important computer accessory for a long time. It represents visuals or text, typically on paper. Providing some significant efficiencies in our daily works. For comfort or cost savings, those using multiple PCs at home or a business may choose to share the same printer.
Even though many houses today have several computers, many only have one printer. As a result, it makes sense for multiple computers to use an ordinary printer. Thankfully, most modern computers contain a function named “printer sharing” that permits you to do precisely that, and I’ll explain how you can enable that.
Connecting Multiple Computers to One Printer
Connecting a printer to several computers is quite simple and applies to Windows and Mac. Go along with the following to learn the process
On Windows
To connect multiple Windows computers to a single printer
- From the “Start” icon, go to the “Settings” option.
- Go to “Devices.”
- Click on “Printers & scanners.”
- Select your preferred printer’s name from the “Printers & scanners” tab. Click on “Manage.”
- Go to the “Printer properties” option.
- From the “Sharing” tab, mark the checkbox for “Share this printer.” Give your printer a name in the “Share name” section.
- Click on “Additional Drivers” and check if you need to install additional drivers that go with your computer system.
- Click on “Apply” then “OK” to finish the process. Now, your printer should be visible in the local network, and you can connect it from multiple computers.
Directly, to secure it from other Windows PC
- Go to the “Printers & scanners” option from the “Devices” menu (steps are described above).
- Select the “Add a printer or scanner” button.
- You’ll should see the shared printer already listed. Select the printer and go along with the instruction on your screen, and set up the printer.
On Mac
Sharing a printer is slightly different on Mac than Windows, and to do so
- Firstly, from the Apple menu. Go to “System Preferences”.
- Click on “Sharing.”
- Mark the checkbox for “Printer Sharing.”
- Select your printer from the “Printers” tab and set the priority to “Everyone.” Your printer will be shared to the local network, and multiple computers can connect to it.
Now, to connect a shared printer on Mac
- From the “System Preferences” menu, click on “Printers & Scanners.”
- To add a device, click on plus “+.”
- Click on “Default” from the “Add” tab. Choose your preferred printer and click on “Add” to add a printer to your Mac.
Can You Connect a Printer to Two Computers Via USB?
Yes, you can, by using a USB hub. Since most USB hubs are movable, you may use them to share printers between numerous computers, simply detaching one device and connecting it to another.
How Many Computers Can Connect to a Wireless Printer?
Over your local wireless network, more than one computer can be connected to a single wireless printer.
Summary: Connect Multiple Computers to One Printer
- Check the Printer.
- Set up the device.
- Connect to the same network.
- Check the compatibility of the devices.
- Install printer drivers.
- Share your printer with Windows.
