How to Fix Printer Sharing Not Working in Windows 11

Printer sharing in Windows 11 allows multiple computers on the same network to use a single printer, making it a convenient feature for home and office environments. However, after a Windows update, network change, or system configuration adjustment, printer sharing may stop working, preventing other devices from detecting or accessing the shared printer.

When this issue occurs, the shared printer may not appear on other computers, connection attempts may fail, or print jobs may remain stuck in the queue. In most cases, the problem is related to network discovery settings, disabled services, firewall restrictions, or outdated printer drivers rather than a hardware fault.

Fixing printer sharing in Windows 11 requires verifying network configuration, enabling required services, and ensuring the printer and system are properly configured for sharing. The steps below outline effective methods to restore printer sharing functionality.

How to Fix Printer Sharing Not Working in Windows 11

The methods in this section focus on resolving network, service, and configuration issues that commonly prevent printer sharing from working. Apply each method carefully and restart the system where instructed so changes can take effect properly.

1. Ensure Network Discovery and File Sharing Are Enabled

Printer sharing depends on network discovery and file sharing being turned on.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet and select Advanced network settings.
3. Click Advanced sharing settings.
4. Turn on Network discovery.
5. Turn on File and printer sharing.
6. Close Settings.

These options allow other devices on the network to detect shared printers.

2. Set the Network Profile to Private

Printer sharing does not work properly on public networks.

1. Open Settings and go to Network & internet.
2. Select your active network connection.
3. Set the Network profile to Private.

Using a private network profile enables sharing features across devices.

3. Enable Printer Sharing on the Host Computer

The printer must be explicitly shared on the computer it is connected to.

1. Open Settings and select Bluetooth & devices.
2. Click Printers & scanners.
3. Select your printer.
4. Click Printer properties.
5. Open the Sharing tab.
6. Check Share this printer and assign a share name.
7. Click Apply, then OK.

This makes the printer available to other devices on the network.

4. Restart Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service manages all printing tasks.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate Print Spooler.
3. Right-click the service and select Restart.
4. Double-click the service and ensure Startup type is set to Automatic.

Restarting the service clears stalled print jobs and refreshes sharing.

5. Check Required Windows Services

Several background services must be running for printer sharing.

1. Open services.msc.
2. Ensure the following services are running and set to Automatic:
   • Function Discovery Provider Host
   • Function Discovery Resource Publication
3. Restart these services if they are not running.

These services allow shared devices to be discovered on the network.

6. Disable Password Protected Sharing Temporarily

Password-protected sharing can block access from other devices.

1. Open Advanced sharing settings.
2. Scroll to All networks.
3. Turn off Password protected sharing.
4. Save changes.

This allows other computers to connect without authentication issues.

7. Allow Printer Sharing Through Windows Firewall

Firewall rules may block printer sharing traffic.

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Go to Firewall & network protection.
3. Click Allow an app through firewall.
4. Ensure File and Printer Sharing is allowed on private networks.
5. Save changes.

Allowing this traffic enables communication between devices.

8. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated drivers can prevent shared printers from working correctly.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Print queues or Printers.
3. Right-click the printer and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

If issues persist:

1. Remove the printer from Printers & scanners.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Add the printer again and re-enable sharing.

Updated drivers ensure compatibility with Windows 11 sharing features.

Final Thoughts

Printer sharing not working in Windows 11 is usually caused by disabled network discovery, service interruptions, or incorrect sharing settings rather than printer hardware issues. By enabling required network options, restarting essential services, and verifying firewall and driver configuration, printer sharing can be restored in most cases.