# How to Share HP Printer on a Network?

**1-844-957-6312 — Want to share your HP printer on a network? Follow our clear setup guide for wired, wireless, and host-shared printing — or call for fast, step-by-step help.**

Sharing an HP printer on a network lets multiple users print from their own computers, laptops, tablets, or phones without moving the device. You can share a printer in three common ways: connect it directly to your network (recommended), share it from a host computer, or use a dedicated print server or router USB port. This guide walks you through each option, plus troubleshooting tips, security considerations, and best practices so your shared printer works reliably for everyone on your network.

## Preparation: what you need before you start
Before you share the printer, gather the essentials: the printer’s model number, the administrator password for your Wi-Fi router (if you’ll connect the printer to the network), and the names of devices that will use the printer. Make sure the printer is powered on and updated with the latest firmware (check HP’s support site or the printer menu). Also decide whether you want the printer wired (Ethernet) or wireless — wired is more stable for shared office use.

## Option 1 — Connect the HP printer directly to the network (best for most users)
Most modern HP printers support Ethernet or Wi-Fi network connections. When you connect the printer directly to your LAN, any computer on that network can find and use it (subject to permissions).

### Wired (Ethernet) setup:

1. Connect an Ethernet cable from the printer’s LAN port to an available port on your router or network switch.
2. On the printer control panel, open **Network** settings and confirm the printer obtained an IP address (or print a network configuration page).
3. On each computer, add the network printer: Windows — **Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device**; macOS — **System Settings > Printers & Scanners > +** and choose the IP or discovered printer.
4. Install the full HP driver/software on each computer for best functionality.

### Wireless (Wi-Fi) setup:

1. Use the printer’s **Wireless Setup Wizard** (found under Network or Wireless settings) to connect to your Wi-Fi SSID and enter the password. Alternatively, use the HP Smart app on a phone or computer to configure Wi-Fi.
2. Once connected, verify the printer’s IP address from the network report.
3. Add the printer to each device the same way as the wired setup, using automatic discovery or by adding via IP address if discovery fails.

Advantages: No single computer needs to be on; mobile devices and multiple OS types can print easily. Disadvantages: Some networks isolate wireless clients by default (guest mode) — ensure all devices are on the same subnet.

## Option 2 — Share the printer from a host computer (legacy or when network feature is unavailable)
If your printer lacks network capability, you can share it from a Windows or macOS host that remains powered on.

### Windows sharing:

1. Connect the printer to the host PC via USB and install the driver on that PC.
2. On the host: **Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners**, select the printer and choose **Printer properties > Sharing**, then check **Share this printer** and assign a share name.
3. On client PCs, add a network printer by browsing the network or entering the host PC’s name and the shared printer name. Install the driver when prompted.

### macOS sharing:

1. Connect the printer to the Mac and add it in **Printers & Scanners**.
2. Enable **Share this printer on the network** in the Sharing preferences.
3. On Windows or other Macs, add the shared printer by browsing networked devices or adding via the Mac’s hostname.

**Note:** This method requires the host computer to be powered on and connected to the network whenever others need to print.

## Option 3 — Use a dedicated print server or router USB port
If you need a more robust sharing method without relying on a host PC, use a small print server device or a router that supports USB printer sharing.

1. Connect the printer to the router’s USB port or to the print server device; follow the router’s or print server’s instructions to enable sharing.
2. The router/exported printer will appear as a network printer — add it on each computer by IP or via network discovery.
3. Install the HP driver on each client.

This method is ideal when you want always-on access without keeping a PC active.

### Security and access control
When sharing a printer, consider who should be allowed to print. For small networks, trust boundaries are simpler, but in offices you may want to restrict printing by network VLAN, firewall rules, or user authentication. Avoid putting the printer on a guest SSID. If your router supports it, create a separate VLAN for printers with controlled access. For sensitive documents, consider print release software that requires user authentication at the device.

### Troubleshooting common issues

* Printer not discovered: Verify the printer and client are on the same subnet; disable AP/client isolation if enabled on the router.
* Driver mismatch: Install the correct full-feature HP driver for each OS. Generic drivers may show limited features.
* Intermittent connectivity: Use Ethernet for stability or reserve a static IP/DHCP reservation for the printer.
* Mobile printing: Use HP Smart, AirPrint (iOS), or Mopria (Android) for direct mobile printing. Ensure mobile devices and printer are on the same network.

### Best practices and maintenance

* Reserve a static IP for the printer in your router so address changes don’t break printing.
* Keep firmware and drivers updated.
* Label the shared printer clearly on the network (friendly name and location).
* Monitor supplies and set up email alerts for low ink/toner if your model supports it.
* Back up any custom printer settings before major changes.

### Conclusion
Sharing an HP printer on a network is straightforward: connect it directly to your LAN for the best experience, or use a host computer or print server where necessary. Pay attention to network settings, driver installation, and security to ensure a smooth multi-user printing environment. With proper setup and occasional maintenance, a shared HP printer becomes a reliable, central printing resource for homes or businesses. If you run into problems during the process, professional setup assistance can save time and get everyone printing quickly.