Print Server Windows 10: The Complete Guide for Devs

Dear Dev, are you having trouble setting up a print server on Windows 10? Don’t fret, you’re not alone. Many developers struggle with this process, especially since it requires a bit of technical know-how. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about print servers on Windows 10, step-by-step.

What is a Print Server?

A print server is a device or software that manages print requests from multiple computers and directs them to the appropriate printer. This helps to reduce the load on individual computers and prevents printing errors. A print server can be a dedicated device, such as a router or a network-attached print server, or it can be a software installed on a computer system, such as Windows 10.

Types of Print Servers

Before we dive deeper into setting up a print server on Windows 10, let’s first discuss the types of print servers available.

Setting up a Print Server on Windows 10

Step 1: Install the Printer

The first step in setting up a print server on Windows 10 is to install the printer you want to use. This can be done by following these steps:

1. Connect the printer to your computer via USB or over the network.
2. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Click on “Add a printer or scanner.”
4. Windows will search for available printers. Select the printer you want to install and click “Add device.”

Step 2: Share the Printer

Once the printer is installed, the next step is to share it so that other computers on the network can access it. Follow these steps to share the printer:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click on the printer you want to share and click “Manage.”
3. Click on “Printer properties.”
4. Click on the “Sharing” tab and select “Share this printer.”
5. Enter a share name for the printer and click “OK.”

Step 3: Configure Printer Permissions

After sharing the printer, you’ll need to configure permissions to determine who can access it on the network. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on the shared printer and select “Printer properties.”
2. Click on the “Security” tab.
3. Click “Edit” and select the users or groups you want to grant access to the printer.
4. Choose the appropriate permissions for each user or group.
5. Click “OK.”

Step 4: Install the Printer on Other Computers

Now that the printer is shared and permissions are configured, other computers on the network can install it. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners on the computer where you want to install the printer.
2. Click on “Add a printer or scanner.”
3. Windows will search for available printers. Select the shared printer and click “Add device.”

FAQ About Print Servers on Windows 10

Q: Can I use a printer connected to another computer as a shared printer?

A: Yes, you can use a printer connected to another computer as a shared printer. Simply follow the steps for sharing the printer on the computer it’s connected to and install it on the other computers as described in Step 4.

Q: How many printers can I share on a Windows 10 print server?

A: There’s no limit to how many printers you can share on a Windows 10 print server. However, keep in mind that performance may be affected if you share too many printers on a single computer.

Q: How do I remove a shared printer from the network?

A: To remove a shared printer from the network, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click on the shared printer you want to remove and click “Manage.”
3. Click on “Printer properties.”
4. Click on the “Sharing” tab and select “Remove share.”

Q: How do I troubleshoot print server issues on Windows 10?

A: If you’re experiencing issues with your print server on Windows 10, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Make sure the printer is properly installed and shared.
2. Check that the printer is turned on and connected to the network.
3. Restart the print spooler service by going to Services > Print Spooler > Restart.
4. Update printer drivers and software.
5. Check for software conflicts that may be preventing the print server from functioning properly.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in setting up a print server on Windows 10. With these steps, you’ll be able to easily share your printer with other devices on your network, reducing your workload and increasing productivity. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy printing!