These instructions take you step-by-step through the processes of sharing a printer and connecting to the printer using Windows Vista.
Share a printer from Windows Vista
Step 1
Click Start > Control Panel > Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Centre to find the settings. Click Turn on printer sharing so that computers connected to the network can use this printer, and disable Password Protected Sharing.
Step 2
Now to make the printer available on the network. To do this, click Start > Control Panel > Printer (under Hardware and Sound). From here you should see your connected printer.
Step 3
Right-click on it and select Sharing. At first, the sharing dialog may be greyed out; if so click on Change sharing options. Then, click Share this printer and give it a name that will be seen on the network. Click Apply and you’re done!
Connect to a shared printer from Windows Vista
Step 1
To begin, click Start > Control Panel > Printer (under Hardware and Sound). Then, at the top, click Add a printer.
Step 2
Next, click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer and allow Vista to search your network for shared printers. When your printer appears, click on it and click Next.
Step 3
Vista will add the printer as a device for you to print from. Once this is done, it will display the printer’s name and you can set it as your default printer. Close all the windows and the printer can now be accessed from other applications.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: Windows XP
