Using USB printer on another PC?

I'm told this is possible but have spent a good while Googling and trying different things to no avail...

I have desktop PC running Windows 10 and a Laptop using Windows 11, both connected to the same wifi network.

My printer is connected via USB to the desktop PC and doesn't have wireless capabilities.

I'd like to be able to print directly from the laptop, and thought I might be able to connect the two PCs somehow wirelessly so that this would be possible but I have no idea how togo about this.

As far as I can tell I've enabled network sharing on both PCs and set the printer to be shared, but when I try to add a printer on the laptop it finds nothing.

Would someone be able to tell me if this is even possible and maybe guide me through it step-by-step please?

Any help appreciated!

Edited by Bramish, 25 February 2024 - 07:39 AM.

I'm no networking guru but on the laptop did you click "The printer I want isn't listed" then click the box next to Select a shared Printer?

Scroll down to "install a shared printer" in the below link.

https://pureinfotech.com/share-usb-printer-network-windows-10/

Someone with more networking experience should be able to answer any additional questions.

It's a HP DeskJet 2132. Pretty sure it's not wifi compatible.

You are right it is not WiFi compatible and it has no ethernet connection either.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Setup-Software-Drivers/HP-deskjet-2132-wireless-setup-support/td-p/6744041

Is the network functioning OK ie can you access the desktop from the laptop in File explorer. If so it should pick up the printer on the installation search for printers.

It can...

Thanks, but I don't know what to put in at this step:

1. Enter the IP address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, and DNS server.

I did that and it disconnected my wifi.