Print server on Windows

Question

I want to know if this is possible. So in my dissertation i want to make a print server. I have a a printer which is very old and it connect to my pc with cable. So its possible to make a printer server with my printer or not? And i want that this server can print from my phone too. So what do you think?

Varunprakash Shanmugam · Answer

Yes, it is possible to set up a print server on Windows using an old printer that connects via cable. As long as the printer works properly when connected to your PC, you can share it over your local network so that other devices — including your phone — can access it.

Here's a basic overview of how to do it:

1. **Connect and install the printer** on your Windows PC. Make sure it's working correctly with a test print.
   
2. **Enable printer sharing**:
   - Go to *Control Panel > Devices and Printers*.
   - Right-click your printer > *Printer properties*.
   - Go to the *Sharing* tab, check *Share this printer*, and give it a share name.

3. **Check network settings**:
   - Your PC and other devices (like your phone) need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
   - Make sure network discovery and file/printer sharing are turned on in the *Network and Sharing Center*.

4. **Mobile printing**:
   - If you're using an Android phone, apps like **PrintHand** or **Mopria Print Service** can detect shared Windows printers.
   - For iPhone, Windows doesn’t support AirPrint natively, but third-party tools like **O'Print** or **Printopia** can help bridge that gap.

5. **Keep the PC on**: Since the printer is physically connected to the PC, that computer must be on and connected to the network for others to print.

This setup should work fine for your dissertation project, especially if you're focusing on demonstrating how older equipment can still be useful in modern network environments.

Print server on Windows

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