Connecting Two Computers to a Printer

[WilliamP458]

Is there a way to connect two computers to a printer? Is there such a thing as USB cable slitter?

 

[HAVOC]

Are these laptop computers? Do the computers have wireless capabilities? What brand and model printer?

 

[WilliamP458]

They are both Desk Tops . Three printers . One pc is Win 7 and one 10. I believe at least two of the computers can be wireless. But can they be connected USB?

 

[HAVOC]

I think you might need a wireless print server. There isn't a "USB splitter", there are USB hubs but they won't do what you're asking.
Do the printers have Ethernet ports? You can connect each printer to a switch with wireless capabilities and access them that way.

 

[Mellon Head]

Often times, new Ethernet routers have outputs to drive USB printers and act as a form of print server. My ASUS router has the capability to drive two printers over USB.

That might be something to investigate.

 

[jc836]

There is a way that is not complicated. I have 5 computers talking to 1 printer. 2 machines are wired and 3 are wireless. The printer is USB connected to a desktop computer running Windows 7. This computer and a second desktop are both hard wired via Ethernet cabling. The 3 other machines are wireless. The operating system is not an issue (2 laptops W-10/1 W-7). The desktop that the printer is wired to runs 24/7 and acts like a print server in that all of the other computers link thru it via the network.

You will need to setup printer sharing and install the drivers for the specific printer on each machine. Most printers have the drivers on their websites. I am assuming that you are connecting via a router, btw.

Hope this helps.

 

[WilliamP458]

I have been checking out Ugreen Sharing Switches.

 

[Barman58]

As long as all devices are connected to the same LAN segment and have the file and printer sharing set on. Simply connect the printer to one computer and share it, (to avoid complications you need to set permissions to share with everyone, sharing with only certain users can give finer control) - on other network computers, add printer and select network printer, select the shared printer, If the computer is running the same OS as the sharing computer then the drivers should be loaded automatically. If the computer is running a different OS to the sharing computer you will need to have the correct drivers downloaded and ready to load.

To use the printer simply print to it as you would do normally, (the printer and server both need to be running)

 

[WilliamP458]

Thank you all for the advice and info.