What this means

Your printer works fine from the directly connected computer, but the rest of the network cannot reach it. Do not look for a loose cable. The network is simply blocking access to the host computer.

Check your network discovery settings. Major Windows updates frequently reset network profiles to public, which breaks sharing. Firewalls block necessary ports, and credential caching issues stop local accounts from connecting.

If you see Windows error 0x80070035, the network path was not found or sharing is turned off. Client computers also need the correct driver installed to use the shared printer. Remember that the host computer must stay powered on and awake, or shared printing stops entirely.

Common causes

  • Network discovery is turned off on one or more computers
  • Printer sharing is disabled in Windows network settings
  • Firewall is blocking incoming printer connections
  • Incorrect network profile set to public instead of private
  • Windows credentials mismatch when connecting to the host computer
  • Host computer is offline or in sleep mode
  • Printer driver missing on the client computer
  • Printer sharing service is not running

What to check first

  1. 1Verify all computers are connected to the same local network
  2. 2Ensure the host computer with the printer attached is turned on
  3. 3Check that the printer itself has no hardware error lights

Step-by-step fix

  1. 1

    Check Network Profile

    Open settings on all computers and verify that the network connection is set to private instead of public. Public networks block file and printer sharing by default.

    Changing network profiles from public to private on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks poses a security risk.

  2. 2

    Enable Network Discovery

    Go to control panel, network and sharing center, and advanced sharing settings. Turn on network discovery and turn on file and printer sharing for the private profile.

  3. 3

    Verify Printer Sharing Properties

    On the host computer attached to the printer, open control panel and devices and printers. Right click the printer, select printer properties, and go to the sharing tab. Ensure share this printer is checked.

  4. 4

    Check Firewall Settings

    Ensure that the Windows Defender Firewall or third-party antivirus software allows file and printer sharing through the firewall.

  5. 5

    Restart Printer Spooler

    Open services from the start menu, locate print spooler, right click, and select restart. Do this on the host computer to clear stuck print jobs.

  6. 6

    Connect Using Host IP Address

    On the client computer, open the run dialog by pressing windows key and r. Type two backslashes followed by the host computer ip address and press enter. Double click the shared printer to connect.

  7. 7

    Install Matching Driver on Client

    If windows prompts for a driver when connecting to the shared printer, download and install the exact matching driver from the manufacturer website onto the client computer.

  8. 8

    Clear Credential Manager

    If prompted for network credentials that keep failing, open credential manager on the client computer and remove any stored windows credentials for the host computer.

When to contact a professional

Call your network administrator if domain group policies block file and printer sharing. You also need IT support if enterprise firewalls or VLAN segmentation stop devices from communicating across subnets.