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How to Create Canon Printer As Network Printer (12 Steps)

By C.D. Crowder
A printer can be connected to a wireless network a few ways.
i paper feed image by Glenn Jenkinson from Fotolia.com

If you have multiple computers in your home or network, create your Canon printer as the network printer. All computers on the network can then print to a single printer. Depending on the type of Canon printer, add the printer to both wireless and wired networks. Windows provides users with a step-by-step guide for adding network printers once they are installed, including Canon printers.

Step 1

Install any software provided with your Canon printer on any computer on your network. The software helps connect your printer to the network manually, if necessary, and installs required drivers. Follow the guided prompts to install software.

Step 2

Turn on your Canon printer and connect it to your network. If the printer uses a wired or Ethernet connection, connect the Ethernet cable to an available port on your wired router. If you use your computer as the router, connect the Ethernet cable to an available port on your computer. For wireless connections, do not connect the Canon printer to your computer unless the software tells you to do so. Use a provided USB cable to connect it if necessary.

Step 3

Allow the software to finish installing your Canon printer.

Step 4

Go to "Start" on any computer on your network.

Step 5

Choose "Devices and Printers."

Step 6

Select "Add a Printer."

Step 7

Choose "Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer."

Step 8

Choose your Canon printer from the list of available printers.

Step 9

Press "Next."

Step 10

Select "Install Driver" if prompted. If Windows cannot find the proper driver, insert the Canon software disk. Windows uses the driver from the disk.

Step 11

Choose whether to set the printer as your default and press "Finish."

Step 12

Repeat steps 4 through 11 on all computers that need access to the Canon printer.

References

Tips

  • If you do not have a router, install the printer to a single computer. Create an ad-hoc network, which allows other computers to connect to the main computer and use the printer. The computer must remain on at all times in order for others to print. Ad-hoc networks can be created through the Network and Sharing Center in Windows.
  • Depending on your Canon printer model, software installation may not be necessary. Consult your Canon user manual before you install the printer.

Writer Bio

C.D. Crowder has been a freelance writer on a variety of topics including but not limited to technology, education, music, relationships and pets since 2008. Crowder holds an A.A.S degree in networking and one in software development and continues to develop programs and websites in addition to writing.

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