In order to share a printer with other computers you will need at least two computers (one of which should be running Microsoft Windows 7, and a printer. You will also need to set up a wireless network using a wireless router. This tutorial and the first step assume that your printer is directly attached to a computer that is running Windows 7 and that this computer is connected to a home network. It also assumes that all your computers are running Windows 7.

Note: Sharing a printer that is attached directly to your computer is different than setting up a printer that is attached directly to your network using a print server.

Before you can share your printer you will need to enable your computer to communicate with other computers on your network. In Windows 7 this is done through a new feature called HomeGroup.

Click on Start then click on Control Panel and click on “Choose homegroup and sharing options."

Click on the button that says Create a homegroup

In the "Create a Homegroup" screen, select the items you want to share. In our case we want to share the printer, but you can also choose to share other items. When you are finished selecting which items you want to share click Next.

After the group is created you will receive a password that you must use in the other computers in order for them to share your printer. Write this number down and double-check that you have written it correctly. Or you can click on the link that says "Print password and instructions." You will need this password later. Once you have the password written down or printed, click the Finish button.

You should now see a screen that says "Change homegroup settings." Make sure the printer is selected. Your HomeGroup is now set up.

Now that you have your HomeGroup set up on the computer that your printer is attached to, you will have to connect another computer to the same HomeGroup.

On your other computers, once again you will click on Start then click on Control Panel and click on “Choose homegroup and sharing options."

This time you should get a message that says "Windows has detected another homegroup on your network. With a homegroup, you can share files and printers with other computers running Windows 7. You can also stream media to devices." Click on the button that says Join now.

You will be asked for a password. Type the password that was given to you in step 1. Once the password is accepted you are done. Click Finish.

From your networked computer, the one that does not have the printer directly attached to it, you should be able to find your shared printer by going to Start and click on Devices and Printers.

Select your shared printer. If printer drivers need to be set up they will be installed automatically.

Now you should be able to print.