How to Share Your Scanner in Windows 7

Follow the instructions below to share your scanner in Windows 7. This will allow other computers on your network to access and use your scanner.

STEP 1: Server PC Settings (The Computer with the Scanner Attached)

1. Install the Scanner Driver: Ensure that you have installed the correct scanner driver on the computer where the scanner is physically connected. You can usually find the latest driver on the manufacturer’s website.

2. Open Devices and Printers: Click the Start button, then click on Devices and Printers.

3. Access Scanner Properties: Right-click on your scanner (it should be listed under “Devices and Printers” with its model name) and select Scanner properties from the context menu.

4. Enable Scanner Sharing: In the Scanner Properties window, navigate to the Sharing tab. Check the box that says Share this scanner.

   Alt Text: Windows 7 Scanner Properties Sharing Tab: Check the “Share this scanner” option to enable network scanning.

5. Apply Changes: Click OK to save the sharing settings. You might be prompted for administrator confirmation.

STEP 2: Client PC Settings (Computers that will Access the Shared Scanner)

1. Open Control Panel: Click the Start button, then click on Control Panel.

2. Go to Network and Sharing Center: In the Control Panel, click on Network and Internet, then select Network and Sharing Center.

3. Change Advanced Sharing Settings: On the left side of the Network and Sharing Center window, click on Change advanced sharing settings.

   Alt Text: Windows 7 Network and Sharing Center: Click “Change advanced sharing settings” to configure network discovery and file sharing.

4. Enable Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing: Under your current network profile (Home or Work is recommended for sharing within a trusted network), make sure to check Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing. Click Save changes at the bottom of the window.

   Alt Text: Windows 7 Advanced Sharing Settings: Ensure “Turn on network discovery” and “Turn on file and printer sharing” are selected for scanner sharing.

5. Add a Network Scanner: Click Start again, and then click Devices and Printers.

6. Add a Device: Click on Add a device located in the Devices and Printers window. Windows will start searching for devices on your network.

7. Select the Shared Scanner: Windows should detect the shared scanner from the server PC. It will likely appear with the server PC’s name and the scanner’s model name. Select the scanner and click Next.

   Alt Text: Windows 7 Add a device wizard: Click “Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer” to find your shared scanner.

8. Install Driver if Prompted: The client PC may need to install the scanner driver. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the necessary drivers. This might involve locating the driver software or allowing Windows to search online.

9. Complete the Installation: Once the driver installation is complete, click Finish. Your network scanner should now be installed and ready to use on the client PC.

Troubleshooting: Scanner Not Found

If the client PC cannot find the shared scanner automatically, there might be a network connectivity issue or you may need to manually locate it.

1. Check Network Connection: Ensure both the server and client PCs are connected to the same network and are able to communicate with each other. You can use the Ping command in Command Prompt to test network connectivity. (Click Start => All Programs => Accessories => Command Prompt and type ping [server PC name or IP address].)

2. Manually Add Scanner by Name: If network connectivity is confirmed, try adding the scanner manually:

   • In the “Add a device” window, click “The device that I want isn’t listed”.
   • Choose “Select a shared device by name” and enter the network path to the scanner in the format: \[server PC name][Shared Scanner Name]. You can usually find the shared scanner name in the Sharing tab of the scanner properties on the server PC.
   • Click Next and follow the prompts to install the scanner.

   Alt Text: Windows 7 Add Printer Wizard: Choose “Share this printer so that others on your network can find and use it” – although labeled printer, the process is similar for scanners.

Finding Your PC Name:

You can find the server PC’s name (required for manual connection) by:

1. Right-clicking on the Computer icon on the Desktop (or find “Computer” in the Start Menu).
2. Select Properties.
3. Click on Advanced system settings in the left pane.
4. Go to the Computer Name tab. The “Computer Name” is listed there.

Alt Text: Windows 7 System Properties: Access “Advanced system settings” to find computer name for network scanner connection.

Alt Text: Windows 7 Computer Name Tab: Locate the “Computer name” to use when connecting to a shared scanner over the network.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully share your scanner in a Windows 7 network environment, allowing multiple users to benefit from a single scanner device.