Shared Printer Connect the printer to one of the computers -- the desktop, if applicable -- via an A/B USB cable. Install to the computer the software that came with the device.

Most old printers connect using a parallel port on the computer. New printers can connect using a USB port, a network adapter built into the printer or, most recently, the wireless printer adapter.

How to Connect Two Computers Together Using an Ethernet Cable. One of most basic ways to share files and other resources with another computer in your office is via a direct cable connection.

To add a printer in Windows 10, connect it to your computer and then open the "Printers & Scanners" menu.

To use it, you first need to add your printer to the PC if you haven't already. You can do this by plugging the printer in with a cable or connecting it to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC.

Follow the on-screen prompts (which will probably require you to connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable), and it should reconnect to your network.

An Ethernet cable lets you physically wire your internet to your computer, rather than having to rely on a more finicky Wi-Fi connection.

Forget plugging your printer into your PC each time you wish to print something out. Go wireless and pick up a printer that can connect to your home network.