i have 2 pcs and one printer the printer is wired. it has wifi but goes offline to much to mess with so i ran a cable. anyway is it possible to get a 2 into 1 usb cable and plug both pcs into the printer at the same time? not trying to print at the same time. or will i need to get a cable that has the ab switch? i figure that will work but the 2 into 1 cables are cheaper. and i would not have to remember the position the switch is in. thanks
the printer is not connected to the network. i did that before but it kept going offline and i had a tiem getting it back online so i just ran a cable to the printer port and that was the end of the issues, but now we have to share one cable. i know i can get an ab switch but i came across a 2 into 1 usb cable and was wondering if that might work.
then when either of us need to print we can just turn on the printer app and print. then turn it off
Last edited by corvairbob; 29 Dec 2023 at 17:52.
When you plug the printer into a computers USB port then Windows allows you to share it. Make sure printer and file sharing is enabled on each computer. As long as that computer is turned on then the other computer can print to it. Just make sure you install the printer driver on each computer.
What is the make and model of the Printer? I have 2 printers with the Ethernet port attached to my Router via Ethernet cable, any computer I install the software on can use them whether the computers are connecting to the Router via cable or Wireless/Wi-Fi. The printers also have USB and Wireless Direct capability. Nice part is no computer has to be on for any other computer to use them.
I attached my printer to my router via wifi. I was going to use an Ethernet cable, but it was too hard to run the cable through the wall, desks and whatnot. I have several PCs in the house and they can all use the printer with no issues.
My printer also has a USB port, and so does my router. I could connect the printer to the router's USB port and then I would be good to go, but wifi does the same thing and never goes out on me.
So, @corvairbob do you have a USB port on your router? That will solve your issue right then and there. The only other non-annoying option is an Ethernet cable, if your printer is equipped with and Ethernet port. I found having the printer attached to one computer and sharing it was a real nuisance. Other's may feel differently, but I hated turning on a PC just to have a print job go to the printer.
A decent powered USB hub should work. Try this one: 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub - Sabrent
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Indiv.../dp/B00TPMEOYM
the hub will not work i have one and that will not even let the pc it is plugged into work the printer.
i said i have wi fi on the printer but it will not stay on and goes offline all the time and it is a bitch to reset it so i ran a cable from the area of both pcs to the printer. now i unplug the cable from one pc and plug it into the other pc but it is not easy to do either so that is why i want to check out a 2 into 1 cable. so i will get a ab switch and be done with it.
it seems no one has done this with just the 2 into 1 cable that is not an ab switch. thanks
thanks i will just get a ab type switch i found some on ebay then set the switch close to the network switch and when i need the printer it will be a bit handier. thanks for the help and the ideas
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