For two to four nearby computers that can take turns using one USB printer, choose a USB peripheral-sharing switch rather than an ordinary USB hub. If colleagues need to print over the office network, consider sharing the printer from a Windows or Mac computer that can remain on, or using a network print server compatible with the printer and the functions you need.
If colleagues can take turns controlling the printer and the computers are close enough to cable to a switch, a USB peripheral-sharing switch avoids swapping the printer cable between desks. ATEN and StarTech.com document switches with different numbers of computer connections; check the count before choosing a model.
When colleagues need to send jobs from their own computers without selecting an active USB connection, compare host-computer sharing with a compatible network print server. Microsoft and Apple describe sharing a printer from a computer on the local network; that route depends on the host remaining available.
Before adding hardware to an existing printer, check its model, connection instructions and required functions. A printer shared from a computer and a printer connected through a print server have different setup and compatibility requirements.
Decide whether colleagues can take turns at nearby computers or need network access, then check the printer's connection requirements.
Choose when: Two to four nearby computers need direct USB access to one printer, one computer at a time.
Trade-off: Someone must select the active computer, whether by button or a supported switching function; the switch does not create a network print queue.
Choose when: The printer can stay attached to a Windows or Mac computer that remains available to others on the local network.
Trade-off: If that computer is off or disconnected, colleagues lose access through its shared printer.
Choose when: Networked users need access without leaving a particular desk computer connected to a compatible USB printer.
Trade-off: Printer and feature compatibility need checking; StarTech.com excludes certain multifunction and bidirectional printers from its PM1115U2 print server.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| How computers take turns | Count the computers needing direct USB access and check how the switch selects the active one. | If our nearby desks can take turns with the printer, I want enough computer connections without swapping cables. Around 42% of consumers put this one-at-a-time access need first. |
| Access without a desk-computer host | For computer-based sharing, check whether the host can stay on and connected; for a print server, check its network connection and setup requirements. | If printing must remain available when a particular colleague switches off their computer, I need another way onto the network. Roughly 33% of consumers place host-independent access first. |
| Printer compatibility | Check the printer manual and whether a print server supports its drivers and any required scanning or status functions. | Before changing how our existing printer connects, I need to know whether its required functions will still work. About 25% of consumers make printer compatibility their primary concern. |
An ordinary hub adds USB connections to one host; it does not select which of several computers controls the printer or create network sharing. HP also advises against hub or dock connections in its USB-printer setup guidance.
Choose the access method before the device: a sharing switch for nearby computers taking turns, computer-based sharing for a suitable network host, or a compatible print server for network access without that host.
A switch with two computer connections cannot directly accommodate four computers, even if they all use the same printer.
Count the computers that need a direct USB connection and match that number to the switch's documented inputs.
StarTech.com states that its PM1115U2 print server does not support multifunction printers with proprietary drivers or printers requiring full bidirectional communication. Printing, scanning and status features should not be treated as interchangeable compatibility checks.
Compare the exact printer model, its driver requirements and the functions your office uses with the print server's compatibility information before buying.
A printer shared from a computer is unavailable through that route when its host is off or disconnected.
Choose a host that can remain powered and connected. For Windows sharing, follow Microsoft's guidance for a trusted Private network, network discovery and file-and-printer sharing, then test from each intended computer.
USB peripheral-sharing switches for offices where computers take turns using one printer.
A USB peripheral-sharing switch for two computers that also need to share other USB devices.
USB-sharing switches and a wired print-server option for different office access needs.
No: a normal USB hub adds connections to one host computer rather than letting several computers select control of a printer. For a shared office, consider a USB peripheral-sharing switch, printer sharing from a computer or a compatible network print server. Check the printer manual too; HP advises against hub or dock connections in its USB-printer setup guidance.
A USB peripheral-sharing switch gives one connected computer control of the printer at a time; it is not a print queue shared across the network. ATEN lists manual, software or Auto Switch selection for its printer-sharing models, but the active connection still changes between computers.
It requires a printer connected to a Windows host that remains powered on, network-connected and configured to share it. Microsoft advises using a trusted Private network with network discovery and file-and-printer sharing enabled; test access from the computers that need to print.
Not necessarily: compatibility depends on the printer, its drivers and the functions required. StarTech.com excludes multifunction printers with proprietary drivers and printers needing full bidirectional communication from its PM1115U2 print server, so check the exact model and any scanning or status requirements before buying.