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Add a Shared Network Printer from PowerShell (Add-Printer)

Connect to a shared network printer with one Add-Printer command instead of clicking through the Add Printer wizard.

WindowshardwaresystempowershellLow risk
Run `Add-Printer -Name "Office Printer" -ConnectionName "\\\\printserver\\OfficePrinter"` in PowerShell to install the shared printer instantly.

01Command

Command
$ Add-Printer -Name "Office Printer" -ConnectionName "\\printserver\OfficePrinter"

02What it does

The Add Printer wizard takes a dozen clicks and often stalls while searching for devices. If the printer is already shared from another Windows PC or a print server, PowerShell can attach it in one line: Add-Printer with -ConnectionName pointing at the UNC share path installs the printer with the driver the server already provides. The -Name you choose is how the printer appears in your Devices list.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsFor a shared network printer (\\server\\share). Adding a local USB printer instead needs -DriverName and a pre-created port.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • Add-Printer cmdlet | Microsoft Learn
    Microsoft · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Add-Printer installs a printer; -ConnectionName connects to a shared printer by UNC path and -DriverName specifies a driver for local printers.
  • PrintManagement module | Microsoft Learn
    Microsoft · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: The PrintManagement module groups the printer cmdlets (Add-Printer, Get-PrinterDriver, Get-PrinterPort and more).

Last verified: 2026-09-19 · Category: System & Settings

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