How to Monitor a Network Printer

A printer connected to your network is beneficial because it saves money (since you only need one printer to service the entire network), as well as space. However, if the networked printer is not directly connected to your computer you won't be able to tell if it is on, connected or printing. Monitor the network printer from the "Network and Sharing Center" utility in Windows so you always know the status of the printer before you use it.

• 1

  Click "Start," then "Control Panel." The Control Panel window opens.

• 2

  Click "Network and Internet," then click "View network computers and devices" under "Network and Sharing Center."

• 3

  Right-click on the network printer and select "See what's printing" from the pop-up list to view the current print jobs the printer is handling. Right-click the network printer again, then select "Properties" from the pop-up window. The network printer's Properties window displays the current status of the network printer.