The short answer
A printer shared from another computer depends on that host, its connection to the printer, and your permission to use the share. A printer that works locally at the host can still be unavailable remotely.
Where this applies
For a printer shared by a computer or an organization-managed print server. Directly networked printers follow a different path; changing their drivers will not repair a disabled share.
Identify the right device and prepare
Identify the host or print server, the exact shared queue name, and whether you are authorized to connect. Ask the owner whether the host can still print locally before changing settings on your device.
Work through the checks in order
A home-office printer connected by USB to a desktop becomes unavailable to a laptop when the desktop sleeps. The printer may be healthy; the sharing host is simply not reachable.
- Confirm the host is powered on, connected to the appropriate network, and the printer itself is ready.
- Ask the host owner to print a test page locally. If that fails, diagnose the printer or host queue before testing remote access.
- Check that the share still exists and that your account has permission to use it; use the organization's approved connection method.
- On your computer, inspect the selected shared queue and send a small test job. If access is denied, record the exact message for the administrator.
Expected result and next branch
If the host prints locally and an authorized remote job succeeds, sharing is working. If only remote jobs fail, focus on host availability, network reachability or permissions.
If the host is reachable but the share no longer exists, have its owner restore the supported configuration. In an organization, do not work around server policy by installing an unapproved direct queue.
Safety and limits
Do not request someone else's credentials or loosen file-sharing and firewall settings indiscriminately. Shared printing can be governed by administrator policy and OS security updates.