The Chromebook Printing Problem
Chromebooks are great for browsing and productivity, but printing has always been a pain point. Google Cloud Print used to solve this, but it was discontinued in December 2020.
Today, Chromebook users face limited options:
- Wi-Fi Direct / IPP printers — only works with modern network printers that support these protocols
- USB connection — works with some printers, but Chrome OS driver support is limited
- Android printing apps — inconsistent support, often buggy on Chrome OS
Share Printer works with every Chromebook and every printer. If you have a Windows PC on your network with the printer connected, your Chromebook can print through the browser.
How to Print from Chromebook
1. Set Up Share Printer on a Windows PC
Download and install Share Printer on the Windows PC that has the printer connected. The app starts automatically and shows a local address.
2. Open Chrome on Your Chromebook
In Chrome, type the address shown in the Share Printer app (e.g., 192.168.1.100:8080). Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Upload and Print
Use the web interface to upload your PDF or image and select the printer. Click Print. Done.
Why This Is Better Than Other Solutions
| Method | Requires | Printer Support | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share Printer | Windows PC on network | Any printer | Very easy |
| Wi-Fi Direct / IPP | Compatible printer | Limited | Moderate |
| USB to Chromebook | USB cable + support | Very limited | Varies |
| Android app | Play Store app | Brand-specific | Often buggy |
| Google Cloud Print | Discontinued | N/A | N/A |
Works for Schools
Many schools use Chromebooks for students. With Share Printer running on a staff PC, students can print assignments by simply visiting a web address — no admin access needed, no drivers to deploy to managed Chromebooks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it work with all Chromebook models?
Yes. Share Printer runs in the browser, so it works with every Chromebook regardless of model or Chrome OS version.
Do I need to install anything on the Chromebook?
No. Just open Chrome and navigate to the Share Printer address. No apps, extensions, or plugins needed.
Can I print Google Docs?
Yes. Export your Google Doc as PDF (File → Download → PDF), then upload it to Share Printer. The whole process takes about 10 seconds.