How to Find Local Printers (5 Steps)

Open your Control Panel to find the network icon. Click on your 'Start' button and then choose 'Control Panel' from the popup menu. Double-click the icon with the phrase 'Network and Sharing Center' and then click the 'View computer and devices' link located at the top left-hand side of your screen. You can add local printers for people to find here. Click the 'Add Printer' button.
Go straight to the Network link. Click on your 'Start' button (or Windows logo icon) at the bottom left-hand side of your screen. Press the 'Network' link that appears in the pop-up menu. Look at the left side of the screen for a link that reads 'Printers.' Click on that to find local printers---if you can't, click on the link (in the same area) entitled 'Public.' Multiple printer names should show up. Your computer will automatically diagnose connectivity problems that prevent your ability to find local printers. Follow the prompts.
Use your printer wizard to help you find local printers. Go to your Control Panel again and double-click the 'Printers' icon. You can find local printers by telling your computer you want to add another one. Double-click on 'Add Printer.' Wait for the pop-up box entitled 'Add Printer' to appear. Click 'Add a printer' or choose the option that starts with 'Add a network...;' your computer will default to the area where local printers are located automatically.
Check your Device Manager to find local printers that have connectivity issues. Double-click on the 'System' icon once you open the Control Panel again. Press the 'Hardware' tab at the top of the System Properties screen (it's the one you just opened).
Click the 'Device Manager' button. Scroll down to the word 'Ports,' and click the plus sign to the left. Look for a red 'X' or yellow exclamation point afterward. Right-click over one of the port choices (try COM 1 port or LPT 1 port) and choose either 'Scan for hardware changes' or 'Properties.' You can find local printer problems by reading the information there. Hit the 'Troubleshoot' button to help you resolve any issues finding local printers. Windows Vista does not show its ports option.