Network Printers - Windows

This article explains how to perform a variety of network printer tasks on College-owned computers running Windows.

MAY / JUNE 2025: Windows 11 upgrade has resulted in network printers not showing or not working on some devices. See this troubleshooting note for the Windows 11 upgrade for a quick solution.

Contents

• Overview
• Connect / Install
• Set Default Printer
• Remove a Printer
• Troubleshooting

Overview

To use a networked departmental printer, you may need to obtain its exact network print queue name.  Look for a sticker on the printer showing this information or consult the printer list. Co-workers and department coordinators may also be able to provide you with the needed name(s).  Once you have obtained the printer queue name(s), simply follow the appropriate steps below to connect to the desired printers.

All public printers—as well as many others—belong to print queues (i.e., MiddBW and MiddColor) that provide flexibility in where and when you choose to release your documents to print. All printers on the Monterey Campus use the MiddBW and MiddColor queues.

These are the Middlebury print servers:

• Walnut — Queue for Middlebury campus printers, including MiddColor & MiddBW
• Seaotter — Queue for MIIS printers
• Papercut — Queue for posters - NOTE that this printing queue has restricted access

Connect / Install

You can see the printers you currently have installed under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. To see all print drivers, continue navigating to Related Settings - Print Server Properties > Drivers. Another way to do this is by going to  Settings > Optional features and installing Print Management, a program from which you can easily see both the printers you have installed and the associated drivers. 

1. Right-click the Windows icon and select Run. 

2. Type \\walnut (Middlebury Campus) or \\seaotter (Monterey Campus) as appropriate, then press the Enter key to open and view the full list of printers.

   • Save time by using the exact printer name.  Type in \\walnut\printername (or \\seaotter\printername) then press Enter.

     • e.g., use \\walnut\MiddColor to install MiddColor on the Middlebury campus or \\seaotter\MiddBW to install MiddColor on the MIIS campus.

   • If you are unsure where the printer is in the list, you can search the available printers at the top right.

3. Double-click a desired printer to install it.

   • If prompted, click the Install driver button.

Repeat the above steps for each printer you would like to add.

Set Default Printer

1. Click the Windows icon and search "printer".

2. Open Printers & scanners from System settings.

3. Make sure that "Let Windows manage my default printer" is toggled Off.

4. Select the printer.

5. Click the Set as default button.

Remove a Printer

1. Click the Windows icon and search "printer".

2. Open Printers & scanners from System settings.

3. Select the printer.

4. Click the Remove button.

   • Click Yes to confirm and allow the printer's removal.

Troubleshooting

Important:  The below steps will not work properly if the computer is not logged in with a network account that has printing privileges.

If the computer prompts for a driver update:

• Note the printer name (ex: "Walnut/P0123"). If the print server (Walnut in this example) is known and trusted, then proceed with the installation; otherwise, please request support.

• Update the drivers as prompted.

• If the update fails, please note which queue name is having issues (ex: "Walnut/P0123"), then remove & re-add that printer.