Work with Network Printers - Windows 10 & 11

These instructions explain how to connect to a printer, set a default printer, and remove printers that are no longer used, on computers running Windows 10 and 11.

To use a networked departmental printer you need to obtain its exact network print queue name. Look for a sticker on the printer showing this information. Co-workers and department coordinators may also be able to provide you with the needed name(s).  Many printers on campus use the shared MiddColor and MiddBW queues.

Note: all printers on the Monterey campus only use MiddColor and MiddBW.

Once you have obtained the printer queue name(s), simply follow the instructions below on your College-owned computer to connect to desired printers, set a default printer that you use most often, or removed unused printers.

Connect to Network Printers

Installing the MiddColor and MiddBW Print Queues

Installation of the MiddBW and MiddColor queues allows you to release your print job at a variety of printers.  Here's how:

• Vermont campus - use \\walnut\MiddColor or \\walnut\MiddBW to connect as described below.
• Monterey campus - use \\seaotter\MiddColor or \\seaotter\MiddBW to connect as described below.
   

General Printer Installation Steps

1. Right-click then select Run. 
2. Type \\walnut or \\seaotter as appropriate, then press the Enter key to open and view the full list of printers.
   • TIP: Save time by using the exact printer name.  Type in \\walnut\printername (or \\seaotter\printername), press Enter , then click Install Driver -- and you're done!
   • If you are unsure of the printer name you can use the search field at top right.
3. Double-click a desired printer to install it.
   • Click the Install driver button if prompted.

Repeat the above steps for each printer you would like to add, then follow directions below to set your default printer -- the one you will use most often.

Set Your Default Printer

If you have added more than one printer you can specify the one you’ll use most often.  Follow these steps to set a default printer:

1. Click  then type the word printer to begin a search.
2. Press the Enter key to open the best match, Printers & scanners.
3. Click the desired printer’s name to select it.

• Win 10 - click the Manage button, then click Set as default.
• Win 11 - click the Set as default button.

4. Close the Settings window.
5. From the list of printers, scroll down to Let Windows Manage my default printer; you may wish to turn this feature off if it isn't already. 

Remove a Network Printer

You can easily remove printers you no longer use. Here's how:

1. Click  then type the word printer to begin a search.
2. Press the Enter key to open the best match, Printers & scanners.
3. Click on the printer you wish to remove, then click the Remove device button (or Remove on Win 11).
4. Click the Yes button to allow the printer's removal.

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

Commonly-Used Print Servers

• Walnut -- Queues for departmental printers
• Papercut -- Queues for public printers
• Seaotter -- Queues for MIIS printers

Troubleshooting

The above steps will not work properly if the computer is not logged in with a network account with printing privileges.