Remote Desktop Printing allows you to print documents from a remote computer to your local printer via a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection. This feature is commonly used in offices, IT environments, work-from-home setups, and businesses where employees access another computer or server remotely.
For example, if you are connected to your office computer from home via Remote Desktop Connection, you can print a file directly to your home printer without transferring it manually. This process is called printer redirection.
Setting up Remote Desktop Printing correctly helps improve productivity, reduces file transfers, and allows seamless access to local printing devices during remote sessions. However, many users face problems such as printers not appearing in the remote session, print jobs getting stuck, driver incompatibility, or disabled printer redirection settings.
This guide explains how to set up Remote Desktop Printing step by step.
Set Up Remote Desktop Printing in Windows 11/10
Follow these quick steps to Set Up Remote Desktop Printing:
- Open Remote Desktop Connection on your local computer.
- Enable Printer Redirection in Remote Desktop settings.
- Connect to the remote computer or server.
- Verify that the local printer appears in the remote session.
- Install printer drivers if required.
- Print a test document from the remote computer.
- Troubleshoot printer redirection issues if the printer does not appear.
Understanding Remote Desktop Printing
Before starting the setup process, it is important to understand how Remote Desktop Printing works.
When you connect to another computer using Remote Desktop Connection, Windows can redirect local devices such as printers, clipboard data, drives, and audio devices into the remote session. This means your local printer becomes available inside the remote computer as a redirected printer.
The redirected printer usually appears with a label similar to:
HP LaserJet on CLIENTPC
or
Brother Printer redirected 3
This indicates the printer is being shared from your local computer into the remote environment.
Remote Desktop Printing works best when:
- Both computers use compatible Windows versions.
- The printer is installed correctly on the local computer.
- Printer redirection is enabled.
- Group Policy settings allow printer redirection.
- Network connectivity is stable.
Step 1: Check Your Printer Installation on the Local Computer
Before configuring Remote Desktop Printing, make sure the printer works properly on your local computer. If the printer is not functioning locally, it will not work inside the remote session either.
Go to Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
Locate your installed printer from the list. Verify that the printer status shows as Ready and not Offline or Error.
Click the printer name and select Print a test page. Ensure the test page prints successfully.
If the printer is not installed, connect the printer to your computer using USB, WiFi, or Ethernet. Windows may automatically install the necessary drivers. If not, download the latest drivers from the printer manufacturer’s website.
It is also recommended to update printer drivers before using Remote Desktop Printing. Outdated drivers can cause printer redirection failures or print queue issues.
To update the printer driver, go to: Start > Device Manager > Print queues
Right-click the printer and choose Update driver.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
Once your printer is fully operational on the local system, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Open Remote Desktop Connection
The next step is to launch the built-in Remote Desktop Connection application on your Windows computer.
- Go to: Start > Windows Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection
- You can also press: Windows + R
- Type: mstsc
- Then press Enter.
The Remote Desktop Connection window will appear. This tool allows you to connect remotely to another Windows computer or server.
Enter the name or IP address of the remote computer in the Computer field, but do not connect yet. First, you need to configure local device redirection settings.
Click Show Options at the bottom left corner of the Remote Desktop Connection window to expand advanced settings.
You will now see multiple tabs, such as:
- General
- Display
- Local Resources
- Experience
- Advanced
The printer setup is configured from the Local Resources tab.
Step 3: Enable Printer Redirection
Printer redirection is the core feature required for Remote Desktop Printing.
- Inside the Remote Desktop Connection window, go to: Show Options > Local Resources
- Under the Local devices and resources section, locate the checkbox labeled: Printers
- Check the box next to Printers.
This setting allows Windows to redirect your local printers to the remote session.
You can also redirect additional devices, such as clipboard data and local drives, if needed. However, for printing functionality, enabling the Printers option is essential.
Next, click More under the Local devices and resources section if you want to redirect specific devices manually.
After enabling printer redirection, return to the General tab.
If you frequently use Remote Desktop Printing, save the connection settings so you do not need to repeat the configuration every time.
Click: General > Save As
Choose a location to save the RDP configuration file.
Now click Connect to start the remote session.
Step 4: Sign In to the Remote Computer
After clicking Connect, enter the username and password for the remote computer or server.
Once logged in, Windows will begin loading redirected resources, including printers.
This process may take several seconds, depending on network speed and system performance.
After the desktop loads, verify that the redirected printer appears inside the remote session.
Go to: Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners
Look for a printer entry that includes the word: redirected
For example: Canon Inkjet redirected 2 or HP OfficeJet on DESKTOP-ABC123
This confirms that printer redirection is functioning properly.
If the printer does not appear, continue with the troubleshooting steps later in this guide.
Step 5: Install Printer Drivers on the Remote Computer if Necessary
Modern versions of Windows usually install redirected printer drivers automatically. However, in some cases, the remote computer may require compatible drivers before the printer becomes available.
This issue is common in:
- Older Windows Server environments
- Enterprise networks
- Specialized printers
- Legacy printer models
If Windows prompts for drivers, install the required printer software on the remote computer.
To manually install printer drivers, go to: Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Add device
If the printer is not detected automatically, select: Add manually
Then follow the installation wizard.
You may need to download drivers directly from the printer manufacturer’s website.
Always use compatible drivers for the operating system installed on the remote machine. For example, use Windows Server-compatible drivers if connecting to a Windows Server environment.
After installing drivers, disconnect the Remote Desktop session and reconnect to refresh redirected devices.
Step 6: Print a Test Document from the Remote Session
After verifying that the printer appears inside the remote environment, test the printing functionality.
Open a simple application such as:
- Notepad
- Microsoft Word
- Adobe Reader
Create or open a document.
Go to: File > Print
In the printer selection window, choose the redirected printer. Click Print.
The print job should now transfer from the remote computer to your local printer automatically.
If the document prints successfully, Remote Desktop Printing is configured correctly.
If the print job gets stuck or nothing prints, continue with the troubleshooting section below.
Step 7: Configure Group Policy Settings for Printer Redirection
Sometimes printer redirection is disabled through Windows Group Policy settings, especially in corporate or enterprise environments.
To verify Group Policy settings on the remote computer, press Windows + R
Type: gpedit.msc
Then press Enter.
Go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Printer Redirection
Locate the following policies:
- Do not allow client printer redirection
- Use the Remote Desktop Easy Print printer driver first
Double-click each setting and configure it as follows:
- Do not allow client printer redirection: Set this policy to Disabled or Not Configured.
- Use the Remote Desktop Easy Print printer driver first: Set this policy to Enabled.
Click Apply and then OK. Restart the remote computer after changing these settings.
These Group Policy configurations help Windows prioritize Easy Print technology, which simplifies Remote Desktop Printing without requiring matching printer drivers.
Step 8: Restart the Print Spooler Service
A corrupted or stuck print spooler service can prevent redirected printers from functioning properly.
To restart the Print Spooler service, press Windows + R, Type: services.msc
Then press Enter.
Locate: Print Spooler
Right-click the service and select: Restart
Wait a few seconds for the service to restart completely.
You can also set the service startup type to Automatic to ensure printing services remain enabled after system reboots.
Restarting the Print Spooler often resolves issues such as:
- Missing redirected printers
- Print jobs stuck in the queue
- Printer offline errors
- Delayed printing
Step 9: Update Remote Desktop and Windows
Outdated Windows components can interfere with Remote Desktop Printing functionality.
Install the latest Windows updates on both the local and remote computers.
Go to: Start > Settings > Windows Update
Click: Check for updates
Download and install all available updates. Also, ensure the latest version of Remote Desktop Connection is installed.
System updates frequently include:
- Printer compatibility improvements
- Security updates
- Remote Desktop fixes
- Print spooler stability enhancements
Restart both systems after installing updates.
Common Remote Desktop Printing Problems and Solutions
Printer Does Not Appear in Remote Session
This problem usually occurs because printer redirection is disabled.
Verify the following:
- The Printers checkbox is enabled in Remote Desktop Connection settings.
- Group Policy allows printer redirection.
- The printer works on the local computer.
- The Print Spooler service is running.
Reconnect the Remote Desktop session after making changes.
Print Jobs Remain Stuck
Restart the Print Spooler service on both local and remote computers.
Clear stuck print jobs by going to: Control Panel > Devices and Printers
Open the print queue and cancel pending jobs.
Incorrect Printer Driver Errors
Install compatible drivers on the remote computer.
If possible, use Remote Desktop Easy Print because it minimizes driver compatibility issues.
Slow Remote Printing
Large print jobs or slow internet connections may delay printing.
Reduce file size before printing and use stable network connectivity.
Avoid printing extremely large graphics or high-resolution PDF files over unstable remote connections.
Best Practices for Remote Desktop Printing
Using proper configuration techniques helps maintain stable Remote Desktop Printing performance.
- Keep printer drivers updated regularly.
- Use network printers whenever possible in business environments.
- Enable Remote Desktop Easy Print to simplify driver management.
- Avoid disconnecting printers during active remote sessions.
- Restart print services periodically in heavily used server environments.
- Monitor print queues for stuck jobs.
Use secure Remote Desktop connections to protect sensitive documents.
FAQs
What is Remote Desktop Printing?
Remote Desktop Printing is a feature that allows users to print documents from a remote computer to a local printer during a Remote Desktop session.
Why is my printer not showing in Remote Desktop?
This usually happens because printer redirection is disabled, printer drivers are missing, or Group Policy settings block redirected printers.
What is Remote Desktop Easy Print?
Remote Desktop Easy Print is a Microsoft feature that redirects printers without requiring identical printer drivers on the remote computer.
Can I use wireless printers with Remote Desktop?
Yes. Wireless printers connected to your local computer can be redirected during Remote Desktop sessions.
Does Remote Desktop Printing work on Windows Server?
Yes. Remote Desktop Printing works on Windows Server systems when printer redirection policies are configured properly.
How do I fix stuck print jobs in Remote Desktop?
Restart the Print Spooler service, clear the print queue, and reconnect the Remote Desktop session.
Is Remote Desktop Printing secure?
Yes, provided you use secure Remote Desktop connections, strong passwords, and updated Windows security settings.
Summary
Setting up Remote Desktop Printing allows you to print documents from a remote computer directly to your local printer without transferring files manually. The process mainly involves enabling printer redirection inside Remote Desktop Connection, verifying printer installation, configuring Group Policy settings, and testing the printing process.
Most Remote Desktop Printing issues can be resolved by updating printer drivers, enabling Remote Desktop Easy Print, restarting the Print Spooler service, and ensuring printer redirection is allowed in Windows settings.