Allow Printer Through Remote Desktop App: A Step-by-Step Guide

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) has become an essential tool for many organizations, enabling employees to access and control remote computers securely. One common requirement when using Remote Desktop is the need to print documents from the remote machine to a local printer. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to allow printer redirection through Remote Desktop App, ensuring seamless printing capabilities.

Understanding Remote Desktop Printer Redirection

Remote Desktop printer redirection, also known as printer mapping, allows users to print documents from a remote computer to a printer connected to the local machine. This feature is particularly useful for remote workers who need to print documents while working from home or on the go.

The process involves redirecting the remote desktop's print jobs to the local printer, which requires specific settings to be configured on both the client and server sides. By enabling printer redirection, users can print documents, emails, and web pages directly from the remote desktop to their local printer.

Prerequisites for Printer Redirection

Before attempting to set up printer redirection, ensure that the following prerequisites are met:

• The remote computer has the Remote Desktop role installed and configured.
• The client machine has the Remote Desktop App installed.
• The local printer is properly installed and configured on the client machine.
• The remote computer and client machine are connected to the same network or have a stable internet connection.

Configuring Printer Redirection through Group Policy

To enable printer redirection through Group Policy, follow these steps:

1. Open the Group Policy Editor on the remote computer (gpedit.msc).
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections.
3. Enable the Allow printer redirection policy.
4. Configure the policy settings as desired (e.g., allow or deny specific printers).

Once configured, the printer redirection policy will be applied to all users connecting to the remote desktop.

Configuring Printer Redirection through Registry Editor

Alternatively, you can enable printer redirection through Registry Editor:

1. Open the Registry Editor on the remote computer (regedit.exe).
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Server.
3. Create a new DWORD value named fDisableWinRMPrinterRedirection and set it to 0.

This registry setting will enable printer redirection for all users connecting to the remote desktop.

Configuring Client-Side Settings

To enable printer redirection on the client-side, follow these steps:

1. Open the Remote Desktop App on the client machine.
2. Click on the Options button and select the Local Resources tab.
3. Under Local devices and resources, select the Printers checkbox.

This setting will allow the client machine to redirect print jobs to the local printer.

Troubleshooting Printer Redirection Issues

If you encounter issues with printer redirection, check the following:

• Verify that the local printer is properly installed and configured on the client machine.
• Ensure that the remote computer and client machine are connected to the same network or have a stable internet connection.
• Check the Group Policy or Registry Editor settings to ensure that printer redirection is enabled.

In conclusion, allowing printer redirection through Remote Desktop App is a straightforward process that requires specific settings to be configured on both the client and server sides. By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can seamlessly print documents from the remote desktop to their local printer.