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Is the user RDP using the RDP shortcut saved or creates a new connection everytime? if using the save connection, have you tried deleting it and re-creating it and checking the local resources option again. It should show up a redirected printer in RDP session.
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Hi Paul3215. She uses a saved shortcut. I will try your suggestion and report back. Thanks!
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Is the HP LaserJet 400 M401 printer driver installed on both the host and the local machines?
In the RDP connection settings under local resources, is printers ticked?
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Along the same lines. Check the event log in the remote machine and look for errors loading the drive for that printer. If you see them that is more than likely t be the problem.RobT.AaronJBerger wrote:
Is the HP LaserJet 400 M401 printer driver installed on both the host and the local machines?
In the RDP connection settings under local resources, is printers ticked?
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I have dealt with these problems many times.
Check The Following.
1] Printer drive for printer installed on remote desktop computer
2] All users have read / execute and list permissions to c:\windows\system32\spool
3] System has full access to the same folder.
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Thank you all! Fixed!
It was the printer driver - missing on the remote system.
The next hurdle [for me] was getting a driver withOUT an installer, because the installer requires the printer to be physically attached to the system on which the driver is being installed [HP Forums]. Once that was in place, my colleague logged in and the printer was there [and it printed!]
Thank you all again for your expertise and help!
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Thanks Prototype i have been battling with this for a few days and your advice about the user permission on the spool folder solved it. Thank you!!
Prototype wrote:
I have dealt with these problems many times.
Check The Following.
1] Printer drive for printer installed on remote desktop computer
2] All users have read / execute and list permissions to c:\windows\system32\spool
3] System has full access to the same folder.
Have you installed a printer on your Microsoft Windows computer, but the printer is not showing up during the Remote Desktop session?
Have you installed a printer on your Microsoft Windows computer, but the printer is not showing up during the Remote Desktop session? There are a few things you need to check when experiencing this problem.
1. Check if the printer is turned on when connected
Make sure you have the Printers option selected in the Remote Desktop settings. You can check this by bringing up the Remote Desktop Connection screen, selecting Local Resources, and making sure the Printers option is selected.
2. Check server settings
If you are connecting to a Windows Server box, make sure the settings on the server do not disable printer sharing. Log in to the server and perform these steps.
Windows Server 2016 & 2019
In these versions of Windows Server, RDP settings are controlled in Group Policy.
Step 1: Launch gpedit.msc.
Step 2: Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host.
Step 3: Expand Printer Redirection.
Step 4: Make sure that the Do not allow client printer redirection setting is set to Not configured or Disabled. Another setting you might want to check is Redirect only the default client printer. This policy should also be set to Not configured or Disabled, if you want more than just the default printer available for use.
Windows Server 2012
Step 1: Open Server Manager.
Step 2: Select Remote Desktop Services.
Step 3: Select Collections.
Step 4: Select Tasks, then select Edit Properties.
Step 5: In the Client Settings tab, make sure that Windows Printer is enabled.
Windows Server 2008
Step 1: Go to Start > Administrative Tools > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration.
Step 2: Select Connections, right-click on the name of the connection, select Properties > Client Settings > Redirection. Make sure that Windows Printer is not selected.
3. Make sure the drivers are installed on the server
Check that the driver for the printer you want to use is installed on the computer you are connecting to. If the driver is not installed on the computer you are connecting to, the printer will not appear at all.
Above are some causes and solutions to fix the error that the printer does not appear in the Remote Desktop session. Hope this information is useful to you!
Update 31 October 2021
Remote desktop printing can often feel like it’s more trouble than it’s worth. Make no mistake: There are a lot of benefits to remote desktop protocol [RDP] environments. A leaner infrastructure, more flexibility and centralized management, to name just a few. At the same time, the advantages of RDP environments can also pose serious problems for RDP printing.
The weak points of RDP printing
Because RDP relies heavily on the WAN connection, particularly in distributed environments, that makes the WAN a potential point of failure. If the WAN experiences bottlenecking on account of heavy network traffic or goes down completely, RDP performance is hindered or interrupted, resulting in unwanted and unexpected downtime. RDP printing is no different because it’s subject to the same vulnerabilities. As a matter of fact, RDP printing is a major cause of WAN bottlenecking.
But it isn’t just the WAN connection that causes trouble in remote environments. RDP printing often involves printer redirection as the preferred deployment method, and the instances of remote desktop printer redirection not working as it should are legion. One of the most common problems is printers not appearing in the session.
The basics of RDP printer redirection in Server 2012
To properly troubleshoot this issue, it’s important to understand how RDP printer redirection works in Server 2012 to begin identifying reasons why the printer might not be appearing. In a nutshell, the server first receives a list of local printers that are installed on the remote client. Next, the server creates the print queue within the remote session. When the end user goes to print from the remote client, the server is queried for accompanying printer drivers. All being well, the printer is then redirected.
As you can see, this is a chain of events that depends on a series of successful queries and responses. Any failure at any point along that chain can result in remote desktop printer redirection not working and, among many other errors, the printer not showing.
There are three immediate steps you can then take to solve this kind of RDP printer redirection problem in Server 2012:
- Ensure that local printers are enabled. Invoke the Remote Desktop Connection screen, look under the “Local devices and resources” section and make sure that the “Printers” option is enabled.
- Confirm that the Server 2012 settings are correct. Go to Server Manager > Remote Desktop Services > Collections > Tasks > “Edit properties.” Then go to the “Client settings” tab. For printer redirection, the “Windows printer” option should be selected.
- Install the drivers on the server. In many cases, the drivers haven’t been installed properly. This could be due to a faulty deployment or a simple admin oversight.
If all that fails, double-check user and system permissions on c:\windows\system32\spool and grant access to both groups.
How PrinterLogic helps with RDP printer redirection in Server 2012
By using a unique centrally managed direct IP printing paradigm, PrinterLogic is able to eliminate many of the variables that are responsible for remote desktop printer redirection not working—including those elusive printers that don’t appear in a session.
In addition to streamlining and simplifying driver management [which avoids those problematic driver installs], PrinterLogic enables you to deploy printers accurately and dynamically without using GPOs or scripts [which can cause a whole host of deployment hassles]. It integrates seamlessly with any remote desktop environment, including Citrix and VMware, and can help your organization to eliminate print servers completely and minimize infrastructure even further. It’s the complete, cost-effective RDP printing solution that will transform how you think about enterprise printing in general.
We deliver a highly available Serverless Printing Infrastructure using a centrally managed Direct IP printing platform. If you want to empower end users with mobile printing, secure release printing, and many advanced features, we’d love to show you how.
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