Printing to a Local Printer from a Remote Desktop Session

A remote desktop printer works if the local printer is accessible to the local server. However, most remote sessions operate in a network environment that is different or incompatible with the printer. For this reason, the remote device cannot detect and connect to the local printer.

In short, compatibility is essential in remote desktop printing. You must consider that the device’s operating system, drivers, and network protocols are compatible with the local printer.

There are two common approaches to remote desktop printing: the standard procedure and via the USB Network Gate. Fret not if these words sound foreign to you, we’ll cover them in this article.

Native Method for Printing to a Local Printer

Let’s now address the challenge we’ve discussed above by understanding the proper ways to perform remote desktop printing.

The standard method to print to local printer from remote desktop configures the remote system settings to redirect it to the local printer. Here are the steps:

How to enable a local printer in Remote Desktop using native functionality?

Native Windows functionality enables a local printer to be used in a Remote Desktop session. The following procedure demonstrates enabling a local printer in an RDP session using features built into Windows.

Step-by-Step Guide for Standard Remote Desktop Printing:

1. Configure Remote Desktop Connection Settings:
   • • Open the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) application on your local computer. If you’re using a Microsoft Device, type “Remote Desktop Connection” in the search bar to find the application.
   • • Press the "Show Options" button to view additional settings.
   • • Go to the "Local Resources" tab, and under the "Local devices and resources" section, check the box corresponding to "Printers." Pressing this option will enable the connection of your local printers to the remote session.
2. Connect to the Remote Desktop:
   • • Upon setting configuration, you may now manually connect the remote desktop to the local printer.
3. Select and Print to the Local Printer:
   • • In the remote session, select and open the document you want to print. Afterward, go to the print dialog and select your local printer from the list of available printers. The document will be printed upon doing this step.
4. If Necessary, Install Printer Drivers on the Remote Server:
   • • If your device lacks the appropriate drivers for remote desktop printing, your printer might not appear in the remote session. So, ensure that your drivers are installed and updated. You can check the manufacturer’s website for the required drivers and install them directly from the server.

Remote Desktop Printing with USB Network Gate

If the standard method fails, you might need some advanced remote desktop printing software. In this case, a USB Network Gate can help you print to a local printer from a remote desktop.

If you’re not yet aware, USB Network Gate is software that lets users establish remote access and usage of USB devices like printers across local or wireless networks. In other words, USB Network Gate can facilitate a virtual connection between a remote desktop and a printer.

Conclusion

Printing from remote desktop isn't rocket science. There are two easy methods you can follow to get that document printed regardless of your device’s physical location.

The standard method involves manual establishment of the connection between a remote session and the local printer. You can easily perform this method if both devices are compatible and with the appropriate drivers.

But if your devices require specialized configuration, you can consider the USB Network Gate. This software lets you share USB printers to devices across a network. It also supports devices with COM ports for flexibility.

So, let’s get that file printed in no time using remote desktop printing.