Printing to your local printers from a Windows Virtual Private Server (VPS) involves several steps to ensure that your local printers are connected and configured to communicate with your VPS environment in the right way. This process enables users to extend the printing capabilities of their local hardware to applications and processes running on a remote server.
But the question is how to do it?
In this blog, we are going to answer this question. We will tell you the steps to print local printers from Windows VPS. Let get started
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics
Before learning the setup process, it’s important to understand the key components involved:
- Windows VPS: A virtual private server running Windows OS, hosted remotely. It acts like a separate computer on which you can run software and services.
- Local Printers: Printers that are physically connected to your local network or computer.
- Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): A protocol that allows users to connect to and control a remote computer. It supports various features, including printer redirection.
Prerequisites
- Ensure your local printer is properly installed and functioning.
- Verify that you have administrative access to both your local computer and the Windows VPS.
- Update both your local system and VPS to the latest versions of their respective operating systems to avoid compatibility issues.
Steps to Print Local Printers From Windows VPS
Here’s how you can set up your local printers to print from a Windows VPS in simpler terms:
1. Press the Start button, look for “Control Panel”, and then click on “Devices and Printers”.
2. Find your printer on the network, right-click on it, and choose “Printer Properties”.
3. In the “Printer Properties” window, click on the “Ports” tab. Here, make sure to check the box for “LPT1” and also check the box for “Enable printer pooling”.
Configure Remote Desktop Client
1. On your local computer, start the Remote Desktop Connection program.
2. Look for and click on “Show options”, then head over to the “Local Resources” tab. Make sure the “Printers” option is selected with a checkmark.
3. Click on “More” and then put a checkmark next to “Ports”.
4. Before you connect to your server, remember to click the “Save” button in the “General” tab.
Configure Windows VPS
1. Connect to your server using RDP.
2. Go to the printer manufacturer’s website, download, and install the printer driver needed for your printer.
3. After installing the driver, press Start, go to Control Panel, and then to Devices and Printer.
4. Click on “Add a Printer”.
5. Choose “The printer that I want isn’t listed”.
6. On the following screen, select “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings” and then click “Next”.
7. Choose “Use an existing port” and select “TS001: (Virtual printer port for RDP)” which usually corresponds to the “LPT1:” port. Then, click “Next”.
8. Find your printer’s driver in the list, select it, and press “Next”.
9. If asked, you can replace the current driver. Click “Next” after making your choice.
10. Name your printer whatever you’d like.
11. Choose “Do not share this printer” and then click “Next”.
12. To make sure everything’s working, you can do a test print by selecting “Print a test page” and then clicking “Finish”.
Set Print Spool Service To Start Automatically
13. Press Start, then choose Run. Type “services.msc” and hit Enter.
14. In the Services window, scroll until you find “Print Spooler Service”. Right-click on it and select Properties.
15. In the Properties window, click the Start button to begin the service. Change the Startup type to “Automatic”, then click Apply, and OK. Close the Services window.
16. Use Remote Desktop Connection to log into your VPS.
17. Once logged in, go to Start → Run, type “services.msc”, and press Enter. Find the Print Spooler Service again, select it, and choose to restart it.
18. Log out from your VPS, but remember not to close the Remote Desktop by hitting the x button.
19. Log back in using Remote Desktop Connection, and you should now see your local printer available on your VPS.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Printer Not Redirecting: Ensure that printer redirection is enabled in the RDP settings. Also, verify that there are no group policies on the VPS restricting redirection.
- Driver Incompatibility: The VPS may require specific drivers to communicate with your local printer. Ensure that the printer drivers on the VPS match those of the local printer.
- Connectivity Issues: Poor network conditions can interfere with printer redirection. Ensure a stable connection between your local computer and the VPS.
Advanced Configurations
For environments where more control is needed or when dealing with complex networks, consider setting up a VPN to ensure a secure and stable connection between your local network and the VPS. Additionally, utilizing dedicated print server software can offer more features and better manageability for businesses with multiple printers and users.
Conclusion
Connecting local printers to a Windows VPS can significantly streamline workflows, allowing users to print documents directly from remote applications. By following the outlined steps and troubleshooting common issues, users can ensure a seamless printing experience. It’s also advisable to consult with IT professionals when setting up more complex environments or when encountering persistent issues.
