To configure Printer Redirection in a Remote Desktop (RDP) environment, you must enable the appropriate printer redirection settings in Group Policy and ensure the correct printer driver is installed on both the local machine and the RDP server.
Step 1: Configure Group Policy on the RDP Server
On the server, open the Local Group Policy Editor by searching for:
gpedit.msc
Navigate to: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Remote Desktop Services → Remote Desktop Session Host → Printer Redirection
Locate the policy “Do not allow client printer redirection” and set it to:
Not Configured, or
Disabled
This ensures printer redirection is permitted during RDP sessions.
Step 2: Install the Printer Driver on Both Systems
The same printer driver used on the local machine must also be installed on the RDP server.
Download the correct driver directly from the printer manufacturer’s official website.
Install the driver on both the local machine and the RDP server.
If the driver installer requires the printer to be physically connected, you can manually install the driver by:
Adding a printer in Windows
Selecting “Have Disk”
Pointing to the extracted .INF driver file
This allows the driver package to install without physically connecting the printer to the server.
Once both the Group Policy setting and matching drivers are in place, printer redirection should function properly during Remote Desktop sessions.