Terminal Server Won't Install Printer When User Logs in

Windows 2008 Server has added a new printer redirect function for Terminal Services. The traditional terminal server fallback printer is no longer available in Windows 2008 Server.

How Printing Works

Terminal Services Easy Print function allows users to print to their local client. If the client does not meet the configuration requirements the printer will not load during the remote desktop session.

Requirements for Easy Print Function

To support Easy Print, the client must have Remote Desktop Connector 6.1 installed and be running .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 1 or later. Vista and Windows 7 support Easy Print by default. XP with Service Pack 3 and .NET Framework 3.5 will support Easy Print.

Workarounds for Terminal Printing

If you are not able to meet the configuration requirements to support Easy Print there are workarounds. Load the printer driver on both the local client and Terminal Server. Confirm you installed all network printer drivers on the server. This will allow the client to load their printer when they connect. You can additionally, create a custom printer mapping file on the Terminal Server that houses both local and network print drivers.

References

• Microsoft: Best Practices for Installing and Using Printer Drivers With Windows 2000 Terminal Services
• Microsoft: Terminal Services Printing