How to Print in VMware ESX

VMware ESX is a free server virtualization product. The Workstation versions of VMware include a Printer pass-through feature, allowing the virtual machine to seamlessly use the host computer's printer. ESX does not include this feature. However, the same effect can be achieved using a private network between the guest and host computer. The host computer can share its printer on the network, which is then accessed by the virtual machine like any other network printer.

Instructions

Create a Host-Only Network

1. Open the "Start" menu, then the "VMware" folder, and run "vCenter Access."

2. Right-click the virtual machine in the "VM List" and select "Change Settings."

3. Click "Network Adapters," then click "Add."

4. Click the "Type" drop-down menu and select "Host-only." This automatically creates a virtual network, accessible only to the virtual machine and the host computer. Click "OK" to close the virtual machine settings window.

Share the Host Printer

1. Open the "Start" menu, then click "Control Panel."

2. Click the "Hardware and Sound" link, then the "Devices and Printers" link at the top of the window.

3. Right-click the printer you want to share with the virtual machine, and click "Printer Properties."

4. Click the "Share this printer" option in the "Sharing" tab.

5. Enter a name for the printer, this name will appear on the virtual network. Click "OK."

Adding the Host Printer

1. Open the "Start" menu, then the "VMware" folder, and run "vCenter Access."

2. Click the virtual machine in the "VM List" and click "Start."

3. Log in to the virtual machine using an administrative account.

4. Add the remote printer. In Windows, click the "Add a printer" option in the printer section of the Control Panel. Select the "Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer" option and follow the prompts. In Ubuntu Linux, open the "Printing" utility in the "Administration" folder of the "System" menu. Click "Add" and select the "LPD/LPR Host or Printer" option and follow the prompts. In Fedora or Red Hat Linux, open the "Printing" utility in the "Administration" folder of the "System" menu. Click "Server," then the "Connect" option, and follow the prompts. For other operating systems and versions of Linux, please consult your operating system manual.

Tips & Warnings

• The virtual machine can connect to any network printer the host system has access to. Use the same method, but connect to the remote printer instead of the host's shared printer, and there's no need to create the host-only network.

References

• VMware Support: VMware vSphere 4.1 Documentation - Virtual Machine Administration Guide