Printer redirection not working via RDP to Azure VM

Hello Prof. Yaron Bar-Dayan,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum. 

The issue of local printers not redirecting to your Azure VM via RDP, despite correct client and VM settings, often stems from Azure-specific policies, driver mismatches, or session host configurations. First, verify that printer redirection isn’t blocked by Azure Network Security Groups (NSGs) while port 3389 is open, some NSGs may filter RDP traffic for peripheral redirection. Next, check if the Azure VM’s local Group Policy (gpedit.msc) enforces restrictions under: 

Computer Configuration --> Administrative Templates --> Windows Components --> Remote Desktop Services --> Remote Desktop Session Host --> Printer Redirection. Ensure policies like "Do not allow printer redirection" are disabled. 

If the VM is domain-joined, domain Group Policies may override local settings. Additionally, Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) or multi-session hosts require specific RDP properties (redirectprinters:i:1) in custom RDP files. For driver issues, test with universal drivers (e.g., "Microsoft enhanced Point and Print") or install the exact local printer driver on the VM. 

Lastly, restart the VM to apply policy changes and test with a basic RDP file (no Azure Bastion or third-party clients). If unresolved, review Azure Serial Console logs for redirection errors. 

If the above answer helped, please do not forget to "Accept Answer" as this may help other community members to refer the info if facing a similar issue. Your contribution to the Microsoft Q&A community is highly appreciated. 

Hi Prof. Yaron Bar-Dayan,

Make sure Group Policy must be correctly set to enable Remote Easy Print on the Server. The policy location is “Computer Configuration -> Administrative templates -Windows Components -> Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host -> Printer Redirection”. The setting “Use Remote Desktop Easy Print printer driver first” must be set to “Enabled” for Remote Easy Print redirection, and it has to be “Disabled” for Legacy Print. For “Not configured”, Easy Print is chosen by default.

If the policy mentioned is disabled, the Remote Sessions established will use the print driver set in the client machine as preference, the print jobs can be affected with issues such as slowness, graphics, and others since some drivers might not be functional under Remote Session configurations.

The preference is that whenever we use Print Redirection in Remote Desktop Sessions (RDP or full RDS environments) to use Remote Easy Print as it will process the print jobs easily.

The security settings for the Print Spooler service might be preventing printer redirection. You can check the security descriptor by running in PowerShell to see if the proper ACL (Access Control List) for authenticated users is present. If it's missing, you may need to add it back using the appropriate command.

C:\sc sdshow spooler

If your Azure environment configuration uses host pool RDP properties, double-check those settings. Ensure that printer redirection is not disabled. This is configured in the Azure portal under:

Azure Virtual Desktop > Host pools > [Your Host Pool] > RDP Properties > Device Redirection > Printer redirection.

Configure printer redirection over RDP

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-desktop/redirection-configure-printers?tabs=group-policy&pivots=azure-virtual-desktop

Printer redirection GPO settings

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/remote/printer-redirection-not-work

Make sure that any network security groups or firewall settings on the Azure VM allow for the traffic necessary for RDP and printer redirection.

If you found information helpful, please click "Upvote" on the post to let us know.

If you any further queries feel free to reach out us we are happy to assist you.

Thank You.