Configure printing and Universal Print

Configuring and operating printing in Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is an essential aspect of managing a virtual desktop environment. With the introduction of Universal Print, organizations can streamline their printing infrastructure by enabling users to print easily from their virtual desktops. In this article, we will explore how to configure printing and leverage Universal Print in Azure Virtual Desktop.

Setting up Printing in Azure Virtual Desktop:

1. Create a Windows Virtual Desktop deployment:
• Follow the Microsoft documentation to create and configure a Windows Virtual Desktop deployment. Ensure that you have the required resources such as virtual machines, networks, and Active Directory (AD) integration in place.
2. Provision a Printer:
• Add a printer to your Azure environment, either by connecting a physical printer to a local machine or using a virtual printer. Ensure that the printer is accessible from within the Azure environment.
3. Install Printer Drivers:
• To enable printing, install the necessary printer drivers on the virtual machines that will be used as session hosts. These drivers should match the printer model and version you intend to use.
4. Configure Group Policy:
• Use Group Policy to manage printer settings and preferences for users. You can define policies to control default printers, printer access, and other printing-related configurations. Apply the Group Policy to the Organizational Unit (OU) containing the virtual desktops.
5. Test Printing:
• Log in to a virtual desktop session and test printing functionality by sending a print job to the provisioned printer. Ensure that the print job is being successfully sent to the printer and that the output is as expected.

Configuring Universal Print in Azure Virtual Desktop:

1. Set up Universal Print Connector:
• The Universal Print Connector is responsible for connecting on-premises printers to the Universal Print service. Install the Universal Print Connector on a server located within your organization’s network, and register it with Universal Print.
2. Connect Printers to Universal Print:
• Use the Azure portal to connect the printers to the Universal Print service. Provide the necessary details such as printer name, manufacturer, and model. Map the physical printers to the corresponding Azure virtual printers.
3. Assign Printers to Users or Groups:
• Assign printers to specific users or groups to control access and availability based on user roles or departments. This ensures that users only see the printers they need and minimizes confusion.
4. Enable Universal Print in Azure Virtual Desktop:
• Enable Universal Print within Azure Virtual Desktop by navigating to the Windows Virtual Desktop settings in the Azure portal. Connect the session hosts to the Universal Print service, and configure necessary authentication methods, such as Azure AD.
5. Test Printing with Universal Print:
• After enabling Universal Print, test printing from a virtual desktop session. Ensure that the printers assigned to the user or group are visible and that print jobs are being successfully sent to the intended printer.

Conclusion:

Configuring printing in Azure Virtual Desktop is an important aspect of providing a complete virtual desktop experience to users. By leveraging Universal Print, organizations can simplify print management and enhance printing capabilities within their virtual desktop environment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully configure printing and take advantage of Universal Print in Azure Virtual Desktop.