Parallels RAS Improves and Simplifies RDP Printer Redirection Issues
Last updated on August 3, 2022
RDP printer redirection is a big challenge for any IT administrator working in a Virtual Client Computing (VCC) environment. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) allows employees to use local printers with its out-of-the-box universal printing feature—without any configuration. User expectations are met quickly, resulting in fewer Service Desk calls.
How RDP Printer Redirection Works
You may use remote desktop printer redirection to utilize your local printer in a remote setting. Additionally, it enables you to use your local printer during a remote session. Although it’s a useful service, managing it may be incredibly challenging. Connecting local printers to a virtual environment is challenging for most IT professionals. You must be aware of the cloud’s many advantages if you’ve utilized it.
The cloud is intended to save IT costs, simplify infrastructure management, and increase security for your company. The cloud keeps becoming more alluring because of the frequent introduction of new and enhanced technologies. One such innovation is the redirection of remote desktop printers.
During printer redirection, the server gathers a list of local client printers at the beginning of the RDP session. A print queue is then established. The local client checks the server for suitable print drivers as print jobs enter that queue.
Printing Redirection Challenges with Virtual Applications
“With Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services, RDP printer redirection problems might be the most common issue end users encounter.” Brien Posey.
In order for employees to use local printers, IT administrators need to install related drivers on the server since virtual applications and desktop sessions are hosted there. When an organization has numerous printers, updating drivers and keeping local printers working is incredibly time-consuming for the IT administrator.
A common workaround is for IT administrators to map client printer drivers with a driver installed on the server. While it works for certain printers, some need exact drivers.
To overcome this challenge, Microsoft introduced a feature called Easy Print in Remote Desktop Services. Easy Print helps IT administrators to create a mapping for the client printer driver on the server. However, this solution presents several limitations: it may not work when a printer needs a dedicated driver, and this solution doesn’t address all printing problems.
In his “Five reasons printer redirection causes Windows printing problems in RDS” blog post, Brien Posey identifies a few reasons local printers may fail to work.
- Terminal Services is running on a domain controller
- Printer redirection isn’t configured correctly
- The printer driver is missing
- The user doesn’t have permission to print
- Printer redirection client requirements haven’t been met
How Parallels RAS Simplifies RDP Printer Redirection
Parallels RAS offers various features that enable administrators to successfully integrate printing in almost every possible deployment scenario. By choosing the most appropriate printing configuration for their organization, IT administrators can significantly improve and simplify the user experience of printing.
Parallels RAS universal printing redirection sets printer defaults on the server side according to printer settings on a local computer or mobile device. To be universal, Parallels RAS universal printing substitutes the native printer preferences with its own, which contain a common set of configuration parameters such as page layout, paper size, collate, duplex, color, paper tray, and print quality. It even supports RDP USB Direction.
With Parallels RAS, it’s possible to print from any device, from anywhere. Sign in and try it today with a 30-day free trial.
