Discover how to print to local printer from remote desktop with our step-by-step guide. Learn printer setup, troubleshooting tips, performance optimization, and secure alternatives like AnyViewer for seamless remote work.
Remote work has transformed the way businesses operate, allowing employees to access their office computers and files from virtually anywhere. However, one common challenge that many remote workers face is printing. Whether you're working on sensitive contracts, client invoices, or internal reports, being able to print to local printer from remote desktop is essential for productivity.
The problem? Printing from a remote desktop session isn't always straightforward. Many users struggle with issues like missing printer drivers, printer not showing up in the session, or print jobs taking far too long to complete. These frustrations can quickly slow down workflow and cause unnecessary delays.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about printing to a local printer from a remote desktop. From setup instructions and troubleshooting tips to advanced options and future trends, you'll learn how to make your printing process smooth, efficient, and secure.
Before diving into the step-by-step setup, it's important to understand what remote desktop printing actually is and how it differs from traditional local printing.
Remote desktop printing allows you to use a local printer while connected to a remote desktop session. This means that even if you're logged into a work computer located miles away, you can still send documents to your home or office printer as if you were sitting right next to it. Many users specifically look for guides on how to print to local printer from remote desktop Windows 10 or Windows 11 to ensure compatibility with their systems.
The main difference between local and remote printing is how the print jobs are handled. In local printing, the application directly communicates with the printer driver installed on your computer. But in remote printing, the request travels from your remote session, through the network, and then gets redirected to your local device where the printer is physically connected.
This process requires careful synchronization of drivers, network settings, and remote desktop configurations. When done correctly, it creates a seamless bridge between remote and local environments, making it possible to work from anywhere without losing access to critical printing capabilities.
To successfully print from a remote desktop to a local printer, a few prerequisites must be in place. Skipping these requirements often leads to printer redirection issues or incomplete print jobs.
Remote printing depends heavily on stable and secure connections. Some essential considerations include:
Meeting these requirements ensures that your local printer can communicate effectively with the remote desktop session, reducing the chances of printing errors or connection drops.
One of the most critical steps in enabling remote desktop printing is configuring the local printer correctly. Whether you are trying to print to local printer from remote desktop Windows 10 or Windows 11, enabling printer redirection is key.
Printer redirection is the feature that allows your local printers to appear in the remote desktop session. To enable it:
Step 1. Open the Remote Desktop Connection client on your computer.
Step 2. Click on Show Options >Local Resources tab.
Step 3. Under "Local devices and resources," check the box next to Printers.
Step 4. Save the settings and reconnect to your remote desktop.
Once configured, your local printers should automatically appear in the remote session's printer list.
Printer drivers play a major role in ensuring compatibility. If the remote system does not have the right driver installed, the printer may not function correctly. To avoid this issue:
Getting this setup right ensures that your local printer can seamlessly work with your remote desktop environment without extra headaches.
Now that the setup and requirements are clear, let's walk through the actual process of printing to your local printer from a remote desktop. This step-by-step method works for users who want to print to local printer from remote desktop Windows 10 as well as those on Windows 11.
Step 1. On your local computer, open the Remote Desktop Connection tool.
Step 2. Click on Show Options and navigate to the Local Resources tab.
Step 3. Under "Local devices and resources," select Printers and click Connect.
Step 4. Log in to your remote desktop session.
Step 5. Once inside, go to the Printers and Devices section of the remote machine. You should see your local printer listed there.
Step 1. Open the document you want to print on the remote desktop.
Step 2. Press Ctrl + P or select Print from the application menu.
Step 3. Choose your redirected local printer from the list. It often shows up with the tag (Redirected) next to its name.
Step 4. Adjust settings such as page size, orientation, and copies.
Step 5. Hit Print: the job will be sent to your local printer, even though you're working in a remote session.
This setup allows you to print seamlessly from anywhere, eliminating the need to transfer files back and forth between devices.
Even after setting up everything correctly, many users still encounter issues when trying to print from a remote desktop session. These issues can stem from driver mismatches, network instability, or even small configuration mistakes. Let's break down the most common problems and their solutions.
One of the most frequent issues is that the printer doesn't appear in the remote desktop session. This usually happens if printer redirection is disabled or blocked. To fix this:
Another common problem is when the remote desktop session cannot recognize the printer due to incompatible or missing drivers. Solutions include:
Printing over a remote session can sometimes be painfully slow, especially when handling large files. Here's how to optimize performance:
By troubleshooting these common issues, you can ensure smooth and efficient printing without interruptions.
Sometimes, remote desktop printing may not be the most efficient solution, especially if your team works across multiple locations. Cloud printing alternatives can provide greater flexibility.
Although Google Cloud Print was discontinued, several alternatives have stepped in:
Several third-party tools offer enhanced remote printing capabilities:
Cloud printing ensures that employees can send print jobs securely, even if they are not logged into a remote desktop session, making it perfect for hybrid and global teams.
Security is one of the most overlooked aspects of remote printing. Since print jobs may contain sensitive company data, it's important to implement safeguards.
By following these security measures, companies can ensure that their remote printing setup is not only functional but also compliant with data protection standards.
Remote desktop printing isn't limited to Windows-to-Windows setups. With the rise of hybrid work, many people use macOS or Linux systems alongside Windows servers.
This is the most common setup and typically works smoothly with Easy Print. However, driver consistency remains crucial for error-free printing.
If you're connecting from a Mac:
Linux users can use RDP clients like Remmina or rdesktop to connect. To enable printing:
With the right setup, printing across different OS environments can be just as seamless as native Windows printing.
Printing through a remote desktop session can sometimes feel sluggish, especially when handling large documents or graphics-heavy files. Optimizing performance is key to ensuring that your workflow isn't interrupted by long waits or incomplete print jobs.
Large print files can clog the network and slow down the printing process. To reduce job size:
Print management tools like ThinPrint or Printix compress print jobs before sending them through the network, drastically improving performance.
With these optimizations, remote desktop printing becomes faster, more efficient, and less prone to network congestion.
Many people wonder why they should even bother setting up remote desktop printing when they could just email files or transfer them. The truth is, remote printing has several unique advantages that make it a valuable tool.
Employees can access documents, edit them, and print directly to their local printer without moving files around. This saves time and eliminates the risk of errors caused by file transfers.
Remote printing allows users to work from anywhere while maintaining access to essential office resources. For example, an employee working from home can print a confidential report directly to their home printer instead of emailing it to themselves.
When remote workers can print from their sessions, teams can collaborate without delays. Documents can be printed for in-person meetings even if the editor is miles away.
This streamlined approach helps businesses maintain productivity, especially in hybrid or fully remote work environments.
While remote desktop printing is essential for many users, sometimes you may need more than just printing capabilities. For instance, you might want to securely transfer files, access your office PC from anywhere, or provide remote support. This is where AnyViewer comes in.
AnyViewer is a powerful remote access software designed for seamless connectivity between devices. Although it doesn't support remote printing directly, it offers a range of features that make remote work easier and more secure:
If your workflow requires more flexibility beyond printing, AnyViewer can be the perfect complement. You can transfer the files you need locally and print them directly, while still benefiting from a secure and user-friendly remote access experience.
Mastering how to print to local printer from remote desktop Windows 10 or Windows 11 ensures a smooth workflow, reduces delays, and enhances productivity. From enabling printer redirection to using advanced solutions like Easy Print and cloud-based printing, there are multiple ways to make remote printing work smoothly.
Businesses benefit by ensuring their remote workforce can stay productive without interruptions. IT admins gain control and security, while end-users enjoy the convenience of printing locally no matter where they are logged in.
As remote work continues to grow, mastering remote desktop printing isn't just a technical necessity—it's a key productivity tool. By optimizing performance, securing print jobs, and adopting future-ready solutions, you can transform printing from a hassle into a seamless part of your remote workflow.
1. Why is my local printer not showing in Remote Desktop?
This usually happens when printer redirection is disabled. Check your RDP settings and ensure that "Printers"is selected under local devices and resources.
2. Do I need to install printer drivers on the remote computer?
Not always. With Microsoft's Easy Print, you don't need to install drivers on the remote computer. However, in some cases, matching drivers may be required.
3. Can I print to a wireless printer from Remote Desktop?
Yes, as long as the printer is configured on your local machine. Once added, it can be redirected into the remote desktop session.
4. How can I speed up printing from Remote Desktop?
Use file compression, print in draft mode, and ensure you have a stable internet connection. Third-party print management tools can also improve performance.
5. Is remote desktop printing secure?
Yes, if configured properly with VPNs, encryption, and secure print queues. Businesses should also enable role-based access control for added protection.