====== Parallels RAS Printing ======

See also **[[quick_guide:ras_client_print_up|Parallels RAS Universal Printing]]**

**Managing Universal Printing**: https://kb.parallels.com/en/123643

**Print Performance**: https://kb.parallels.com/en/123476

**Duplex Printing**: https://kb.parallels.com/en/124397

**Collect Troubleshooting Info**: https://kb.parallels.com/en/123857

**Collect Printing Info**: https://kb.parallels.com/en/124314

**QoS**: https://kb.parallels.com/en/123483

<note tip>Surprising to most, **printing is a support-intensive subject** in shared printer environments.  If you have come here due to printing problems, **you are not alone**.</note>

<note>Client default printer setting can be controlled by Parallels RAS Policy.</note>

<note>Test this: Client default printer preferences can be set on the printer server printer preferences.</note>

===== Remote Printing Technologies =====

Remote printing generally works by redirecting printer data from a 'remote session' to a 'local printer'.  The **remote session** is usually a Remote Desktop (RDP) session.  The **local printer** is usually a printer connected to the the Remote Desktop client PC or device.

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) provides their **Universal Printer** technology, which works pretty well.  However, we have not found it to be perfect.  This method seeks to eliminate the need to install printer drivers on the server in order to support client printers.

Microsoft includes their **Printing Redirection** technology, which is generally very good, but requires the printer driver (of the remote printer) to be installed on the server.  This can be **very** problematic, depending on the printer.  However, **Microsoft now includes a great many printer drivers with modern Windows** operating systems which really helps avoid printer driver problems.

===== Change Your RAS Client Printing Technology =====

<note warning>If you are unable to change client settings (grayed out), it is probably due to a **RAS Client Policy** being applied.  Please **contact your system administrator**.</note>

==== To Microsoft Basic Redirection ====

  - Open your **Parallels RAS Client** by double-clicking the System Tray icon
  - **Right-click** the desired **connection profile** on the left and **choose Connection Properties**
  - Click on the **Printing tab**
  - Change the **Technology** to **Microsoft Basic** Redirection
  - Change the **Default Printer** to your desired local printer
  - Click **Save**

{{:quick_guide:rdp_print_01.png?direct&300|Open the RAS client by double-clicking the System Tray icon}}

{{:quick_guide:rdp_print_02.png?direct&500|Right-click the connection profile on the left}}

{{:quick_guide:rdp_print_03.png?direct&500|and choose Connection Properties}}

{{:quick_guide:rdp_print_04.png?direct&400|Change to the Printing tab and adjust}}