Universal Print is an ideal choice for businesses aiming to simplify print management. It moves print management to the cloud, incorporating modern authentication and Zero Trust principles. With its cloud infrastructure, ability to print from every app on every device, and robust security features, Universal Print sets a new standard in printing technology. Now, macOS support and “pull print” functionality makes Universal Print truly "universal."
Support for macOS: From preview to general availability by December 2024
With full support for Mac devices (Ventura 13.1 or later) within the Universal Print infrastructure, users can print from any Mac app using the native print dialog without having to install drivers. Administrators who were previously hesitant to adopt Universal Print because of a mixed Windows and Mac environment can now proceed knowing all of their employees are supported, regardless of operating system. This support capability becomes available immediately after enabling the feature in the Microsoft Azure Portal.
Getting started
A new Universal Print macOS app is now available in the App Store. After installing the app and signing in to a Universal Print eligible Microsoft Entra ID account, users can search for printers by name (e.g. "Building 8" or "Design Studio") or even narrow down a list of printers by location, then add relevant printers to their devices. After adding the printer, users can print from any application on their Mac as they are accustomed.
That's it – no learning curve!
Pull print functionality now in public preview: Introducing Universal Print anywhere
Universal Print anywhere, the feature commonly known as “pull print,” enables users to print from anywhere and securely release their jobs to any printer in the organization. Building on the existing secure release with QR code functionality (enabled with the Microsoft 365 mobile app), users can print without having to choose a printer in advance. Users simply print, then authenticate themselves at the printer of their choice and securely retrieve their print jobs. This ensures that confidential documents aren't left on the printer for unauthorized viewing, and it minimizes toner and paper waste from uncollected print jobs.
This update also introduces a feature allowing administrators to configure print options for a Universal Print anywhere printer share. End users will only be able to view the options that have been selected by the administrator for even greater IT control.
How it works
The overall deployment architecture remains the same as before. Printers are registered to Universal Print directly or through the Universal Print connector. When the printers are registered, administrators will configure the secure release option for each printer they need to include. Universal Print anywhere also allows admins to set an organizational hierarchy location to provide a common end-user printer discovery experience, admin asset tracking, and print option management. Universal Print anywhere even allows printer original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate their badge release technologies to securely release print jobs at the printer.
With the added support for MacOS endpoints and an easy-to-use pull print functionality, employees can securely and conveniently print on any corporate printer from anywhere and from any device.
Share your thoughts
We'd love to hear about your experience with the public preview of Universal Print for macOS as well as how your organization is taking advantage of Universal Print anywhere. Your input really does guide our future investments. Please share your ideas and feature requests with us, start discussions in the Universal Print Tech Community, and leave a review in the App Store.
Additional resources
- Microsoft Ignite online session: Print from anywhere – literally (OD814)
- Self-paced guided tour: Get to know Universal Print
- Universal Print documentation
Hear more about what's new with Windows and Windows 365
Bookmark our guide to Windows at Microsoft Ignite 2024, then dive into the Microsoft Ignite announcements that reinforce our commitment to getting you and your organization future-ready:
- Windows 365 Link—the first Cloud PC device for Windows 365
- New AI experiences transform productivity on Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs
- Hotpatch for client comes to Windows 11 Enterprise
- Elevate security in Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop
- Streamlined, AI-powered update management: Windows Autopatch
- Two new features make Universal Print truly "universal"
- Administrator protection on Windows 11
Continue the conversation. Find best practices. Bookmark the Windows Tech Community, then follow us on LinkedIn or @MSWindowsITPro for updates. Looking for support? Visit Windows on Microsoft Q&A.
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