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simp513's avatar
simp513
Copper Contributor
Nov 06, 2026

Server 2016 Domain member server Policy in effect prevents connecting to print queue

I have server 2016 member server (terminal server). Cannot add shared printers, get "A policy is in effect on your computer which prevents you from connecting to this print queue" I have check added ...
windows server
hasanemresatilmis's avatar
hasanemresatilmis
MCT
Nov 06, 2026

Hello simp513​ ,

Since August 2021, Microsoft has defaulted to restricting only administrators from installing printer drivers. The key to resolving this issue lies in the RestrictDriverInstallationToAdministrators registry value, which may not be in the same location as the traditional Point and Print restrictions you modified.

Please check or modify the following registry key on this Windows Server 2016 terminal server:

 

Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Printers\PointAndPrint

Value name: RestrictDriverInstallationToAdministrators

Type: REG_DWORD

Value data: Set to 0

 

Key point: Setting it to 0 allows non-admin users to install print drivers from the print server; if it is 1 or the value doesn't exist (default state), it will block installation. After making the change, it's recommended to restart the Print Spooler service or restart the server to ensure it takes effect.