How to disable printer redirection on Windows Server 2008 or a Windows Server 2008 R2 print server.

Applies to:

Windows Server 2008

Windows Server 2008 R2

Problem description:

You may notice that when RDP’ing into the Print Server, you are having print drivers being installed that were installed on the client (workstation or laptop).

This could be due to the RDP (RDS/TS) printer redirection being enabled.

Note: In Windows Server 2003, if you were running as a Print Server, it was easy to disable print redirection by going to “Administrative Tools > Terminal Services”.

Since Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, have roles, the MMC to disable Remote Desktop (Terminal Services) print redirection is not installed by default. And you don’t want to enable the role to disable TS printer redirection.

Recommendation:

GPO or GPEdit.msc (Local policy)

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Printer Redirection > Do not allow client printer redirection

Via the registry key:

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services

fDisableCpm set to 1

Another alternative is to install the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 on your Windows 7 SP1 client.

Administrative Tools > Terminal Services > Terminal Services Configuration
Right click on RDP-TCP
Click on Properties

Under "Client Settings" tab
Under "Redirection - Disable the following"
Check the "Windows Printer"

For more information:

Printer Redirection
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee791784(WS.10).aspx

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc738800(WS.10).aspx