I'm trying to switch our printing setup from a per-user deployment to a per-computer deployment, and I could really use some help. Here's the situation: we're working in a hospital setting where multiple users log into the same workstation across different shifts. I need any user who logs into a specific PC to have access to print without assigning printers for each user. Our print server is on a virtual machine and is domain-joined, catering to roughly 300 domain-joined computers and 50 network printers.
I followed a guide for setting this up, but it focused on per-user deployments. When I tried to adapt it for per-computer by adding computer accounts to the printer security group in Active Directory, I still encountered a permissions error when allowed PCs attempt to print. I've also deployed the printer via the Computer Configuration in Group Policy, but it just doesn't work. Any idea what I'm missing or how I can troubleshoot this? Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
It sounds like you’re very close! Just make sure you include both the computer accounts *and* the users in the printer security group. The computer account handles deployment, but the user needs permissions to send print jobs. Try adding 'Domain Users' or 'Authenticated Users' to your printer security group along with the computer accounts; that should resolve the permissions error you're seeing.
Have you considered using an item-level targeting tool? I’ve created one that simplifies printer assignments. You can map printers based on Organizational Units, security groups, or even by hostname. This method runs under the user's context, ensuring the right printers are mapped and can remove ones no longer needed. I found the built-in GPO setup for printer deployments quite limiting, so this solution might fit your needs better. You can check it out on GitHub: https://github.com/AdamKearn/printermapper.
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