In this blog post, I will provide information on how to check if your printer is Universal print ready. According to Microsoft, a printer that is Mopria‑certified and has updated firmware with built‑in Universal Print support is considered Universal Print ready. Such printers can register directly with the Universal Print service without requiring any additional hardware or software.
If a printer is not Universal Print ready, meaning it does not support the required protocols to register directly with the Universal Print service, it can still be registered using the Universal Print Connector app. This connector must be installed on a Windows computer that has direct network or USB access to the printer, allowing it to act as a bridge between the printer and the Universal Print service.
| Criteria | Universal Print Ready Printers | Not Universal Print Ready Printers |
|---|---|---|
| Connection to Universal Print | Direct registration with the Universal Print service | Registration via Universal Print Connector app |
| Certification | Mopria-certified with firmware supporting Universal Print | May not be Mopria-certified; lacks built-in Universal Print support |
| Additional Software/Hardware Required | None | Windows PC with Universal Print Connector installed |
| Printer Access Requirement | Printer can connect directly to the internet and Microsoft cloud | Connector PC must have direct network or USB access to the printer |
| Setup Effort | Quick setup directly from the printer | Additional configuration for connector installation and management |
| Best Suited For | Fully cloud-native, serverless printing environments | Using existing printers without replacing hardware |
Universal Print Ready Check
There are multiple ways to check if a printer is Universal Print ready. Let’s go through each method:
Check Microsoft’s Official Universal Print Ready Printers List
Microsoft maintains an up-to-date list of Universal Print ready printers on its documentation site. This list is regularly reviewed and updated. Follow the steps below to check if your printer is Universal Print ready:
- Visit the Universal Print ready printer list.
- Use the brand filters or search box to look for your printer’s exact make and model.
- If your model appears, it can connect directly to Universal Print.
Check Printer Manufacturer’s Documentation
Printer manufacturers regularly update printer firmware, which may include support for Universal Print. Check the printer documentation, user manual, or admin setup guides on the vendor’s website to confirm. When purchasing a new printer, review these documents to ensure it supports Universal Print.
- Look for sections like Cloud Printing, Universal Print, or Microsoft 365 Printing.
- If your printer supports it, the vendor will usually provide a setup or configuration guide.
- If it’s not listed, it likely needs the Universal Print Connector.
