VMware Printer is Not Working: How to Fix

When printing fails in VMware, the issue usually lies in how the host system communicates with the guest operating system. VMware does not directly control printers but uses features like printer redirection or network sharing to make printers accessible inside the virtual machine.

The problem can occur due to several reasons. One of the most common causes is missing or outdated VMware Tools, which are required for proper integration between host and guest systems. Another issue may arise if the printer drivers are not installed correctly inside the virtual machine.

Sometimes, the issue is related to the Print Spooler service, which manages print jobs. If this service stops or becomes unresponsive, printing will fail. In other cases, incorrect USB settings or disabled printer sharing in VMware configuration may prevent the printer from being detected.

So it be, let’s resolve it!

VMware Printer is Not Working: How to Fix

If your VMware printer is not working, you can fix it by enabling printer sharing in VMware settings, installing VMware Tools, ensuring proper driver installation in the guest OS, restarting print spooler services, and checking network or USB printer connections.

Step 1: Ensure VMware Tools is installed and updated.

The first and most important step is to check whether VMware Tools is installed in your virtual machine. This tool provides essential drivers and features that allow the guest OS to communicate with the host system.

Without VMware Tools, printer sharing and many other functions will not work properly.

Open your virtual machine and look for the VMware Tools option in the menu. If it is not installed, you will need to install it manually. Select the option to install VMware Tools and follow the on-screen instructions.

If it is already installed, make sure it is updated to the latest version. Outdated tools can cause compatibility issues, especially after system updates.

Restart the virtual machine after installation or update to ensure changes take effect.

Step 2: Enable Printer Sharing in VMware Settings

The next step is to verify that printer sharing is enabled in VMware settings.

Open VMware and select your virtual machine. Go to the settings section and locate the Hardware tab. Look for the printer or USB controller settings.

Ensure that printer sharing is enabled and properly configured. If you are using a USB printer, make sure the USB device is connected to the virtual machine and not just the host system.

In some cases, you may need to manually connect the printer from the VMware menu by selecting removable devices and choosing your printer.

Once done, restart the virtual machine and try printing again.

Step 3: Install or Update Printer Drivers in Guest OS

Even if the printer works on your host system, it still requires proper drivers inside the virtual machine.

Open the guest operating system and go to the printer settings. Check whether your printer is listed. If not, you will need to add it manually.

Download the latest printer drivers from the manufacturer’s website and install them in the virtual machine. Make sure you choose drivers compatible with the guest OS version.

After installation, set the printer as the default and perform a test print to confirm it is working correctly.

Step 4: Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service plays a critical role in managing print jobs. If this service is stopped or malfunctions, printing will not work.

Open the Services window in your guest operating system. Locate the Print Spooler service and check its status.

If it is stopped, start it. If it is running, restart it to refresh the service.

This simple step often resolves temporary glitches and allows the printer to function normally again.

Step 5: Check USB Controller Settings

If you are using a USB printer, the issue may be related to USB controller configuration in VMware.

Go to the virtual machine settings and locate the USB controller section. Ensure it is enabled and compatible with your system.

Try disconnecting and reconnecting the printer. You can also switch between USB compatibility modes if available.

After making changes, restart the virtual machine and check if the printer is detected.

Step 6: Verify Network Printer Configuration

For network printers, proper network configuration is essential.

Ensure that both the host and guest operating systems are connected to the same network. Check the IP address of the printer and verify that it is accessible from the virtual machine.

Add the printer using its network IP address in the guest OS. This method often works better than automatic detection.

Also, ensure that firewall settings are not blocking printer communication.

Step 7: Update VMware Software

Sometimes, the issue may be caused by bugs or compatibility problems in the VMware application itself.

Check for updates and install the latest version of VMware. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve printing issues.

After updating, restart your system and test the printer again.

Step 8: Check Host Printer Functionality

Before troubleshooting further, confirm that the printer is working properly on the host machine.

If the printer does not work on the host, it will not work in VMware either. Fix any issues on the host system first, such as driver problems or connectivity issues.

Once the printer is functioning correctly on the host, reconnect it to the virtual machine.

Step 9: Disable Conflicting Applications

Some applications or services may interfere with printer communication.

Temporarily disable antivirus software or firewall programs and check if the issue is resolved. If printing works after disabling them, adjust the settings to allow printer access.

Make sure to re-enable security software after testing.

Step 10: Reinstall the Printer

If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling the printer in the guest operating system.

Remove the existing printer and its drivers completely. Restart the virtual machine and install the printer again from scratch.

This step helps eliminate corrupted configurations and ensures a clean setup.

FAQs

Why is my printer not showing in VMware?

This usually happens due to disabled printer sharing, missing VMware Tools, or incorrect USB or network settings.

Do I need VMware Tools for printing

Yes, VMware Tools is essential for enabling communication between host and guest systems, including printer functionality.

Can I use a network printer in VMware?

Yes, network printers can be used by connecting both host and guest systems to the same network and adding the printer via IP address.

What should I do if the print spooler keeps stopping

Restart the Print Spooler service and check for system errors or corrupted drivers that may be causing the issue.

Why does my USB printer not connect to VMware?

This may be due to incorrect USB settings or the printer being connected only to the host system instead of the virtual machine.