Unable to print on the windows app (Remote Desktop) from my iMac

Hello Rachel ,

I understand your frustration with the printing issue in Windows App (Remote Desktop) on your iMac running macOS Tahoe 26. This is actually a known issue that affects many users, particularly after macOS updates. Here are several solutions:

Solution 1: Enable Local Network Permissions (Most Common Fix)

The most frequent cause of this issue is that the Windows App doesn't have permission to access your local network, which is required for printer redirection:

1. Open System Settings on your iMac
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security → Local Network
3. Look for "Microsoft Remote Desktop" in the list
4. Ensure the toggle is enabled for this app
5. If it's not listed, you may need to add it manually

This single step has resolved the printing issue for many users after macOS updates, including those running macOS Sequoia and similar versions.

Solution 2: Verify Printer Redirection Settings

Make sure printer redirection is properly configured in the Windows App:

1. Open the Windows App (Remote Desktop)
2. Find your remote connection and click the ellipsis (...) next to it
3. Select Edit
4. Go to the Devices & Audio tab
5. Under the Redirect section, ensure Printers is checked
6. Click Save and reconnect to your remote session

Solution 3: Update the Windows App

Ensure you're running the latest version of the Windows App:

1. Open the App Store on your iMac
2. Click Updates in the sidebar
3. Look for any available updates for "Microsoft Remote Desktop"
4. Install any pending updates

Recent versions have addressed various printing-related issues, particularly those that emerged after macOS system updates.

Solution 4: Alternative Remote Desktop Client

If the Windows App continues to have issues, try the built-in Remote Desktop Connection:

1. Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight
2. Type "mstsc" and press Enter
3. Configure your connection with printer redirection enabled
4. Some users report better printer compatibility with this client

Solution 5: Check Printer Driver Compatibility

Ensure your printer drivers are compatible with your current macOS version:

1. Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners
2. Verify your printer appears and shows as "Ready"
3. If needed, update your printer drivers through the manufacturer's website
4. Test printing from a local application to confirm the printer works

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If the above solutions don't resolve the issue:

1. Restart both applications: Close the Windows App completely and restart it
2. Restart the remote session: Disconnect and reconnect to your remote desktop
3. Check firewall settings: Ensure no firewall rules are blocking the connection
4. Try a different printer: If you have access to another printer, test if the issue is printer-specific

If none of these solutions work, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support directly : https://support.serviceshub.microsoft.com/supportforbusiness/onboarding?origin=/supportforbusiness/…

Hope this helps resolve your printing issue!