Windows 10: Issue with multiple printers installing from group policy.

We recently implemented a print server and have been deploying printers via group policy. We are running into an issue of it installing multiple copies of the same printer per user who logs into the PC. We have noticed this is only happening with certain models of Xerox printers VersaLink B7035 and AltaLink 8045/55 so we updated the drivers to the latest global print driver but this still is happening, so I don't think it is a driver issue.

:)

 

Setup blocked by group policy

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

We understand the concern as you are having difficulties in printing from your PC.
In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below:

• What is the Windows 10 Version and Build currently installed? (Type
  winver in Windows search/Run command)
  
• What is the make and model of the PC and printer?
  
• Is the PC connected to a domain/organization network?
  
• Are you aware of any changes on the PC prior to this issue?
  
• Does this happen only while adding or using the printer?
  
• How is the printer connected? (Wireless/Wired)
  

Meanwhile, we would suggest you to refer the steps as mentioned in this article:

Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows 10

If you are using Windows 10 Pro, the check the Group Policy.

1. Press Windows + R key to open Run command.
   
2. Type gpedit.msc and hit the
   Enter key.
   
3. Navigate to this location:
   Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.
   
   
4. Now look for
   Devices: Prevent users from installing printer drivers on the right pane.
   
5. Double click and set the policy value to
   Disabled, click OK.
   

Regards,

Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Group Policy and the Default Printer

I work at a library and we have computers for our patrons. I have manually installed 2 local printers, "a" and "b", on these public computers. They both use LPT1 as their port and they are not shared.

I have created entries in Group Policy to delete unneeded printers, such as "Fax" and "Microsoft Print to PDF", on the public computers. I created these entries in Computer Configuration-Preferences-Control Panel Settings-Printers and these entries have
deleted the unneeded printers.

I simply want to use Group Policy to designate printer "a" as the default printer. I suppose that I should create an entry for "a" in User Configuration-Preferences-Control Panel Settings-Printers and use the "Update" action but I want to be sure.

How do I use Group Policy to designate a default printer?

 

GROUP POLICIES IN WINDOWS 10

You can change Group Policies by opening Group Policy Editor first. You can open it by following these steps:

• Log in an administrator account. If you are already logged in as an administrator, proceed to step 2.
  
• Press Windows + R to open Run.
• Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
  

After opening Group Policy Editor, you can now make the necessary changes that you want.

Should you have more concerns, feel free to post.

Regards.