VMware allows you to use virtual machines while still accessing hardware devices from your host system, including printers. This is especially useful in work environments where you need to print documents from a virtual machine running Windows or Linux. However, some users encounter issues where the VMware printer is not working, not detected, or fails to print from the virtual machine.
This issue can occur due to problems with VMware Tools, printer redirection settings, driver incompatibility, or misconfigured sharing between the host and guest operating systems. In some cases, the printer may work on the host system but not inside the virtual machine.
Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this issue and restore printer functionality in VMware. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to fix VMware printer not working.
How to Fix VMware Printer Not Working
Follow the solutions below to resolve printer issues in VMware virtual machines.
1. Install or Update VMware Tools
VMware Tools is required for proper device integration, including printer redirection.
- Open your virtual machine in VMware.
- Click VM in the top menu.
- Select Install VMware Tools or Reinstall VMware Tools.
- Open the virtual machine’s file explorer.
- Run the VMware Tools installer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart the virtual machine after installation.
VMware Tools enables communication between the host and guest systems.
2. Enable Printer Sharing in VMware Settings
Printer redirection must be enabled for the virtual machine.
- Power off the virtual machine.
- Open VMware settings for the VM.
- Go to the Options tab.
- Select Guest Isolation.
- Ensure options like Enable copy and paste and device sharing are enabled.
- Go to Hardware settings.
- Add or verify the presence of a Printer device.
- Start the virtual machine.
This ensures the printer is accessible inside the VM.
3. Check Host Printer Functionality
Ensure the printer works correctly on the host system.
- Try printing a test page from the host OS.
- Confirm that the printer is properly installed.
- Update the printer drivers if necessary.
- Restart the printer and the host computer.
If the printer does not work on the host, it will not work in VMware.
4. Install Printer Drivers in the Virtual Machine
The guest OS may require its own printer drivers.
- Open the virtual machine.
- Go to Settings > Devices > Printers.
- Add a new printer.
- Install the correct printer drivers for the guest OS.
- Complete the setup.
Drivers inside the VM are required for proper printing functionality.
5. Enable Network Printer Sharing
If direct printer redirection does not work, you can share the printer over the network.
- On the host system, open Control Panel.
- Go to Devices and Printers.
- Right-click your printer.
- Select Printer properties.
- Go to the Sharing tab.
- Enable Share this printer.
- Note the network path.
- In the virtual machine, add a printer using the shared path.
This allows the VM to access the printer via the network.
6. Restart VMware Services
Sometimes VMware services may not function correctly.
- Close VMware completely.
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Locate VMware services (such as VMware USB Arbitration Service).
- Right-click each service and select Restart.
- Reopen VMware and start the virtual machine.
Restarting services can resolve communication issues.
7. Update VMware Workstation or Player
Using an outdated VMware version may cause compatibility issues.
- Open VMware Workstation or Player.
- Check for updates in the Help menu.
- Download and install the latest version.
- Restart your computer after updating.
Updates often fix bugs related to device redirection.
Conclusion
Printer issues in VMware can prevent you from printing documents from a virtual machine, even if the printer works correctly on the host system. These problems are often caused by missing VMware Tools, disabled printer sharing, driver issues, or misconfigured settings.
By installing VMware Tools, enabling printer sharing, verifying host printer functionality, installing drivers in the virtual machine, using network printer sharing, restarting VMware services, and updating VMware software, you can resolve most printer-related issues and restore printing functionality in your VMware environment.
