Microsoft Universal Print
microsoft.com
What it is
Microsoft Universal Print is a cloud printing service for organizations committed to the Microsoft 365 cloud. It replaces print servers with cloud-managed printer access, allowing users to print over the internet. Printing is built into supported Windows versions, without extra endpoint software or printer drivers. On macOS, printing from native applications requires the Universal Print app; in OneDrive and Excel on the web, users can choose a printer without setup or installation.
Administrators can manage printers in Azure Portal, automate tasks with PowerShell, and deploy printers with Intune. The service supports IPP and Microsoft Graph API capabilities. Its security features include Microsoft Entra ID users and groups, HTTPS, X.509-backed printer device objects, and modern authentication for Zero Trust deployments. QR code secure release can hold jobs until users retrieve them. Printers without native protocol support need a connector on a Windows computer. Each document counts as one job, regardless of pages or copies, and eligible licenses contribute to a shared monthly tenant pool. Listed capacity add-ons start at $25 a month for 500 jobs; no free plan is offered.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- Universal Print is a cloud printing service that replaces print servers with Microsoft cloud printing and lets users access printers over the internet.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- API
- Universal Print supports the IPP infrastructure protocol and provides Microsoft Graph API capabilities.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- Security
- The service supports Microsoft Entra ID users and security groups, HTTPS communications, X.509-backed printer device objects, and modern authentication for Zero Trust deployments.Read 4 Oct 2026 · microsoft.com
- Support
- Microsoft's FAQ directs customers to Universal Print documentation and says customers can contact support if access remains unavailable after licensing and a 24-hour wait.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- Data handling
- Microsoft says Universal Print stores print data in the same manner as other Microsoft 365 data, under Microsoft 365 data management guidelines.Read 4 Oct 2026 · microsoft.com
- Government availability
- Microsoft says Universal Print is FedRAMP certified and available to government customers.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- macOS printing
- Users can print from macOS applications with native printing support after installing the Universal Print app.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- Management integrations
- Administrators can manage printers through Azure Portal, automate print management with PowerShell, and deploy printers with Intune.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- Printer compatibility
- Printers without native Universal Print protocol support require a connector, which can run on a Windows computer where the printers are installed.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- Secure release
- QR code secure release can hold print jobs until the user releases them, helping protect document privacy and reduce uncollected print jobs.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- Usage limits
- A printed document counts as one job regardless of its pages or copies, and each eligible license contributes to a shared monthly tenant pool.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- Web printing
- Universal Print is available in OneDrive and Excel on the web, where users can select a printer without setup or installation.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- Who it is for
- Microsoft describes Universal Print as a service for organizations committed to the Microsoft 365 cloud.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
- Windows printing
- Universal Print is built into Windows and works without extra endpoint software or printer drivers on supported Windows versions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Plans and prices
Universal Print volume add-on — 500 jobs $25 a month Charged monthly with an annual commitment 500 jobs Read 20 Sep 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Universal Print Additional Capacity — 10,000 jobs $300 a month Charged monthly with an annual commitment 10,000 jobs Read 20 Sep 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Universal Print volume add-on — 500 jobs, EDU $7.50 a month Charged monthly with an annual commitment; verified academic eligibility required 500 jobs Read 20 Sep 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Universal Print Additional Capacity — 10,000 jobs, EDU $90 a month Charged monthly with an annual commitment; verified academic eligibility required 10,000 jobs Read 20 Sep 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Universal Print volume add-on (500 jobs), EDU discount $7.50 a month Monthly with an annual commitment 500 print jobs · Verified academic eligibility required Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Universal Print volume add-on (500 jobs) $25 a month Monthly with an annual commitment 500 print jobs Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Universal Print Additional Capacity (10k), EDU discount $90 a month Monthly with an annual commitment 10,000 print jobs · Verified academic eligibility required Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Universal Print Additional Capacity (10k) $300 a month Monthly with an annual commitment 10,000 print jobs Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Universal Print (standalone) Priced on request Eligible commercial subscription · 5 jobs per license per month Read 4 Oct 2026 · learn.microsoft.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Built into supported Windows versions without extra drivers
- Web printing in OneDrive and Excel
- Printer deployment through Intune
- QR code secure release for print jobs
- FedRAMP certified and available to government customers
Limits
- No free plan
- Some printers require a Windows connector
- 500-job add-on costs $25 a month
Who it suits
It suits organizations committed to Microsoft 365 that want cloud-managed printing and centralized printer administration. Organizations should account for connector needs on printers without native Universal Print protocol support.
Verdict
Universal Print brings cloud printing and printer administration into the Microsoft 365 environment. Its shared job pool and possible connector requirement are important considerations when planning deployment.
Where Specifiction places it
- Print Management Software#9 of 378.0
- OS Imaging & Deployment Software#11 of 247.7
