Microsoft Universal Print vs Windows Automated Installation Kit
Microsoft Universal Print
microsoft.comWindows Automated Installation Kit
learn.microsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | Microsoft Universal Print | Windows Automated Installation Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $7.50/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 0 |
| Spec score · OS Imaging & Deployment Software | 7.7 (#10) | 5.1 (#24) |
Plans
Microsoft Universal Print
- Universal Print volume add-on — 500 jobs$25 a month
- Universal Print Additional Capacity — 10,000 jobs$300 a month
- Universal Print volume add-on — 500 jobs, EDU$7.50 a month
- Universal Print Additional Capacity — 10,000 jobs, EDU$90 a month
- Universal Print volume add-on (500 jobs), EDU discount$7.50 a month
- Universal Print volume add-on (500 jobs)$25 a month
- Universal Print Additional Capacity (10k), EDU discount$90 a month
- Universal Print Additional Capacity (10k)$300 a month
- Universal Print (standalone)Priced on request
In their own words
Microsoft Universal Print
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.
Windows Automated Installation Kit
Windows Automated Installation Kit has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.