Microsoft announced a private preview of Universal Print, a Microsoft cloud-based print infrastructure that will enable a simple print experience for users and help reduce time and effort for IT.

Universal Print moves key Windows Server print functionality to the Microsoft 365 cloud, so organizations no longer need on-premises print servers and do not need to install printer drivers on devices. In addition, Universal Print adds key functionality like security groups for printer access, location-based printer discovery, and a rich administrator experience.

IT organizations can deploy printers and register them with the Universal Print service without the need for a complex hybrid print setup. In addition, printers can be preconfigured and are easily discoverable from Windows devices that are Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) joined. Users can continue to print from their Windows devices or Office as they always have, with no learning curve.

Microsoft is working with its partner ecosystem including Canon Inc. to bring the latest printers with native support, .

For existing printers, you can use a Universal Print proxy application that connects printers to Universal Print.

If your organization or school wants to deploy the private preview of Universal Print, you must have Windows 10 Enterprise or Education, version 1903 or later and have an Azure Active Directory (any edition) tenant. Universal Print does not require Windows Server.