Microsoft Universal Print
Microsoft Universal Print is a cloud printing service that replaces print servers with Microsoft cloud printing, giving users internet access to printers.
What Microsoft Universal Print is
Microsoft Universal Print is a cloud printing service that replaces print servers with Microsoft cloud printing, giving users internet access to printers. Microsoft describes it for organizations committed to the Microsoft 365 cloud. On supported Windows versions, it is built in and needs no extra endpoint software or printer drivers. macOS users can print from applications with native printing support after installing the Universal Print app; in OneDrive and Excel on the web, users can choose a printer without setup or installation. Administrators can manage printers through Azure Portal, automate management with PowerShell, and deploy printers using Intune. Universal Print supports IPP and Microsoft Graph API capabilities. QR code secure release can hold a job until the user releases it. Printers without native Universal Print protocol support need a connector on a Windows computer where they are installed. Each document counts as one job regardless of pages or copies, and eligible licenses share a monthly tenant pool. Capacity add-ons are listed at $25 a month for 500 jobs and $300 a month for 10,000 jobs, each with an annual commitment.
Good
- Windows printing is built in on supported versions.
- Administrators can manage printers through Azure Portal.
- Intune can be used to deploy printers.
- QR code release can hold print jobs for users.
- Government customers can access the FedRAMP-certified service.
Watch out
- Unsupported printers require a Windows-based connector.
- There is no free plan.
- Capacity add-ons require an annual commitment.
Who it suits
Universal Print suits organizations committed to the Microsoft 365 cloud that want centrally managed cloud printing. It supports Windows, macOS, web printing, supported phones and tablets, and Microsoft Graph API.
Verdict
Universal Print offers cloud-based printer access with management integrations and secure job release. Organizations should account for shared monthly job capacity and the connector requirement for printers without native protocol support.
Plans and prices
From Microsoft Universal Print's own pricing page, checked 20 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Print volume add-on — 500 jobs | $25 a month | 500 jobs · Charged monthly with an annual commitment |
| Universal Print Additional Capacity — 10,000 jobs | $300 a month | 10,000 jobs · Charged monthly with an annual commitment |
| Universal Print volume add-on — 500 jobs, EDU | $7.50 a month | 500 jobs · Charged monthly with an annual commitment; verified academic eligibility required |
| Universal Print Additional Capacity — 10,000 jobs, EDU | $90 a month | 10,000 jobs · Charged monthly with an annual commitment; verified academic eligibility required |
| Universal Print volume add-on (500 jobs), EDU discount | $7.50 a month | 500 print jobs · Verified academic eligibility required · Monthly with an annual commitment |
| Universal Print volume add-on (500 jobs) | $25 a month | 500 print jobs · Monthly with an annual commitment |
| Universal Print Additional Capacity (10k), EDU discount | $90 a month | 10,000 print jobs · Verified academic eligibility required · Monthly with an annual commitment |
| Universal Print Additional Capacity (10k) | $300 a month | 10,000 print jobs · Monthly with an annual commitment |
| Universal Print (standalone) | Priced on request | Eligible commercial subscription · 5 jobs per license per month |
The facts
Each one read from Microsoft Universal Print's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- API
- Universal Print supports the IPP infrastructure protocol and provides Microsoft Graph API capabilities.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Data handling
- Microsoft says Universal Print stores print data in the same manner as other Microsoft 365 data, under Microsoft 365 data management guidelines.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Government availability
- Microsoft says Universal Print is FedRAMP certified and available to government customers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Management integrations
- Administrators can manage printers through Azure Portal, automate print management with PowerShell, and deploy printers with Intune.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Printer compatibility
- Printers without native Universal Print protocol support require a connector, which can run on a Windows computer where the printers are installed.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Secure release
- QR code secure release can hold print jobs until the user releases them, helping protect document privacy and reduce uncollected print jobs.checked 4 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Web printing
- Universal Print is available in OneDrive and Excel on the web, where users can select a printer without setup or installation.checked 4 Oct 2026
- 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.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- Microsoft describes Universal Print as a service for organizations committed to the Microsoft 365 cloud.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- macOS printing
- Users can print from macOS applications with native printing support after installing the Universal Print app.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Windows printing
- Universal Print is built into Windows and works without extra endpoint software or printer drivers on supported Windows versions.checked 4 Oct 2026
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