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Microsoft Universal Print
What Microsoft Universal Print is
Microsoft Universal Print is a cloud printing service for organizations moving printing into the Microsoft 365 cloud. It replaces print servers with cloud-based printer access, so users can send jobs to printers over the internet. On supported Windows versions, it is built into Windows and works without extra endpoint software or printer drivers. On macOS, users can print from applications with native printing support after installing the Universal Print app. In OneDrive and Excel on the web, they can choose a printer without setup or installation.
Administrators can manage printers in Azure Portal, automate print management with PowerShell, and deploy printers with Intune. The service supports the IPP infrastructure protocol and Microsoft Graph API capabilities. Security features include Microsoft Entra ID users and groups, HTTPS communications, X.509-backed printer device objects, and modern authentication for Zero Trust deployments. QR code secure release can hold a job until its user releases it. Printers without native Universal Print protocol support need a connector running on a Windows computer where the printers are installed. Each printed document counts as one job, regardless of pages or copies, and eligible licenses contribute to a shared monthly tenant pool. Microsoft says the service is FedRAMP certified and available to government customers.
Who it suits
Universal Print suits organizations committed to Microsoft 365 cloud printing, especially those managing printers through Azure Portal, PowerShell, or Intune. It also fits workplaces that need print access across Windows, macOS, web, and supported mobile devices.
What it does well
- Built into supported Windows versions without extra endpoint software or printer drivers
- Print from macOS apps after installing the Universal Print app
- Choose printers in OneDrive and Excel on the web without setup
- Manage and deploy printers with Azure Portal, PowerShell, and Intune
- QR code secure release holds jobs until users release them
- Supports Microsoft Entra ID users and groups and HTTPS communications
What to know first
- No free plan
- Printers without native Universal Print protocol support need a Windows connector
- Capacity add-ons have annual commitments
Limits
The standalone Universal Print plan includes 5 jobs per license per month. Capacity add-ons provide 500 or 10,000 jobs, and each printed document counts as one job regardless of pages or copies; eligible licenses contribute to a shared monthly tenant pool. EDU add-ons require verified academic eligibility.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Print volume add-on — 500 jobs | Charged monthly with an annual commitment · 500 jobs | $25 a month |
| Universal Print Additional Capacity — 10,000 jobs | Charged monthly with an annual commitment · 10,000 jobs | $300 a month |
| Universal Print volume add-on — 500 jobs, EDU | Charged monthly with an annual commitment; verified academic eligibility required · 500 jobs | $7.50 a month |
| Universal Print Additional Capacity — 10,000 jobs, EDU | Charged monthly with an annual commitment; verified academic eligibility required · 10,000 jobs | $90 a month |
| Universal Print volume add-on (500 jobs) | Monthly with an annual commitment · 500 print jobs | $25 a month |
| Universal Print Additional Capacity (10k) | Monthly with an annual commitment · 10,000 print jobs | $300 a month |
| Universal Print volume add-on (500 jobs), EDU discount | Monthly with an annual commitment · 500 print jobs · Verified academic eligibility required | $7.50 a month |
| Universal Print Additional Capacity (10k), EDU discount | Monthly with an annual commitment · 10,000 print jobs · Verified academic eligibility required | $90 a month |
The first 8 of 9 plans, as microsoft.com lists them, read 20 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word. Every plan
Getting started
- Open the Microsoft Universal Print website
- Choose an eligible license or a volume add-on
- Use the built-in support on a supported Windows version
- Install the Universal Print app to print from macOS applications
- Select a printer in OneDrive or Excel on the web
- Use Azure Portal, PowerShell, or Intune to manage printers
Verdict
Choose Universal Print if your organization is committed to Microsoft 365 and wants cloud-managed printing across supported devices. Check the job capacity and annual commitment for the add-on that fits your tenant; printers without native protocol support also need a Windows connector.
Questions
Is there a free plan?
No. Universal Print is paid.
How much does Universal Print cost?
Listed volume add-ons start at $25 a month for 500 jobs, billed monthly with an annual commitment. A 10,000-job add-on is $300 a month on the same commitment; EDU options are 7.50 USD and $90 a month, respectively, with verified academic eligibility required.
Which platforms does it support?
The listed platforms are Android, iOS, macOS, web, Windows, and API. Supported use includes Windows, macOS, web browsers, supported phones and tablets, and Microsoft Graph API.
Do all printers work without extra equipment?
Printers without native Universal Print protocol support require a connector. It can run on a Windows computer where the printers are installed.
How are print jobs counted?
One printed document counts as one job, regardless of its pages or copies. Eligible licenses contribute to a shared monthly tenant pool.
Can government customers use Universal Print?
Microsoft says Universal Print is FedRAMP certified and available to government customers.
Facts from Microsoft Universal Print's own pages
- API
- Universal Print supports the IPP infrastructure protocol and provides Microsoft Graph API capabilities. · learn.microsoft.com, 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. · microsoft.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Government availability
- Microsoft says Universal Print is FedRAMP certified and available to government customers. · learn.microsoft.com, 4 Oct 2026
- macOS printing
- Users can print from macOS applications with native printing support after installing the Universal Print app. · learn.microsoft.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Management integrations
- Administrators can manage printers through Azure Portal, automate print management with PowerShell, and deploy printers with Intune. · learn.microsoft.com, 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. · learn.microsoft.com, 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. · learn.microsoft.com, 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. · microsoft.com, 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. · learn.microsoft.com, 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. · learn.microsoft.com, 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. · learn.microsoft.com, 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. · learn.microsoft.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- Microsoft describes Universal Print as a service for organizations committed to the Microsoft 365 cloud. · learn.microsoft.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Windows printing
- Universal Print is built into Windows and works without extra endpoint software or printer drivers on supported Windows versions. · learn.microsoft.com, 4 Oct 2026
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