Print Server for Small Network

[Naterr]

Have a client with 10+ Windows 10 desktops, and multiple network printers of different manufactures.

 

Wanting to network printers, and allow access to all printers to all PC's.

 

Without purchasing server license, and setting up (which I would like to do - but they are cheap) what options do I have for drivers-installs??

 

Do I just go through and statically assign all printer IP's, and go to each PC individually install them?

[jake9000]

On windows 10, there is a Network Discovery feature turned on by default that can automatically install printers, assuming you will be satisfied with the universal drivers.

 

If the network type is domain, guest, or public, you may need to manually toggle it on in the network & sharing center. From there, just hook one of the printers up to ethernet and see if it magically shows up.

[Electronics Wizardy]

are the desktops on a domain or managed at all? If you have windows server and ad, its super easy to make a gpo to push a printer onto everyones computer.

[Naterr]

4 hours ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

are the desktops on a domain or managed at all? If you have windows server and ad, its super easy to make a gpo to push a printer onto everyones computer.

Unfortunately, no server... If I could get my copy of Win2012 or 2016 for cheap, I'll create it all, FTP-Print-Email all the fun stuff.

 

[Electronics Wizardy]

Just now, Naterr said:

Unfortunately, no server... If I could get my copy of Win2012 or 2016 for cheap, I'll create it all, FTP-Print-Email all the fun stuff.

 

With that size of network, id really consider centrally managing it somehow.

 

If your gonna self host, go server 2019 now, same price and might as well. Run vms aswell, hyper-v is included.

 

But also really look at azure and cloud management, probably cheaper and more reliable, and you can push policies for printers from there.