How to Transfer Printer Settings to a New Windows PC

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Open Print Management

   On the source PC, press Windows Key + R, type 'printmanagement.msc', and press Enter. The Print Management window will populate your local and network printers.

   Note: Win + R
2. 2 min

   Migrate printer server settings

   Right-click 'Print Servers' in the left-hand navigation pane. Select 'Migrate Printers' to open the Printer Migration Wizard.

   Note: Select 'Export printer queues and printer drivers to a file' to begin the backup process.
3. 1 min

   Specify file destination

   Select 'This print server' and ensure 'List in the directory' is unchecked if not required. Click 'Next', choose a save location on your external drive, and click 'Finish' to generate the .printerExport file.

   Note: The .printerExport file contains all port, driver, and queue information.
4. 1 min

   Prepare the new PC

   Connect the external storage device to the new PC. Open 'Print Management' by searching for it in the Start menu search bar.

   Note: Ensure your user account has administrative privileges before proceeding.
5. 2 min

   Import printer data

   Right-click 'Print Servers' again and select 'Migrate Printers'. This time, select 'Import printer queues and printer drivers from a file'.

6. 1 min

   Complete the migration

   Browse to the .printerExport file on your external drive. Select the 'Keep existing printers' or 'Overwrite existing printers' option based on your preference, click 'Next', and allow the wizard to install the drivers.

   Note: A restart of the Print Spooler service may be required to finalize active connections.