Printing From Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) on Apple Devices
By Carsten Mickeleit on January 30, 2020 Last updated on March 31, 2026
Working with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) on Mac, iPhone, and iPad can include full printer support without clunky printing procedures. While Apple users might prefer their ecosystem, AVD on a Mac provides attractive and useful functionality. However, printing to network or local printers from a virtualized Windows desktop on Apple devices often needs optimization.
Often, direct printing to network printers is not possible, and support for locally connected printers is either impossible or depends on redirecting print jobs to a virtual printer that creates a PDF for download. This is partly because iPad and iPhone printing uses AirPrint.
How to Launch Azure Virtual Desktop on Mac & Apple Devices
Users can quickly launch an Azure Virtual Desktop session on Mac and iPad via the HTML5 client. They simply open the remote desktop web client in their web browser (using Microsoft Edge is recommended on macOS). After logging in to Microsoft Entra ID, the desktop appears. For extended use, the Microsoft Remote Desktop App is available for iPhone, iPadOS, and macOS, offering "non-windowed" AVD access.
Printing From Azure Virtual Desktop with Apple Devices
The standard print support on AVD varies significantly depending on how the session is accessed. Default solutions are often limited, requiring users to navigate complex options based on their access method. This can lead to increased support requests.
Default Printing
Printing with ezeep
HTML5 MacOS
Convert and download document into PDF, open and print
Direct printing to all network and local printers
HTML5 iPadOS
Convert and download document into PDF, open and print via AirPrint
Direct printing to all network printers
iPhone App
Not supported
Direct printing to all network printers
iPadOS App
Not supported
Direct printing to all network printers
MacOS App
Direct printing to all local printers
Direct and faster printing to all local and network printers
When printing slightly more complex documents, ezeep is about 6x faster and the format accuracy is higher too
Why Use a Cloud Printing Provider for AVD?
A cloud printing provider like ezeep connects directly to Azure Virtual Desktop in the cloud. It manages network printers via its own protocol and addresses locally connected printers using the connector on macOS. This approach optimizes data transmission for volume and speed.
ezeep users can print, on average, six times faster. For standard corporate environments, relying on ezeep's support for network printers is recommended. Network printers can be distributed globally across different locations without needing a VPN. When working remotely or in a home office, printing to local printers is possible through the ezeep macOS connector.
Advantages of ezeep for AVD Printing
Beyond enabling basic printing from AVD on Mac to local printers, ezeep for macOS offers several benefits:
Very fast spooling, relieving the AVD of the print job within seconds.
The printing process continues even if the session ends or the MacBook closes.
Unified printing for both HTML5 client and the macOS Remote Desktop App.
High print speed and streaming means printers start jobs almost immediately, leading to high user satisfaction and preventing duplicate print jobs.
With ezeep for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS, you get simple, fast AVD printing. This reduces support costs and increases user satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print directly to network printers from Azure Virtual Desktop on a Mac?
No, direct printing to network printers from Azure Virtual Desktop on Mac is not generally possible. The virtualized Windows environment on Apple devices has limitations regarding direct network printer support.
How does printing to local printers work with Azure Virtual Desktop on Apple devices?
Printing to local printers from Azure Virtual Desktop on Apple devices is often not directly supported or requires redirection to a virtual printer. This process typically creates a PDF of the document for download, which can be an inconvenient workaround.
Does ezeep enable full printer support for Azure Virtual Desktop on Mac, iPhone, and iPad?
Yes, ezeep provides full printer support for Azure Virtual Desktop users on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. This eliminates the need for complicated printing procedures and allows for printing experiences.
What is the recommended way to launch Azure Virtual Desktop on Mac and iPad for printing?
The fastest and easiest way to launch Azure Virtual Desktop on Mac and iPad is through the HTML5 client. This method provides a convenient access point for your virtual desktop session.
Why is AirPrint not sufficient for printing from Azure Virtual Desktop on iOS devices?
iPad and iPhone printing primarily relies on AirPrint, but this technology is generally not compatible with the virtualized environment of Azure Virtual Desktop. Therefore, alternative solutions like ezeep are necessary for comprehensive printing functionality.
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