Short answer: Press Ctrl+P, choose Microsoft Print to PDF, and save the file somewhere you can reach — a redirected drive or a cloud storage folder. Then open it on your own machine and print. This works from every device, including browser sessions and phones, and never depends on a driver.
Applies to: All connection methods · Infosaic cloud desktops
Printer redirection is the elegant answer and it usually works. Print to PDF is the answer that always works — and it is the only option at all if you are in a browser session, since browser access cannot see your printers.
It is also the better choice when you want a copy of the document rather than only a piece of paper: an invoice to email, a report to file, a form to sign.
How to print to PDF and get the file back
- On the cloud desktop, open the document and press Ctrl+P.
- Choose Microsoft Print to PDF from the printer list. It is built into Windows — nothing to install.
- Click Print. Windows asks where to save the file rather than printing anything.
- Save it somewhere you can reach. A redirected drive puts it straight onto your own computer; a cloud storage folder makes it appear on every device.
- Open the PDF on your own machine and print it normally.
If the file is on the cloud desktop and you are in a browser session, use the file transfer panel to download it — see uploading and downloading files.
Where should I save it?
- A redirected drive — the fastest route if you are on RDP with drives shared. The file lands directly in a folder on your own machine. See copying files over RDP.
- A cloud storage folder signed in on both sides — the file simply appears everywhere, including on your phone. Best if you print regularly.
- The desktop’s own Documents folder — fine if you are only filing it, but you will need a second step to get it out.
Give it a name you will recognise. Document.pdf in a Downloads folder next to nine other Document.pdf files helps nobody.
Why this beats redirection sometimes: a PDF renders identically everywhere, so what you see is exactly what comes out of the printer. Redirected printing depends on a driver mapping correctly, and unusual all-in-one printers occasionally do not. If a printout looks wrong, print to PDF and check the PDF — that tells you instantly whether the problem is the document or the printer.
If Microsoft Print to PDF is missing
- Look again in the full printer list. Some applications show a short list first with a More option beneath it.
- Check it is turned on in Windows Features on the cloud desktop, where it appears as an optional feature.
- Use the application’s own export. Word, Excel and most business software can save as PDF directly, which skips printing entirely.
- If it still is not there, open a support request from the control panel and ask for it to be enabled.
Questions and answers
How do I print from my cloud desktop without a printer set up?
Press Ctrl+P and choose Microsoft Print to PDF. Save the file somewhere you can reach, then print it from your own machine.
Can I print to PDF from a browser session?
Yes, and it is the only printing route available there, because browser access cannot see your printers.
Where does the PDF go?
Wherever you tell Windows to save it. A redirected drive puts it on your own computer; a cloud storage folder puts it on every device.
Do I need to install a PDF printer?
No. Microsoft Print to PDF is built into Windows and is available in every print dialog.
Why is Microsoft Print to PDF not in my list?
Either the application is showing a shortened list, or the optional Windows feature is switched off. Support can enable it if needed.
Is print to PDF better than redirected printing?
It is more reliable and it works everywhere, but it takes an extra step. Use redirection for everyday printing and PDF when redirection is unavailable or misbehaving.
Can I print to PDF on an iPad or phone?
Yes, and it is the recommended approach. Save the PDF, then print it from the device.
My printout looks wrong. What should I check?
Print to PDF and open it. If the PDF looks right, the problem is the printer or its driver. If the PDF looks wrong too, it is the document.
Related articles
- How to print from your cloud desktop to your own printer
- How to copy files between your computer and your cloud desktop over RDP
- Uploading and downloading files in your browser session
- What browser access cannot do (and what to use instead)
Still stuck?
Open a support request from your control panel — that is the fastest route, because it reaches the team who can already see your account and your desktop. You can also email [email protected].