Automating the Creation of Network Printers Using Intune Win32 App MS365

Automating the Creation of Network Printers Using Intune Win32 App

Managing network printers across an organization can be a challenging task, especially when multiple printers need to be deployed to different locations or departments. With Microsoft Intune and a custom Win32 app, you can simplify and automate the process of creating and deploying network printers on multiple devices.

This guide explains how to set up network printers in bulk using the Intune Win32 app deployment method.

Why Use Intune for Printer Deployment?

Microsoft Intune allows IT administrators to standardize and automate device configurations, including printer setups. Using Intune for printer deployment offers several advantages:

• Centralized management of printer settings.
• Streamlined deployment to devices or users based on groups or locations.
• Simplified updates and changes to printer configurations.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have the following:

1. IntuneWinAppUtil Tool: Used to convert scripts into .intunewin packages for Intune deployment.
2. Printer IPs and Details: Collect all necessary details for each printer, such as IP addresses, printer names, and drivers.
3. PowerShell Script: A custom script to add network printers dynamically.
4. Permissions: Admin access to configure printers and upload apps to Intune.

Steps to Set Up Network Printers in Bulk Using Intune

Step 1: Create a PowerShell Script for Printer Setup

Prepare a PowerShell script to install and configure network printers. Below is an example script:

# PowerShell script to add network printers
$printers = @(
    @{ Name = "Printer1"; IP = "192.168.1.10" },
    @{ Name = "Printer2"; IP = "192.168.1.11" },
    @{ Name = "Printer3"; IP = "192.168.1.12" }
)

foreach ($printer in $printers) {
    Write-Host "Adding printer: $($printer.Name) with IP $($printer.IP)"
    
    # Add the printer port
    Add-PrinterPort -Name $printer.IP -PrinterHostAddress $printer.IP -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

    # Add the printer
    Add-Printer -Name $printer.Name -PortName $printer.IP -DriverName "Generic / Text Only" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
}

This script:

1. Iterates through a list of printers with their respective names and IP addresses.
2. Creates a network port for each printer.
3. Adds the printer using the specified driver.

Modify the script as needed to include specific drivers or configurations for your printers.

Step 2: Convert the Script to a Win32 App

1. Download the IntuneWinAppUtil.exe tool.
2. Place the PowerShell script in a folder (e.g., PrinterSetup).
3. Run the following command to package the script into a .intunewin file:

   IntuneWinAppUtil.exe -c <folder-path> -s <script-name>.ps1 -o <output-folder>
   

   Replace <folder-path> with the location of the script and <output-folder> with the location where the .intunewin file will be created.

Step 3: Upload the Win32 App to Intune

1. Log in to the Microsoft Intune Admin Center.
2. Navigate to Apps → All Apps → + Add.
3. Choose Win32 app as the app type.
4. Upload the .intunewin package created in Step 2.

Step 4: Configure App Deployment Settings

1. App Information:
   • Name: Enter a name like “Network Printer Deployment App.”
   • Description: Provide a brief description of the app’s purpose.
   • Publisher: Specify your organization or team.
2. Program Details:
   • Install Command: Use the following:

     powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\PrinterSetup.ps1
     

   • Uninstall Command: (Optional) Add a script to remove the printers if needed.
3. Detection Rules: Use a PowerShell detection script to confirm printer installation, such as checking the presence of specific printer names.

Example Detection Script:

$PrinterName = "Printer1"
if (Get-Printer -Name $PrinterName) {
    Write-Output "Detected"
} else {
    Exit 1
}

4. Assign the app to specific user or device groups.

Step 5: Deploy and Verify

1. Assign the app to the desired group(s) in Intune.
2. Monitor the deployment status in the Intune portal under Apps → Monitor → App Install Status.
3. Verify the printers have been installed on target devices by checking the Devices and Printers settings.

Benefits of Using Intune for Bulk Printer Deployment

• Automation: Reduces manual setup by automating printer installations for large groups of devices.
• Scalability: Easily deploy printers to multiple locations or departments.
• Centralized Control: Manage and update printer configurations from a single portal.

Limitations

• The script may require updates if printer drivers change.
• Ensure the necessary printer drivers are pre-installed or accessible on the devices.
• Some older printers may not support automated configurations.

By following this guide, IT administrators can streamline the deployment of network printers across their organization, saving time and reducing errors associated with manual configurations.