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How can I install the same printer twice?

How can I install the same printer twice, with different printer preferences for each? I had my printer set up this way with my old Win XP system, but can't figure out how to do it with Windows 7.
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I know its being a while since this question was raised and I’m sure everyone concerned found its own answer. But since I searched for an answer my self yesterday and could not find anything reasonable I thought I post my solution here … for future reference …

First thing first, it’s possible. Yes you can install the same printer twice with different printer preferences for each (don’t let you tell otherwise, even from Microsoft employs). Secondly, yes  Windows 7 makes it a bit confusing, because it displays only one instance of the installed printer in its Control Panel Printer section (Microsofts wisdom) … anyway here is how to do it.
I assume you have installed your printer.

1. Go to [Control Panel] -> [Devices and Printers] and select [Add a Printer]
2. Now select [Add a local printer]
3. Select the set port of your printer in [Choose a printer port], commonly USB001 etc.
4. In [Install the printer driver] select your printers Manufacturer and Model
5. [Next]
6. In [Which version of the driver do you want to use?] select [Use the driver that is currently installed]
7. Enter a name for this new printer reference in [Type a printer name]

So, what we have now is a new printer reference, a reference you can see and select in the [Print] window printer selection [Name]. What we have to do now is to setup this printers individual settings

1. Go back to [Control Panel] - [Devices and Printers] and select your printer (clicking)
2. Select [Customize your printer]
3. In [Select a printer] select your printer the same way as you would in the [Print] menu
4. The [Print property] window pops up and you can set your individual printer settings here

Voilà, confusing but easy, happy computing …

Erwin Hofmann




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I do this all the time.  The Devices and Printers folder stacks multiple instances on the same device on top of the first device (since it's the same hardware device).  If you have Pro or Ultimate you can use the UI created by the spooler team, printmanagement.msc, to manage your local printers.  The old printers folder from the spooler team is also around but it's really hidden.

this command will launch the Printers folder (no Devices allowed)

shell:::{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683}\0\::{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

Alan Morris Windows Printing Team; Search the Microsoft Knowledge Base here: http://support.microsoft.com/search/Default.aspx?adv=1
Formerly with Windows print team

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Last updated May 11, 2024 Views 36,680 Applies to: