Can Add Printer in Windows, but get "error" when trying to print anything

[dminter]

Running an M4 Mac mini on Mac 0S 26.1.  Fusion is on the newest 25H2 version, but the problem I am having may have existed with the previous versions of Mac OS and Fusion.  I don't print from the VM often.  BTW exact same problem on a Mac Air running the most recent updates on everything.  Process: I use Windows to "Add Device" to add a network printer.  It shows it connecting, and downloading the necessary driver.  Then the printer shows installed.  When I try to print a test page from the printer device window, I get an error.  No fiddling with it has resolved.  Don't even know if it is on the Windows side or the Mac side.  And yes, the printer is "shared" on the Mac side with everyone.  My gut is it may be some kind of security or firewall problem on the host or guest.  Stumped - anyone have any ideas?

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[Technogeezer]

I assume that you're using bridged instead of NAT networking for your VMs? I've found that trying to set up a printer through NAT networking can be a bit challenging. I've had good luck with my networked Epson and Brother printers with driverless printing when using bridged networking. 

What make and model of printer are you using?

What printing protocol are you trying to configure that networked printer for (IPP Anywhere, AirPrint, LPD, etc?). Can you describe the steps you took to get the printer configured? 

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- Paul (technogeezer)
vExpert 2025
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[dminter]

Tried both bridged and NAT networking, same problem with both.  My printer is a Canon MF5950dw that has worked for years, including with current Mac mini.  Stopped working recently, maybe after a Microsoft update?  Was a security one and quite large.  Tried uninstalling that, did not help.  

My Process:

• Note: The printer is connected via USB.
• Open Windows Printers and Scanners
• Select add device
• Windows populates with the printer I wish to add
• Select printer and add it.  A minute goes by as it is installing and appearing to load necessary printer driver
• Select the printer and try to print test page.  Immediate error.  Nothing else will print either
• Vague error message, so ran the Windows printer troubleshooter.
• Go thru a few steps that do not help, and lastly get the message... Windows is aware of some issues adding printers to ARM based systems.  But there is no solution or suggestions.
• Everything seems normal until is refuses print,

Glad you jumped in @Technogeezer.

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[Technogeezer]

Interesting situation. I'm inclined to think as well that this is a Microsoft problem since it may have stopped working after a Microsoft update.

I wonder if the following might work, assuming that the printer is working on macOS via a USB connection:

• Enable printer sharing on the Mac and turn on sharing for the Canon printer.
• Set up the printer from the Settings app on Windows. The printer shared from the Mac should be able to be seen. 

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- Paul (technogeezer)
vExpert 2025
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[dminter]

Thanks @Technogeezer.  I have tried what you suggested, and Windows does see and appears to connect the printer.  It just won't actually print.  It all worked previously and it happened sometime after one of the Microsoft updates.  Hopefully others out there stumble onto this forum and have some ideas for fixing.  Like most of the issues with VM's, I don't have a lot of hope for Microsoft to do anything. We are not a large enough population.