Print from Windows Sandbox or VM — USB passthrough setup
Joe B.
Reviewed for technical accuracy
Specialities: Windows 11/10, Hyper‑V & Windows Sandbox, VMware/VirtualBox, Printers, Networking
Windows Sandbox, Hyper‑V, VMware, VirtualBox — how to print from a VM (USB passthrough, IPP, TCP/IP)
Technician
Technician
• Share the host printer to the network and add it in Sandbox via Standard TCP/IP port or IPP (Internet Printing Protocol).
• Use RDP printer redirection by starting the Sandbox with a
.wsb file that enables networking + mapped printers, then connect via Remote Desktop to the Sandbox session.• USB over IP utilities (last resort) that present the USB printer as a network device to the guest.
We’ll start with the network/IPP method — it’s the most stable and driver‑friendly.
Technician
1) On the host, open Control Panel → Devices and Printers. Right‑click the printer → Printer properties → tab Sharing → check Share this printer. Note the share name.
2) Still on the host, identify its IP (ipconfig) and ensure the firewall allows File and Printer Sharing.
3) In Windows Sandbox, open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners → Add device → Add manually → choose Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname. Enter the host IP and create a Standard TCP/IP port.
4) When prompted for drivers, select your vendor model or use a Type 3 driver. Prefer HP/Canon/Epson/Brother vendor packages over the WSD class driver.
That’s the simplest way to print from Sandbox without USB passthrough.
Technician
• Enable Enhanced Session on the host Hyper‑V settings and for the VM.
• Connect to the VM in an enhanced session and tick Printers in the redirection options. Your host printers map into the guest automatically.
• Alternatively, use the same network/IPP method as above or share the printer from a print server using a Standard TCP/IP port.
Technician
• In VM settings, add a USB Controller (USB 3.0 recommended) and enable Show all USB input devices.
• Attach the printer via VM → Removable Devices → USB and connect it to the guest.
• Install the vendor printer driver in the guest OS. Avoid class drivers where possible.
If the device disconnects or is not detected, switch from USB 3.0 to 2.0, ensure VMware Tools is current, or fall back to network/IPP printing for stability.
Technician
• Install the Extension Pack matching your VirtualBox version.
• VM → Settings → USB → enable USB 2.0/3.0 and add a USB filter for the printer (Vendor ID/Product ID).
• Boot the guest, then Devices → USB → select your printer.
If the USB route is flaky, add the printer via Bridged networking using a Standard TCP/IP port or IPP. This is often the most reliable way to print from a VirtualBox VM.
Technician
Technician
• Ask IT to allow local printer redirection for RDP/Enhanced Session.
• Request a print server queue (TCP/IP or IPP) you can add in the guest.
• If VPN enforces split‑tunnel restrictions, you may need an exemption for the host IP/port 631 (IPP) or 9100 (RAW).
Technician
Technician
Quick answer: the accepted fix
Accepted fix to print from Windows Sandbox or VM: share the host printer and add it in the guest via a Standard TCP/IP or IPP port; in Hyper‑V use Enhanced Session with RDP printer redirection; in VMware/VirtualBox use USB passthrough with vendor drivers. Avoid WSD, prefer manufacturer drivers and static addressing.
USB passthrough not working in VM (VMware/VirtualBox) — quick checks
Confirm the VM has a USB 2.0/3.0 controller, the Extension Pack/VMware Tools is installed, and a USB filter is set for the printer. If the device still won’t attach, use network/IPP printing or RDP printer redirection for stability.
How to verify printing from a guest OS
Print a test page from the guest. If jobs stall, switch the port to RAW 9100 or IPP, disable WSD, and reinstall the vendor printer driver in the VM. Pin the printer/host to a reserved IP to avoid port changes.
Printing from Windows Sandbox & VMs — troubleshooting tips
Most VM printing issues come from blocked redirection, flaky USB passthrough, or WSD ports.
Quick path: choose the connection method → Standard TCP/IP or IPP → install vendor drivers → test → snapshot. For Hyper‑V, enable Enhanced Session; for VMware/VirtualBox, configure USB passthrough or switch to network printing when USB is unreliable.
Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. For advice specific to your environment, please consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech before making decisions.
Getting Started Is Easy
Ask for help, 24/7
Members enjoy round-the-clock access to 12,000+ verified Experts, including tech support, mechanics, vets, and more.
Expert will respond in minutes
We match you with an Expert who specializes in your situation. Talk, text, or chat — whichever you prefer.
Save time & money
No scheduling hassles or expensive consults. Membership can save you significant time and money each month.
FAQ
Can Windows Sandbox print to my USB printer?
Sandbox doesn’t expose raw USB. Share the host printer and add it in Sandbox via Standard TCP/IP or IPP, or use an RDP session with printer redirection.
How do I print from a Hyper‑V VM?
Enable Enhanced Session Mode and redirect Printers, or add the printer over the network using a TCP/IP or IPP port. Hyper‑V has no native USB passthrough for printers.
VMware/VirtualBox USB passthrough not working — what now?
Install VMware Tools/Extension Pack, set USB 2.0/3.0, create a USB filter, and try reconnecting. If unstable, switch to network/IPP printing inside the guest.
Which port should I use inside the VM?
Use Standard TCP/IP (RAW 9100) or IPP (631). Avoid WSD for VMs; install the manufacturer Type 3/v4 driver in the guest.
Do I need admin rights?
Yes, typically to install drivers and open printer sharing. In managed environments, ask IT to allow RDP printer redirection or to publish a print server queue you can add in the guest.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| USB device not detected | No USB controller/filters; tools missing | Add USB 2.0/3.0 controller; install Tools/Extension Pack; add filter |
| Jobs stuck on WSD | Auto‑discovered WSD port in guest | Use Standard TCP/IP or IPP; reinstall vendor driver |
| Hyper‑V can’t see USB printer | No USB passthrough in Hyper‑V | Use Enhanced Session (RDP redirection) or network port |
| Sandbox sees no printers | Isolation blocks USB devices | Share host printer and add via TCP/IP/IPP; or RDP into Sandbox |
Step‑by‑step (Windows Sandbox/Hyper‑V)
- On the host, share the printer and note the IP.
- In Sandbox/VM, Add printer → TCP/IP or hostname → create a Standard TCP/IP port.
- Install the manufacturer driver in the guest.
- Optionally in Hyper‑V, enable Enhanced Session to redirect printers.
Step‑by‑step (VMware/VirtualBox USB passthrough)
- Enable USB 2.0/3.0 controller and add a USB filter (VirtualBox) or attach device (VMware).
- Install guest additions/VMware Tools.
- Install the vendor driver in the guest; test page; if flaky, switch to IPP/TCP‑IP.
Sources
- Microsoft — Windows Sandbox overview
- Microsoft — RDP device/printer redirection
- VMware — Using USB devices in Workstation
- VirtualBox — USB support and filters
Filed under: Printers
Related articles
- My print job is stuck on “Submitting” — and it won’t send to the printer
- Print job stuck on “Processing” — why won’t it start printing?
- Print job disappears from the queue and nothing prints — what happened?
- Printer says “Offline” and won’t print — what should I check first?
- My printer “forgot” my Wi-Fi — the saved network is gone
- Printer Wi-Fi settings reset by itself — why did it forget my network?
- My printer keeps popping up “Set up Wi-Fi” again — why won’t it stay connected?
- Why does my printer need Wi-Fi setup again? It was working yesterday.