Exporting Printers from Print Server Using Printer Migration Tool

Migrating printers to a new computer or server can be a tedious task, especially if you have multiple printers with different drivers and settings. The Printer Migration Tool, a built-in utility in Windows 11 and 10 Pro and above, simplifies this process by allowing you to export and import printer drivers, queues, and settings.

Procedure for Exporting Printers

1. Open Printer Migration Tool

   • Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type “PrintBrmUi.exe” and press Enter.

2. Select Export Option

   • In the Printer Migration Tool window, choose the “Export printer queues, printer ports, and printer drivers” option.

3. Specify Export Scope

   • Select the scope of the export:
     • “This Print Server”: Exports printers connected to the current server.
     • “A print server on the network”: Exports printers from a specified network server.

4. Review and Save Exported File

   • Review the list of printers, drivers, and queues to be exported.
   • Specify a location and filename to save the exported file with a “.printerExport” extension.

5. View Export Details

   • After the export is complete, you can view the event details in the Event Viewer.

Importing Exported Printers

1. Open Printer Migration Tool

   • Follow the same steps as in step 1 above.

2. Select Import Option

   • In the Printer Migration Tool window, choose the “Import printer queues and printer drives from a file” option.

3. Select Exported File

   • Browse to and select the previously exported “.printerExport” file.

4. Review and Import Printers

   • Review the list of printers and drivers to be imported.
   • Click “Import” to begin the import process.

Additional Information

• The Printer Migration Tool is not available in the Home edition of Windows.
• Users can manually copy the PrintBrmUi.exe and PrintBrmUi.exe.mui files from a Pro or Enterprise PC to a Home PC to enable the tool.
• The exported file contains binary data and should not be opened directly.
• The Printer Migration Tool can be used to migrate printers between different versions of Windows.

FAQ

What is the Printer Migration Tool?

The Printer Migration Tool is a built-in utility in Windows 11 and 10 Pro and above that allows users to export and import printer drivers, queues, and settings. This simplifies the process of migrating printers to a new computer or server.

How do I export printers using the Printer Migration Tool?

To export printers using the Printer Migration Tool:

Open the Printer Migration Tool (PrintBrmUi.exe).

Select the “Export printer queues, printer ports, and printer drivers” option.

Specify the export scope (This Print Server or A print server on the network).

Review and save the exported file with a “.printerExport” extension.

How do I import exported printers using the Printer Migration Tool?

To import exported printers using the Printer Migration Tool:

Open the Printer Migration Tool (PrintBrmUi.exe).

Select the “Import printer queues and printer drives from a file” option.

Select the previously exported “.printerExport” file.

Review and import the printers and drivers.

Can I use the Printer Migration Tool in Windows Home edition?

No, the Printer Migration Tool is not available in the Home edition of Windows. Users can manually copy the PrintBrmUi.exe and PrintBrmUi.exe.mui files from a Pro or Enterprise PC to a Home PC to enable the tool.

What is the purpose of the exported “.printerExport” file?

The exported “.printerExport” file contains binary data representing the exported printer drivers, queues, and settings. It should not be opened directly and is used for importing printers using the Printer Migration Tool.

Can I use the Printer Migration Tool to migrate printers between different versions of Windows?

Yes, the Printer Migration Tool can be used to migrate printers between different versions of Windows. However, it is important to note that some printer drivers may not be compatible with older versions of Windows.