Unable to install Secure Web Services on Devices (WSD) Printer using Print Management console

This article helps fix an issue where you can't install a Secure Web Services on Devices (WSD) printer from Print Management Console (PrintManagement.msc) by using "Search the network for printers".

Applies to:   Windows 7 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1
Original KB number:   2701603

Symptoms

Consider the following scenario:

  • You have a Secure Web Services on Devices (WSD) printer that always connects with SSL connection.
  • You're unable to install the printer from Print Management Console (PrintManagement.msc) by using "Search the network for printers".

In this scenario, you try to install the printer using from following steps:

  1. Open Print Management Console (PrintManagement.msc)
  2. Expand print servers server name printer on the left pane
  3. Right-click Printer
  4. Select Add Printer...
  5. Select Search the network for printers
  6. Select Secure WSD printer on the Network Printer Search Result.
  7. Click Next
  8. Click Next to start installation.

Cause

"Search the network for printers" in Print Management Console doesn't properly use SSL to communicate with the printer.

Resolution

You can install Secure Web Services on Devices (WSD) printer from the following methods:

Method 1: From Devices and Printers using "Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname"

  1. Click on Start and then click Devices and Printers
  2. Run Add printer Wizard
  3. Click "Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer"
  4. Click "The printer that I want isn't listed"
  5. Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname and Click "Next" button
  6. Enter the printer's host name or IP address

Method 2: From Print Management console using "Add a TCP/IP or Web Services Printer by IP address or hostname"

  1. Open Print Management Console (PrintManagement.msc)
  2. In the Print Management console, right-click Printers and then click Add Printer
  3. The Network Printer Installation Wizard starts
  4. Click Add a TCP/IP or Web Services printer by IP address or hostname and then click Next
  5. Enter the printer's host name or IP address (the port name will be the same by default), and then click Next
  6. Make any necessary changes to the printer name, contact information, or sharing status, and then click Next

More information

Web Services on Devices (WSD) Roadmap

Data collection

If you need assistance from Microsoft support, we recommend you collect the information by following the steps mentioned in Gather information by using TSS for User Experience issues.