Using the PRINT Command to Send Files for Printing from the Command Line

Most users are familiar with the standard GUI-based methods of sending a file to a printer, including the File > Print menu in most applications, or the CTRL+P keyboard shortcut. However, it’s also possible to send a text document to a configured serial or parallel port printer from the command line via the PRINT utility. To do so, simply issue the command PRINT /D:device followed by the name of the file to print.

An example of sending a file named test.txt to a printer connected to port LPT1 would be accomplished via the command PRINT /D:LPT1 c:\test.txt.

Author: Dan DiNicolo

Dan DiNicolo is a freelance author, consultant, trainer, and the managing editor of 2000Trainers.com. He is the author of the CCNA Study Guide found on this site, as well as many books including the PC Magazine titles Windows XP Security Solutions and Windows Vista Security Solutions. Click here to contact Dan. View all posts by Dan DiNicolo