Microsoft's new Pull Print: Secure printing on any device

Microsoft is now making a new function called Pull Print generally available. With this extension for Universal Print, users can retrieve their print jobs from any registered printer. It is possible, but not necessary, to preselect a specific device. Authentication takes place directly at the respective printer: either the document is output directly—Direct Print is called—or the printing system holds it back until the user releases it by scanning a QR code on the device. For the Secure Release, scanning is possible both with the camera app and via the M365 app.

Administrators must first activate Pull Print in the Universal Print portal and register the printers used for this purpose. They must then attach the appropriately generated and printed QR code directly to the printer. Microsoft suggests using adhesive tape or glue in the documentation. Clients find the printers as usual via Universal Print; the only change for end users is that any printer will only output the document in their presence. Confidential documents are no longer left unattended in the output tray, and other people can no longer view them.

Microsoft is also promising additional functions for the integration of badge technology (badge release) from manufacturers and other authentication methods, which should make the release of print jobs even more flexible and compatible with existing company systems. For companies that already use Microsoft 365 and Universal Print, Pull Print can be used at no additional cost. Alternatively, licenses for Universal Print can be purchased separately; Microsoft introduced the print system in 2020. Details on Pull Print can be found in the announcement.

(fo)