JSI Tip 6587. How do I prevent users from using the Printers folder to add a printer?

The Disable addition of printers Group Policy at User Configuration / Administrative Templates / Control Panel / Printers removes the Add Printer option from the Printer folder and from the Start menu, and prevents users from adding a printer by dragging a printer icon to the Printer folder.

This policy adds the NoAddPrinter Value Name, a REG_DWORD data type, at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer. A data value of 1 indicates that the policy is enabled. A data value of 0, or a missing NoAddPrinter Value Name, indicates that the policy is disabled or not configured.

NOTE: This policy does NOT prevent users from using other methods to add a printer.

NOTE: You can change printer permissions without enabling a policy. Right-click the printer in the Printer folder and press Properties. On the Security tab, check or clear the Allow or Deny check boxes.

NOTE: See How do I prevent users from using the Printers folder to delete local and network printers?