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Questions
- What is PaperCut Print Deploy?
- What does the Print Deploy application do?
- Do I need PaperCut Print Deploy installed on my computer?
- How do I use Print Deploy to install a printer?
- Why do I see a Print Deploy icon in my menu bar or taskbar?
- What is the difference between PaperCut Client and PaperCut Print Deploy?
- Does Print Deploy work on personal computers, or only Bowdoin-issued ones?
- Why can I only see some printers in Print Deploy and not others?
- Does Print Deploy need to be running for me to print?
- How do I refresh my printers in Print Deploy?
Environment
This article covers what PaperCut Print Deploy is and how it works. It applies to all Bowdoin College faculty, staff, and students who need to install campus printers on a Mac or Windows computer.
- macOS: Sequoia (15.x) or Tahoe (26.x)
- Windows: Windows 11
- Applies to: Bowdoin-issued computers (Print Deploy is pre-installed) and personal computers (Print Deploy can be installed manually)
- Network requirement: Print Deploy only works while connected to the Bowdoin campus network (wired or BOWDOIN/eduroam wireless) or via Bowdoin VPN
Resolution
What PaperCut Print Deploy Does
PaperCut Print Deploy is a lightweight background application that manages campus printer installations on your computer. It has three main jobs:
- Provides a browsable list of available printers.
Rather than requiring you to know a printer's IP address or network path, Print Deploy presents a curated list of printers that are relevant to you — based on your department, your current location on campus, or available to all users. You select and install from this list.
- Automatically installs and removes assigned printers.
Some printers are automatically pushed to your computer by IT based on your department or role. Print Deploy handles the installation of these in the background, without any action needed on your part.
- Keeps printer drivers and settings up to date.
Print Deploy periodically checks in with Bowdoin's PaperCut server and updates printer configurations, driver settings, and other options automatically. You do not need to manually update your printers.
Note: Print Deploy is used to
install printers. Once a printer is installed, you do not need Print Deploy to be actively running in order to print to it. Day-to-day printing relies on
PaperCut Client, not Print Deploy.
How to Find the Print Deploy Application
Print Deploy runs quietly in the background and places an icon in your menu bar or system tray:
- macOS: Look for the Print Deploy icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Click it and choose View my printers to open the printer management window.
- Windows: Look for the Print Deploy icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner, near the clock — click the up arrow ˄ to see all tray icons). Click it and choose View my printers.
For full step-by-step instructions on installing or removing printers through Print Deploy, see How to install or delete a Bowdoin printer.
Why Some Printers May Not Be Listed
The printers you see in Print Deploy depend on several factors:
- Network connection: Print Deploy communicates with Bowdoin's PaperCut server to build its list. If you are off campus and not connected to VPN, no printers will be available.
- Department and role: Some printers are only shown to members of specific departments or groups.
- Location-based printers: Some printers only appear when you are physically on the part of campus where they are located.
Not seeing a printer you expect? Click the Print Deploy icon and choose Refresh my printers now to force a sync with the PaperCut server. If the printer is still missing after refreshing, contact the Service Desk — it may need to be made available to your account.
PaperCut Print Deploy vs. PaperCut Client
These are two separate applications that work together but do different things:
| Application |
What it does |
Required? |
| PaperCut Print Deploy |
Installs and manages printers on your computer. Keeps drivers up to date. Runs automatic printer assignments from IT. |
Required to install printers — not actively needed during day-to-day printing once printers are set up |
PaperCut Client
(PCClient / PaperCut MF Client) |
Runs in the background while you print. Attaches your Bowdoin identity to every print job so it appears in your personal queue at the release station. |
Required every time you print |
For more on PaperCut Client, see PaperCut Client — what it is and how it works.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources