Pre-populate printer search location text

Policy ID
PhysicalLocationSupport
Scope
Computer Configuration
Supported on
At least Windows 2000
Source
Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) (version 1.0)
Category
Printers

Description

Enables the physical Location Tracking setting for Windows printers.

Use Location Tracking to design a location scheme for your enterprise and assign computers and printers to locations in the scheme. Location Tracking overrides the standard method used to locate and associate computers and printers. The standard method uses a printer's IP address and subnet mask to estimate its physical location and proximity to computers.

If you enable this setting, users can browse for printers by location without knowing the printer's location or location naming scheme. Enabling Location Tracking adds a Browse button in the Add Printer wizard's Printer Name and Sharing Location screen and to the General tab in the Printer Properties dialog box. If you enable the Group Policy Computer location setting, the default location you entered appears in the Location field by default.

If you disable this setting or do not configure it, Location Tracking is disabled. Printer proximity is estimated using the standard method (that is, based on IP address and subnet mask).

Registry

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
  • PhysicalLocationSupportREG_DWORD

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