How to Print from within Metro Apps in Windows 8

Windows 8 comes with entirely new interface, one that we’ve never seen before. Metro apps in Windows 8 don’t have any menu options, and they will open in full screen and that’s why you won’t be able to find the Print button inside Metro apps in Windows 8. Honestly, finding the print option is somewhat tricky. If you’re wondering whether the familiar shortcut Ctrl+P still works, then yes, it still works but the way of printing is somewhat different.

How to Print from Metro Apps in Windows 8

Printing from Metro apps involves some steps, but once you get used to it, its not that hard.

1. Turn ON your printer. If you are connecting a new printer, then you might need to install drivers.
2. In Windows 8, open the Metro app that you want to print from. For example, if you want to print a web page, then you can open Internet Explorer and then browse to any web page that you want to print.
3. Now press Ctrl+P and you’ll see that charms bar will appear on the right side, which will present options with Printing devices that are connected to your device. Select your Printer and then proceed forward – OR – If you don’t want to remember the shortcut key, then just move your cursor to the right bottom of metro app which will open the Charms bar and then click on Devices to get a list of printers.



4. Click on the Printer name which you want to use for printing. A settings screen will display options such as number of copies, color mode, orientation, pages per sheet and more. Click on “more settings” to open additional options such as paper size, type and output tray.
5. Click on the Print button to print the web page.

This new Metro printing process definitely involves more steps compared to the traditional printing method which we have used in Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. It must also be noted that not all Metro apps support Printing.

If you’re printing from normal Desktop applications in Windows 8, then you can follow the traditional method to print, which is clicking on File menu and then selecting the Print button.

The best bet for you is to just press Ctrl+P to print, be it Metro apps or normal Desktop apps.