Windows Connection Limit

“We’re looking to set up PaperCut and we want to cut costs by not paying for a Windows server license. Can we install PaperCut on spare Windows Home or Pro computer that we have nearby?”

For our more indie PaperCut users, it’s quite a common practice to use a run-of-the-mill Windows PC to act as your PaperCut Server initially because you have as a small number of end-users who are Printing via PaperCut NG or MF.

However, the moment your office starts to boom and you need to expand your headcount, there’s a good chance you may run into issues by having that old dusty laptop running your PaperCut Server installation.

As part of the Windows EULA (on versions 7, 8, 8.1 & 10 as of publishing this KB article) the maximum device connection limit is 20 concurrent TCP/IP connections.

What does this mean exactly?

Well if your Print environment has more than 20 users regularly printing via said dusty laptop, you’ll be contravening your Windows OS EULA. From a performance point of view, this likely won’t be an issue for your mini-Print Server but of course this is not something we want to get our customers in trouble about and consequently having Bill Gates lawyer’s breathing down your shoulders!

Here’s the relevant section for you all to view regarding the Connection Limit on Windows:

Section 2. d. (iii)

**Device connections.** You may allow up to 20 other devices to access the software installed on the licensed device for the purpose of using the following software features: file services, print services, Internet information services, and Internet connection sharing and telephony services on the licensed device. You may allow any number of devices to access the software on the licensed device to synchronise data between devices. This section does not mean, however, that you have the right to install the software, or use the primary function of the software (other than the features listed in this section), on any of these other devices.

(Source - Windows 10 EULA)

If you’re reading this and you fall into this category we would recommend in investing a dedicated Print Server instead, not least because of improved performance but the EULA for a Windows Server OS License allows you to go well above this enforced 20 Device Limit compared to a standard copy of Windows.