Question

How do I print or send a PRN or PCL file directly to a printer?

Answer

A PRN or PCL file contains most likely RAW print data. This could be printer interstructions in a PCL 5, PCL XL, or other printer language.

It is possible to 'print' such file by using the COPY command in Windows together with a /B switch, which stands for binary file.

Syntax:

COPY source /B destination

in other words:

COPY file /B printer

Examples

Start Windows Command Prompt (CMD) to execute these commands.

COPY c:\users\winking\downloads\job.prn /B \\127.0.0.1\RicohIMC

Sends the file job.prn to printer RicohIMC on this PC. The file job.prn uses a full path.
(Note: you can share your printer and use its share name.)

COPY invoice.prn /B "\\print_server\My Printer"

Sends the file invoice.prn to printer My Printer on print_server.
The file invoice.prn is located in the current directory where Windows Command Prompt is currently executing the command.
The printer destination is put between quotes as it contains spaces.

COPY "c:\users\winking\downloads\folder with spaces\labels.prn" /B "\\print_server\My Printer"

Sends the file labels.prn to printer My Printer on print_server. The file labels.prn is put between quotes as the full path contains spaces.
The printer destination is put between quotes as it contains spaces.