How to Enable a Cash Drawer on Windows

Introduction

This application note provides instructions for enabling and testing a printer-driven cash drawer on Windows.

Supported Cash Drawers: CD3, CD4, CD5, mPOP, SMD2 and most 3^rd party cash drawers
Supported Interfaces: Printer-driven
Supported Environments: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7

Before you begin

Star Desktop printers can be configured to automatically open a cash drawer connected to them after each transaction, in which a receipt is printed, or can be set to disabled if the drawer is controlled by the POS software.

Important! Ensure that the printer is installed, configured and working on the Windows device.

Enable a Cash Drawer with the futurePRNT Driver

1. Connect the cash drawer to the printer’s “DK” port with the cable included with your Cash Drawer purchase, and power the printer on.

Note: Star Cash Drawer cables are labeled to indicate which end connects to the printer and which to the cash drawer.

2. Click the Windows/Start Menu icon and open Settings.

3. Click “Bluetooth & devices” and select “Printers & scanners”.

4. Select the printer and click “Printer Properties”.

5. Select the “Device Settings” tab.

6. Under Installable Options, open the “Peripheral Unit Type” menu and select “Cash Drawer”.

7. Open the “Peripheral Unit 1” menu and select one of the following:

Document Top: Opens the cash drawer before each receipt prints
Document Bottom: Opens the cash drawer after each receipt prints

8. Click “Apply” to confirm the changes.

9. To test, select the General tab and click “Print Test Page”. This will print a test receipt and open the cash drawer. Click “OK” to close the Printer Properties.

Note: If the drawer fails to open try selecting Peripheral Unit #2.

Congratulations! You have successfully enabled a Cash Drawer with your printer on Windows.

Enable Cash Drawer with StarPRNT Intelligence and Star Windows Software Drivers

1. Connect the cash drawer to the printer’s “DK” port with the cable included with your Cash Drawer purchase, and power the printer on.

Note: Star Cash Drawer cables are labeled to indicate which end connects to the printer and which to the cash drawer.

2. Click the Windows/Start Menu icon and open Settings.

3. Click “Bluetooth & devices” and select “Printers & scanners”.

4. Select the printer and click “Printer Properties”.

5. Select the “Device Settings” tab.

6. Expand the “Peripheral Unit 1” menu.

7. Click the “Type” cascade menu and select “Cash Drawer”.

8. Click the “Timing” cascade menu and select one of the following:

Document Top: Opens the cash drawer before each receipt prints
Document Bottom: Opens the cash drawer after each receipt prints

9. Click “Apply” to confirm the changes.

10. To test, select the General tab and click “Print Test Page”. This will print a test receipt and open the cash drawer. Click “OK” to close the Printer Properties.

Note: If the drawer fails to open try selecting Peripheral Unit #2.

Congratulations! You have successfully enabled a Cash Drawer on Windows.

See also

How to Enable a Cash Drawer on macOS
How to Troubleshoot a Star Micronics Cash Drawer
How to Replace a Cash Drawer Tray and Till