Problem:
In Windows Server 2012 OS the “devices and printers” view is empty. However the ‘print management’ console shows all printers correctly.
Cause:
In Windows 8 and W2012 server, this is normal. For this view to show devices/printers, the bluetooth service needs to be enabled in Windows 8 for it to show devices/printers. However in W2012 and higher it does not have bluetooth service, therefore this view is useless. The print management role is to be used instead. The printers will be available for the users within their applications, so no need to worry there (see articles below for more information).
Workaround:
If the devices and printers view is a must, there is the option to enable the ‘old’ view printers and faxes. See below how to enable that.
Create a new folder on the server desktop and rename it “Printers.{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}”