Faculty/Staff Printing: Setting Up Desktop Application

Introduction

St. Cloud State is transitioning to a new print solution, Pharos Cloud, in Fall 2025. As a part of this transition a new desktop application, Pharos Print, will be installed on all faculty and staff devices. This Knowledge Base article covers the initial setup and direct print setup instructions. Faculty and staff will not be able to complete these instructions until the Pharos Print app is available on their computer. IT plans to deploy this app to all faculty and staff computers no later than Friday, 10/31/2025, and send an email to all faculty and staff with additional information by 11/3/2025. 

Instructions

Initial Setup Instructions

Step 1: Launch the Pharos Print App

After the Pharos Print app is installed or opened, you may receive a “Welcome to Pharos Print” pop-up with a login prompt on your computer screen, like the one pictured below.

• If you receive the login prompt, proceed to Step 2.
• If you do not receive the prompt, manually open the Pharos Print app:
  • Windows devices:
    Look for the small printer icon in the Start Menu or the System Tray (lower right-hand corner near the clock; pictured below).
    • 
  • Mac devices:
    Look for the small printer icon in the Menu Bar at the top of the screen.
    • 
  • Once the app opens:
    • If the login prompt appears, proceed to Step 2.
    • If no prompt appears, you may have been automatically logged in. Skip ahead to Step 4.

Step 2: Log In

• Click “Login to continue.”
• You’ll be redirected to the Minnesota State login page.
• Click “Accept” to grant permissions.
• Once you see “Authenticated successfully,” you can close the browser tab.

Step 3: Retrieve Your Passcode

• Return to the Pharos Print app.
• A six-digit passcode should appear on the screen.
• This passcode will also be emailed to you for future reference, if needed. Treat this passcode like a password. 
• Click “Continue.” The window will close automatically.

Step 4: Initial Setup Complete

• Open the Pharos Print app and confirm you’re signed in:
  • Click the hamburger menu and verify your login (YourStarID@minnstate.edu) appears.
    • 
• If, after following the above steps, you are not signed in; submit a request for help or attend a training session in early November for assistance.
• If you’re signed in, your initial setup is complete. You can now send print jobs to the HuskyPrint Secure print queue, for secure release at your department printer (as long as it has a Pharos Cloud Secure Print QR Code on it, expected no later than 10/31/2025).
  • Instructions for sending and releasing print jobs are available on the Faculty/Staff Printing: Using Secure Release & Direct Print Knowledge Base article.
  • To release print jobs securely, most will need to setup the Pharos Secure Release mobile app on their mobile device. Those who are unable or prefer not to use a mobile device can setup Direct Print using the instructions below. 

Setting Up Direct Print Instructions (Optional)

If you prefer not to use a mobile device for secure release, you can setup Direct Print, which sends jobs directly to the printer.

Step 1: Open the Pharos Print desktop app.

Step 2: Navigate to the “Direct Print” tab within the app interface.

Step 3: Check the “My Printers” list:

• If your department printer is already listed, you're set up to print directly.
• For printing instructions, refer to the Faculty/Staff Printing: Using Secure Release & Direct Print Knowledge Base article.

Step 4: If your department printer is not listed:

• Click the “+ Add” button.
• You can locate your printer in one of two ways:
  • Search by name: Typically formatted as the building abbreviation + room number.
  • Browse by location:
    • Use the left-hand navigation menu.
    • Select:
      USA → SCSU → your building → (optional) floor.
    • Find and click your department printer.
    • Click “Add” in the lower-right corner of the app.
• The app may take a minute to process the addition.

Step 5: Once successfully added, you’ll be able to print directly to that printer.

• For usage instructions, refer to the Faculty/Staff Printing: Using Secure Release & Direct Print Knowledge Base article.

Need help?

• If you’re unable to locate or add your department printer, please email:
  informationtechnology@stcloudstate.edu