Removing a printer from Windows 10 can help declutter your device list, resolve connectivity issues, or prepare your system for a new printer setup. Whether you’re troubleshooting a problem or just cleaning up your device list, knowing how to remove a printer properly ensures your Windows 10 system remains organized and runs smoothly. Before you begin, make sure you have administrator access to your computer, as removing devices often requires admin rights. Also, save any pending print jobs or documents related to the printer you want to remove to avoid losing important data.
What You’ll Need
- A Windows 10 PC with administrator privileges
- The printer you wish to remove (optional, for troubleshooting)
Step-by-Step
- Open the Settings app: Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom-left corner of your screen and select the gear-shaped Settings icon. Alternatively, press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings directly.
- Navigate to Devices: In the Settings window, click on “Devices” to access device-related settings, including printers and other peripherals.
- Access Printers & scanners: From the left sidebar, select “Printers & scanners.” Here, you’ll see a list of all printers and scanners currently installed on your system.
- Select the printer to remove: Find the printer you wish to delete from the list. Click on it to reveal more options.
- Click Remove device: After selecting the printer, click on the “Remove device” button that appears. Confirm your choice if prompted.
- Confirm removal: A dialog box may appear asking you to confirm the removal. Click “Yes” to proceed. Windows will then uninstall the printer driver and remove the device from your list.
- Optional – Remove printer driver: If you want to ensure the driver is also deleted (useful if you plan to reinstall or troubleshoot), scroll down to “Related Settings” and click on “Print server properties.” In the new window, go to the “Drivers” tab, select the printer driver, and click “Remove.” Confirm the removal if prompted.
Common Mistakes
- Not having administrator rights: Removing printers often requires admin privileges. Without these, the removal process may fail or be incomplete.
- Attempting to delete the printer while it’s in use: If the printer is currently printing or has pending jobs, the removal process might be blocked. Cancel all print jobs first.
- Removing the wrong device: Ensure you select the correct printer from the list to avoid accidentally removing the wrong device, especially if you have multiple similar printers.
- Ignoring driver remnants: Sometimes, removing a printer doesn’t delete the associated driver, which can cause issues later. Use the “Print server properties” to fully clean up drivers if needed.
Tips
- Restart your computer after removal: Restarting helps Windows fully refresh the device list and clears any residual driver files.
- Use Control Panel for advanced removal: For more control, you can access the classic Control Panel (search “Control Panel” in the Start menu), then go to “Devices and Printers,” right-click the printer, and select “Remove device.”
- Update Windows regularly: Keeping your system updated ensures compatibility and smooth removal of devices, especially if driver issues arise.
- Check for leftover files: If you suspect remnants remain, manually delete driver files from the “C:\Windows\System32\spool\DRIVERS” folder (be cautious and back up before modifying system files).
Troubleshooting
If you encounter problems removing a printer, try these steps:
- Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches preventing removal.
- Stop the print spooler service: Open the Services app (press Windows + R, type “services.msc”, and press Enter). Find “Print Spooler,” right-click, and select “Stop.” Then, go back to “Printers & scanners” and try removing the printer again. Once done, restart the service by right-clicking and choosing “Start.”
- Use Device Manager: Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager.” Expand “Print queues” or “Universal Serial Bus controllers,” find your printer, right-click, and choose “Uninstall device.” Restart your PC afterward.
- Use the Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run commands like “printui /dl /n “Printer Name”” to delete the printer. Replace “Printer Name” with the exact name.
- Check for driver conflicts: Visit the manufacturer’s website for your printer model and download the latest drivers or uninstall old drivers via “Print server properties.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I remove a network printer from Windows 10?
Yes, you can remove a network printer via the “Printers & scanners” settings or through “Devices and Printers” in the Control Panel. Ensure the printer is disconnected from the network if necessary.
2. Will removing a printer delete all print jobs?
No, removing the printer will not delete pending print jobs from the print queue. Cancel any active jobs before removal to prevent issues.
3. How do I remove a stubborn printer that won’t delete?
Try stopping the print spooler service, uninstalling via Device Manager, or using command-line tools like “printui”. Restart your PC after each attempt.
4. Is it necessary to uninstall drivers separately?
Not always, but if you want to fully clean up the system, use “Print server properties” to remove driver files after deleting the printer from Settings.
5. Can I reinstall a printer after removing it?
Yes, simply reconnect the printer or add it again via “Printers & scanners” or by installing drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
6. Will removing a printer improve my system’s performance?
Removing unused or problematic printers can free up system resources and prevent driver conflicts, potentially improving overall performance.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively remove any printer from Windows 10, keeping your device list clean and your system running efficiently. If problems persist, consulting the printer manufacturer’s support site or Windows support forums can provide additional assistance.
Related
- How to Make Taskbar Small in Windows 11 for a Sleeker Look
- How To Make Taskbar Icons Bigger In Windows 10
- How to Make Taskbar Icons Bigger in Windows 11 Easily