Printers that are no longer in use can leave behind drivers, print queues, registry entries, and software components even after they’re removed from Windows. These leftover files may cause problems when installing a new printer, reconnecting the same device, or troubleshooting printing errors. You might also encounter issues like duplicate printers, outdated drivers, stuck print jobs, or Windows automatically reinstalling an old printer.
Fortunately, Windows 11 and Windows 10 offer several built-in methods to completely remove a printer and its associated components. Depending on the situation, you may need to delete the printer from Settings, remove its driver package, clear the print spooler, or uninstall the manufacturer’s software. Performing a complete removal ensures a clean installation if you decide to reinstall the printer later.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best ways to completely remove a printer in Windows 11 and Windows 10, including deleting printer drivers, clearing the print queue, and removing leftover printer software.
What Happens When You Remove a Printer?
Removing a printer from Windows deletes its configuration and prevents it from appearing in the Printers list. However, in many cases, Windows keeps the printer driver, print queue, and manufacturer software on your PC. These leftover components can interfere with future printer installations or continue consuming system resources.
A complete printer removal includes deleting the printer, removing its drivers, uninstalling related software, clearing pending print jobs, and removing any remaining printer ports if necessary.
Method 1: Remove the Printer from Settings
The easiest way to remove a printer is through the Windows Settings app.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Bluetooth & devices in Windows 11 or Devices in Windows 10.
- Click Printers & scanners.
- Select the printer you want to remove.
- Click Remove or Remove device.
- Confirm the removal when prompted.
If the printer disappears from the list, Windows has removed its basic configuration.
Method 2: Remove the Printer Using Control Panel
If the printer doesn’t disappear from Settings, try removing it through Control Panel.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
control printers- Press Enter.
- Right-click the printer.
- Select Remove device.
- Confirm the deletion.
This method works for both USB and network printers.
Method 3: Delete the Printer Driver
Even after removing the printer, Windows often keeps the driver installed.
To remove the driver:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
printmanagement.msc- Press Enter.
If Print Management is available:
- Expand Print Servers.
- Expand your computer name.
- Select Drivers.
- Right-click the printer driver.
- Choose Remove Driver Package.
- Confirm the action.
This removes both the driver and its associated files.
Note: Print Management isn’t available in some editions of Windows Home.
Method 4: Remove Printer Drivers Using Print Server Properties
If Print Management isn’t available, use Print Server Properties.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Scroll down and click Print server properties.
- Open the Drivers tab.
- Select the printer driver.
- Click Remove.
- Choose Remove driver and driver package.
- Click OK.
This ensures Windows won’t automatically reuse the old driver during the next installation.
Method 5: Clear the Print Queue
Pending print jobs may prevent Windows from removing a printer completely.
To clear the queue:
- Open Settings > Printers & scanners.
- Select your printer.
- Open the print queue.
- Cancel all pending jobs.
If jobs remain stuck:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
services.msc- Stop the Print Spooler service.
- Navigate to:
C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS- Delete all files in the folder.
- Restart the Print Spooler service.
The print queue should now be empty.
Method 6: Uninstall Printer Software
Most printer manufacturers install additional software alongside the driver. Removing the printer alone doesn’t uninstall these applications.
To remove printer software:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).
- Locate the printer manufacturer’s software.
- Click Uninstall.
- Follow the removal wizard.
Examples include:
- HP Smart
- Epson Software Updater
- Canon IJ Printer Assistant Tool
- Brother Utilities
- Xerox Smart Start
Removing these applications helps eliminate leftover services and background processes.
Method 7: Remove Printer Ports
Network printers sometimes leave unused printer ports behind.
To remove a printer port:
- Open Print Server Properties.
- Select the Ports tab.
- Highlight the unused printer port.
- Click Delete Port.
- Confirm the deletion.
Only remove ports that are no longer used by any printer.
Method 8: Remove the Printer Using Command Prompt
Windows also allows printer removal using Command Prompt.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Display installed printers:
wmic printer get nameDelete the printer:
printui.exe /dl /n "Printer Name"Replace Printer Name with the exact printer name shown in the list.
This method is useful if the printer won’t delete through the graphical interface.
Method 9: Remove the Printer with PowerShell
PowerShell provides another way to remove printers.
Open PowerShell as Administrator.
List installed printers:
Get-PrinterRemove the printer:
Remove-Printer -Name "Printer Name"Replace Printer Name with the actual printer name.
PowerShell is particularly useful when managing multiple printers or automating administrative tasks.
Method 10: Restart Your Computer
After removing the printer, drivers, software, and print queue, restart your computer.
A restart allows Windows to:
- Unload printer drivers from memory.
- Refresh the print spooler service.
- Remove cached printer information.
- Complete pending system changes.
Once Windows starts again, open Printers & scanners to verify that the printer no longer appears.
Why Windows Automatically Reinstalls a Printer
Sometimes Windows automatically reinstalls a printer after it’s removed. This usually happens because:
- The printer remains connected via USB.
- Windows Update downloads the driver again.
- The printer is shared over the network.
- Manufacturer software reinstalls the driver.
- The print spooler detects the device automatically.
Disconnecting the printer before removal often prevents automatic reinstallation.
Conclusion
Completely removing a printer from Windows 11 or Windows 10 involves more than simply deleting it from the Printers list. Driver packages, print queues, software utilities, and printer ports may remain on your computer and cause problems with future installations or printer management.
By removing the printer from Settings, deleting its driver package, clearing the print spooler, uninstalling manufacturer software, and restarting your PC, you can ensure all related components are removed. Performing a clean removal is especially helpful before reinstalling a printer, replacing it with a newer model, or troubleshooting persistent printing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I remove a printer from Windows?
A stuck print job, active print spooler service, or printer driver currently in use can prevent Windows from removing the printer. Clearing the print queue and restarting the Print Spooler service usually resolves the issue.
Does removing a printer delete its driver?
Not always. Windows often keeps the printer driver installed even after the printer is removed. You’ll need to delete the driver package separately using Print Server Properties or Print Management.
Will Windows reinstall my printer automatically?
Yes. If the printer remains connected or Windows Update finds a matching driver, Windows may automatically reinstall it. Disconnecting the printer before removal can help prevent this.
Can I reinstall the printer after removing it?
Yes. After completely removing the printer and its drivers, you can reconnect the printer or install the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website for a clean installation.
