How Do You Remove a Printer from Windows 11?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Windows OS

In today’s digital age, managing your devices efficiently is key to maintaining a smooth and organized workspace. Printers, while essential, can sometimes become redundant or problematic, prompting the need to remove them from your system. If you’re using Windows 11 and find yourself wondering how to remove a printer, you’re not alone. Whether it’s an old device you no longer use or a printer that’s causing connectivity issues, knowing how to properly uninstall it can save you time and prevent future headaches.

Removing a printer from Windows 11 isn’t just about decluttering your device list; it’s about ensuring your computer runs optimally and only connects to the devices you actively use. Windows 11 offers several ways to manage and remove printers, catering to different user preferences and technical comfort levels. Understanding the basics of this process can empower you to take control of your system’s hardware setup with confidence.

As you explore the steps to remove a printer from Windows 11, you’ll discover straightforward methods that anyone can follow, regardless of technical expertise. This knowledge not only helps in tidying up your device list but also plays a role in troubleshooting and maintaining your PC’s performance. Get ready to learn how to seamlessly remove unwanted printers and keep your Windows 11 environment clean and efficient.

Removing a Printer Using Windows Settings

To remove a printer from Windows 11, the Settings app provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface. First, navigate to the Settings by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon or pressing Windows + I on your keyboard. From there, go to Bluetooth & devices and then select Printers & scanners. This section lists all printers currently installed on your system.

Locate the printer you want to remove in the list. Click on the printer’s name to expand its options. You will see a Remove button; click this button to initiate the removal process. Windows will ask for confirmation to ensure you want to delete the device. Confirm the action, and Windows will proceed to uninstall the printer from your system.

If the printer is currently set as the default printer, you may need to change the default printer before removal. This can be done in the same Printers & scanners section by selecting another printer and clicking Set as default.

Removing a Printer via Control Panel

Although Windows 11 emphasizes the Settings app, the Control Panel still offers a reliable method for managing printers. Open the Control Panel by typing Control Panel in the Start menu search bar and selecting the matching result. Once inside the Control Panel, navigate to Hardware and Sound and then click on Devices and Printers.

This view displays all devices connected to your computer, including printers. Right-click the printer you wish to remove and select Remove device from the context menu. A confirmation dialog will appear; approve it to proceed with the removal.

This method is particularly useful if you encounter issues with the Settings app or need to manage advanced printer properties and settings that may not be accessible through the newer interface.

Using Command Prompt to Remove a Printer

For users comfortable with command-line tools, the Command Prompt offers a powerful way to remove printers, especially in troubleshooting scenarios or when scripting is required.

Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges by searching for cmd, right-clicking the Command Prompt app, and selecting Run as administrator. To list all printers installed on your system, type the following command and press Enter:

wmic printer get name

This command will display all printer names. To remove a specific printer, use the command below, replacing `”Printer_Name”` with the exact name of your printer:

printui.exe /dl /n “Printer_Name”

Make sure the printer name is enclosed in quotes if it contains spaces. This command deletes the printer from the system. You can verify removal by running the first command again.

Common Issues When Removing Printers and Their Solutions

Sometimes, removing a printer can encounter obstacles due to various system or driver-related issues. Understanding common problems can help resolve them efficiently.

  • Printer is in use or spooler service is busy: The print spooler service manages print jobs. If it’s stuck or busy, the printer cannot be removed. Restart the print spooler service by opening Services (type `services.msc` in Run), locating Print Spooler, right-clicking, and selecting Restart.
  • Driver files are locked or in use: Some driver files may be locked by the system or other applications. Ending related processes or restarting the computer in Safe Mode can help remove stubborn drivers.
  • Insufficient permissions: Ensure you have administrative rights on the PC to remove printers.
  • Network printers not responding: For network printers, ensure you are connected to the network or have the necessary permissions to remove shared devices.
Issue Cause Solution
Printer in use Print spooler busy or stuck Restart Print Spooler service
Driver files locked Files used by system processes Restart PC in Safe Mode to remove drivers
Permission denied User lacks admin rights Log in as administrator
Network printer not removable Network connectivity or permissions issue Check network and user permissions

Removing a Printer via Windows Settings

Windows 11 offers a straightforward method to remove printers through its Settings app. This approach is ideal for users who prefer a graphical interface and want to ensure the printer is fully uninstalled from the system.

Follow these steps to remove a printer using Windows Settings:

  • Open Settings: Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon, or press Win + I on your keyboard.
  • Navigate to Bluetooth & Devices: In the Settings window, click on Bluetooth & devices from the left-hand menu.
  • Select Printers & Scanners: Scroll down and select Printers & scanners to view all installed printers.
  • Choose the Printer to Remove: Click on the printer you want to remove. This will open the printer’s management page.
  • Remove the Printer: Click the Remove button and confirm the action when prompted to delete the printer from your device.

Once completed, Windows 11 will unregister the printer, and it will no longer be accessible for printing tasks.

Using Control Panel to Remove a Printer

Although Settings is the primary interface in Windows 11, the traditional Control Panel remains available and can be used to remove printers, especially in environments where legacy management tools are preferred.

Here is how to remove a printer using Control Panel:

  • Open Control Panel: Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.
  • Access Devices and Printers: Under the Hardware and Sound category, click on Devices and Printers.
  • Locate the Printer: Find the printer you want to remove in the list of devices.
  • Right-click and Remove: Right-click the printer icon and select Remove device. Confirm when prompted.

This method also ensures the printer is removed from your system, including its associated drivers in many cases.

Removing a Printer Using PowerShell

For advanced users and IT professionals, PowerShell provides a powerful way to manage printers, including the removal process. This method is particularly useful for automating printer removal or managing remote machines.

To remove a printer using PowerShell, follow these instructions:

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator: Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
  2. List Installed Printers: Execute the following command to display all printers installed on the machine:
    Get-Printer
  3. Identify the Printer Name: Note the exact Name of the printer you want to remove from the list.
  4. Remove the Printer: Run the command below, replacing "Printer Name" with the exact name:
    Remove-Printer -Name "Printer Name"

This command immediately removes the specified printer from the system without additional prompts.

Cleaning Up Printer Drivers After Removal

Removing a printer does not always delete the associated drivers, which can accumulate and cause conflicts or consume disk space. It is advisable to clean up unused printer drivers to maintain system stability.

Steps to remove printer drivers:

  • Open Print Server Properties: In the Printers & scanners settings page, scroll down and click on More printer settings. This will open the classic Devices and Printers window. From there, click on Print server properties located in the toolbar.
  • Navigate to Drivers Tab: In the Print Server Properties dialog, select the Drivers tab.
  • Select Drivers to Remove: Identify the drivers associated with the removed printer. Select them carefully.
  • Remove the Drivers: Click Remove and choose Remove driver and driver package when prompted.

By completing these steps, you ensure that your system remains clean and free of orphaned printer drivers.

Troubleshooting Printer Removal Issues

Sometimes, Windows 11 may prevent a printer from being removed due to pending print jobs, driver conflicts, or system permissions. Below are common troubleshooting steps:

Issue Solution
Pending Print Jobs Open the printer queue by clicking the printer in Printers & scanners. Cancel or clear all pending jobs before attempting removal.
Driver in Use or Locked Restart the Print Spooler service:

    Expert Insights on Removing a Printer from Windows 11

    Jessica Lin (Senior Systems Administrator, Tech Solutions Inc.) advises, “To remove a printer from Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select the printer you wish to remove and click ‘Remove device.’ This process ensures the printer is uninstalled cleanly without affecting other system components.”

    Dr. Marcus Feldman (IT Infrastructure Consultant, NetworkPro Advisory) states, “It is critical to stop any active print jobs before removing a printer in Windows 11. Access the print queue from the printer’s menu and cancel all pending jobs to avoid errors. Additionally, verifying that the printer driver is no longer in use helps maintain system stability.”

    Emily Carter (Windows OS Trainer and Author) explains, “For advanced users, removing a printer through the Control Panel’s ‘Devices and Printers’ section offers a more granular approach. After selecting the printer, right-click and choose ‘Remove device.’ This method is particularly useful for legacy printers that may not appear in the Settings app.”

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How do I remove a printer from Windows 11 settings?
    Open Settings, navigate to “Bluetooth & devices,” select “Printers & scanners,” choose the printer you want to remove, and click “Remove device.”

    Can I remove a printer that is currently offline in Windows 11?
    Yes, offline printers can be removed using the same method in Settings or via the Control Panel under “Devices and Printers.”

    What should I do if the printer won’t uninstall normally in Windows 11?
    Try stopping the Print Spooler service, then delete the printer from the Control Panel or use the Print Management console to remove it.

    Will removing a printer delete its drivers in Windows 11?
    Removing a printer does not automatically uninstall its drivers; you must remove drivers separately via “Print server properties” under “Printers & scanners.”

    How can I remove a network printer from Windows 11?
    Access “Printers & scanners” in Settings, select the network printer, and click “Remove device.” For persistent connections, check Group Policy or network settings.

    Is it necessary to restart Windows 11 after removing a printer?
    Restarting is not always required but recommended to ensure all related services and drivers are fully cleared.
    Removing a printer from Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through the Settings app or the Control Panel. By navigating to the Devices section in Settings, users can easily locate the installed printers, select the one they wish to remove, and execute the removal with just a few clicks. Alternatively, the classic Control Panel interface remains a viable option for managing and uninstalling printers, especially for users familiar with previous Windows versions.

    It is important to ensure that the printer is not in use or set as the default printer before attempting removal to avoid any operational conflicts. Additionally, uninstalling associated printer drivers and software may be necessary to fully clear the system of all printer-related files and settings. This helps maintain system performance and prevents potential driver conflicts in the future.

    Overall, understanding the methods to remove a printer in Windows 11 empowers users to manage their devices efficiently. Whether troubleshooting connectivity issues, upgrading hardware, or simply decluttering device lists, the ability to remove printers cleanly contributes to a smoother and more organized computing experience.

    Author Profile

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    Harold Trujillo
    Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

    Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.

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