Uninstalling a printer in Windows 10 involves a few straightforward steps. You need to remove the device from the settings, delete the printer driver, and ensure no remnants are left. Following this guide, you’ll have your printer completely uninstalled from your system in no time.
How to Completely Uninstall a Printer in Windows 10
We’re going to break down the process of uninstalling a printer into simple, easy-to-follow steps. By the end, you’ll have completely removed any trace of the printer from your computer.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
First, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I.
This will take you to the main settings menu where you can access various system options, including devices.
Step 2: Navigate to Devices
Once in the Settings app, click on "Devices."
This section manages all connected devices, including printers and scanners. It is where you’ll find your installed printer.
Step 3: Select Printers & Scanners
In the Devices menu, select "Printers & scanners."
This will display a list of all printers and scanners currently installed on your computer, allowing you to choose which one to remove.
Step 4: Choose Your Printer
Find the printer you want to uninstall, click on it, and select "Remove device."
This step ensures that the printer is no longer listed among your devices, but there are still driver files to deal with.
Step 5: Open Control Panel
Next, open the Control Panel by typing "Control Panel" into the Windows search bar and pressing Enter.
The Control Panel offers more in-depth control over your system settings and devices.
Step 6: Access Devices and Printers
In the Control Panel, select "Devices and Printers."
Here you’ll see a visual representation of your devices. It’s another way to ensure your printer is fully removed.
Step 7: Remove Printer Driver
Right-click on any remaining instance of your printer and select "Remove device" again.
This will help ensure that any drivers associated with the printer are also removed.
Step 8: Open Print Server Properties
Still in the "Devices and Printers" window, click on any empty space and select "Print Server Properties" from the top menu.
This menu allows you to manage all print drivers installed on your system.
Step 9: Delete the Driver Package
Go to the "Drivers" tab, select the printer driver, and click "Remove."
You may be prompted to delete the driver package. Confirm to completely eradicate the printer driver from your system.
Step 10: Restart Your Computer
Finally, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.
A restart is necessary to make sure all components of the printer and its driver are fully removed from your system.
After completing these steps, your printer will be fully uninstalled from Windows 10, ensuring no leftover files or drivers remain.
Tips for Uninstalling a Printer in Windows 10
- Use Device Manager: Sometimes the Control Panel and Settings app don’t catch everything. Device Manager can help you track down and remove anything left.
- Check for Software: Printer manufacturers often install additional software. Make sure to uninstall any related applications.
- Clear Print Spooler: Sometimes print jobs get stuck in the queue. Clear the print spooler to make sure no jobs are pending.
- Update Windows: Make sure your operating system is up to date. Sometimes outdated software can cause issues with uninstalling devices.
- Backup Drivers: If you think you might need the printer again in the future, back up the drivers before uninstalling them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Uninstalling a Printer in Windows 10
Why can’t I remove my printer?
Try restarting your computer and then attempting the removal process again. Make sure no print jobs are pending.
How do I clear the print spooler?
Open the Services app, find the Print Spooler service, stop it, and delete the contents of C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS.
Will uninstalling the printer affect other devices?
No, uninstalling a printer will not affect other devices connected to your computer.
How do I know if the printer driver is fully uninstalled?
Check the Print Server Properties under the "Drivers" tab. If the driver is gone, it’s fully uninstalled.
What if the printer is shared on a network?
Remove the printer from the network settings on all computers that are sharing it, not just your own.
Summary
- Open the Settings App.
- Navigate to Devices.
- Select Printers & Scanners.
- Choose Your Printer and Remove Device.
- Open Control Panel.
- Access Devices and Printers.
- Remove Printer Driver.
- Open Print Server Properties.
- Delete the Driver Package.
- Restart Your Computer.
Conclusion
Uninstalling a printer in Windows 10 might seem daunting, but it’s really just a series of simple steps. Following this guide ensures that you won’t leave any traces of the printer on your system, which can prevent future conflicts or issues. Whether you’re upgrading to a new printer or just clearing out old devices, knowing how to thoroughly uninstall a printer is a handy skill.
If you ever find yourself needing to reinstall the same printer or add a new one, you’ll be starting with a clean slate, free of any previous configurations that could mess things up. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll be the go-to person for printer troubleshooting in no time!