If you’ve got a printer you no longer use or one that’s causing problems on your Windows 11 PC, removing it can free up some space and potentially solve other printer-related issues. This process is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. After reading this guide, you will know exactly how to remove a printer from Windows 11.
How to Remove a Printer from Windows 11
In this section, we will walk you through the steps needed to remove a printer from your Windows 11 computer. These steps will help you disconnect and uninstall the printer entirely, ensuring it no longer shows up in your list of devices.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, open the Settings menu by pressing the Windows key and the “I” key at the same time.
Opening the Settings app is the quickest way to access all the options available on your Windows 11 system. From here, you can control almost every aspect of your PC, including your printers.
Step 2: Go to Devices
Next, click on “Bluetooth & devices” from the left sidebar, then select “Printers & scanners.”
The “Bluetooth & devices” section is your go-to for managing any external devices connected to your computer. This includes everything from your mouse to your printer.
Step 3: Select the Printer
Find the printer you want to remove and click on it.
You should see a list of all printers currently installed on your machine. By clicking on the specific printer, you can access more options related to that device.
Step 4: Remove the Printer
Click on “Remove device” and confirm your choice.
A confirmation dialog will pop up asking if you’re sure you want to remove the printer. Confirming will remove the printer from your list of devices.
Step 5: Uninstall Printer Software
Go to “Apps” in the Settings menu, find the printer software, and click “Uninstall.”
This step ensures that any driver or software associated with the printer is also removed from your system, helping to prevent any future conflicts.
After completing these steps, the printer will no longer appear in your list of devices, and its related software will be uninstalled. This will clean up your system and can help resolve any issues the printer may have been causing.
Tips for Removing a Printer from Windows 11
Here are some additional tips to consider when removing a printer from Windows 11:
- Before removing a printer, make sure to complete or cancel any pending print jobs to avoid losing important documents.
- If you have multiple printers, double-check that you’re removing the correct one to avoid any inconvenience.
- Back up any custom settings or profiles you’ve created for the printer as they will be lost once the printer is removed.
- You may need administrative privileges to remove a printer, so ensure you have the necessary permissions.
- Restart your system after removing the printer to ensure all changes take effect properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add a printer back after removing it?
You can add a printer back by going to the “Printers & scanners” section in Settings and clicking on “Add device.”
Will removing a printer delete my print history?
Yes, removing a printer will usually delete your print history associated with that device.
What if I can’t remove the printer?
If you can’t remove the printer, you may need to uninstall its drivers manually or use third-party software to do so.
Can I remove a printer without admin rights?
Generally, you will need administrative privileges to remove a printer from Windows 11.
How do I know if the printer software is fully uninstalled?
Check the “Apps” section in your Settings menu to ensure there are no leftover software components related to the printer.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Devices.
- Select the Printer.
- Remove the Printer.
- Uninstall Printer Software.
Conclusion
Removing a printer from Windows 11 is not just a simple task but also a necessary one for keeping your system clutter-free and efficient. Whether you’re trying to resolve a specific issue or simply getting rid of an old device, following these straightforward steps will help you achieve that.
Remember, keeping your device list clean can improve performance and reduce conflicts. Beyond just removing the printer, it’s a good idea to keep your drivers and software up-to-date to avoid similar issues in the future. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with others who might benefit from it. And if you encounter any issues during the removal process, don’t hesitate to reach out for more detailed support.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.