So, you’ve decided to say goodbye to that old printer that’s been collecting dust in the corner of your office. But wait! Before you can completely remove it from your life, you need to uninstall it from your Windows 11 system properly. Here’s a quick overview: you’ll need to access the ‘Printers & Scanners’ settings, remove the printer, and then dive into the ‘Device Manager’ to ensure all printer drivers are gone for good. Sounds simple enough, right? Let’s get started.
Step by Step Tutorial for Fully Uninstalling a Printer in Windows 11
Before we jump into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming to achieve. We want to make sure that your printer is not only physically disconnected but also entirely removed from the system. This means there will be no leftover files, drivers, or settings that could cause issues down the line.
Step 1: Open ‘Printers & Scanners’ settings
Navigate to the ‘Printers & Scanners’ section in your Windows 11 settings.
In this step, you’ll want to ensure that you’re logged in with an account that has administrative privileges. If you’re not, you might not be able to remove the printer fully. To get to ‘Printers & Scanners,’ click on the Start button, then the gear icon for settings, and choose ‘Devices’ from the list.
Step 2: Remove the printer
Select the printer you wish to uninstall, and click ‘Remove device.’
Once you click ‘Remove device,’ a prompt will appear asking you to confirm your decision. Remember, this action cannot be undone, so ensure you’ve selected the correct printer. If the printer is currently in use, you might need to wait until it’s idle before you can remove it.
Step 3: Open ‘Device Manager’
After removing the printer from ‘Printers & Scanners,’ open the ‘Device Manager’ to remove any remaining drivers.
To open ‘Device Manager,’ right-click on the Start button and select ‘Device Manager’ from the menu that appears. You could also type ‘Device Manager’ in the search bar next to the Start button.
Step 4: Uninstall printer drivers
In ‘Device Manager,’ find your printer under ‘Print queues,’ right-click it, and select ‘Uninstall device.’
This step is crucial because even if you remove the printer from ‘Printers & Scanners,’ the drivers might still linger in your system. Ensure you tick the box that says ‘Delete the driver software for this device’ if available, to ensure a thorough uninstallation.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your printer should be fully uninstalled from your Windows 11 system. If you ever need to use the printer again, you’ll have to reinstall it from scratch, which can be a good thing if you’ve been dealing with driver issues.
Tips for Fully Uninstalling a Printer in Windows 11
- Before you begin, make sure your printer is turned on and connected, as this can sometimes facilitate a smoother uninstallation process.
- If you encounter errors while trying to uninstall, restart your computer and try again.
- Ensure that all print jobs are cleared or completed before attempting to uninstall the printer.
- Check for any printer-related software that might have been installed alongside the printer and uninstall those as well.
- After uninstalling, it might be a good idea to run a cleaning utility tool to remove any leftover files or registry entries related to the printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my printer isn’t listed in ‘Printers & Scanners’?
If your printer doesn’t show up, it might already be disconnected or uninstalled. Check ‘Device Manager’ for any remaining drivers just to be sure.
Can I reinstall the printer after uninstalling it?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have the latest drivers and software from the manufacturer’s website.
What should I do if Windows can’t remove my printer?
Sometimes, you might need to stop the Print Spooler service temporarily. You can do this by typing ‘services.msc’ in the search bar, finding ‘Print Spooler’ in the list, right-clicking it, and selecting ‘Stop.’
How do I know if all printer drivers are uninstalled?
After following the steps, if there are no printer-related items listed in ‘Device Manager’ under ‘Print queues,’ you’re all set.
Is it necessary to uninstall a printer before physically disconnecting it?
Not necessarily, but it’s a good practice to avoid potential conflicts, especially if you’re planning to install a new printer.
Summary
- Open ‘Printers & Scanners’ settings
- Remove the printer from the list
- Open ‘Device Manager’
- Uninstall printer drivers
Conclusion
Fully uninstalling a printer in Windows 11 is like giving your system a fresh start. It clears out old drivers, prevents potential conflicts, and ensures that when you connect a new printer, you’re starting with a clean slate. It’s a simple process, really. Just a few clicks here and there, and you’re done.
But, it’s not just about following the steps. It’s also about understanding the importance of maintaining your system, keeping it clean from unused or outdated drivers that could cause problems down the road. Think of it as a digital decluttering, a way to make sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
So, whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or just doing some routine system maintenance, taking the time to properly uninstall your printer is a smart move. And now that you know how to do it, there’s nothing stopping you from keeping your Windows 11 system in tip-top shape. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.