How To Remove A Printer That Won T Uninstall In Windows

These problems can manifest in various ways; error messages may indicate unresolved printer issues, and the typical removal processes may falter—leaving devices in limbo within system settings. Attempting to uninstall printers sometimes leads to perpetual ‘removal in progress’ indicators, while other times, printers linger in the device list even after supposed successful uninstallation. Despite the sophistication of Windows and frequent updates, such issues persist, necessitating a set of troubleshooting methods to aid users in effectively managing and removing their printer devices. This article provides a comprehensive guide on tackling these stubborn printer removal problems across various versions of Windows.

Method 1: Remove Old Drivers From Print Server Properties

Sometimes, printer drivers can get corrupted or become incompatible after a system update, leading to issues such as the printer being stuck in a state where it cannot be removed. To address this, users have found success in resolving printer issues by removing outdated or problematic drivers directly from the Print Server Properties. This approach can often dislodge a printer that seems permanently attached to the system, paving the way for a cleaner and more conventional removal process.

Method 2: Remove the Corrupted Printer Registry Entries

Some users have successfully resolved their printer issues by deleting registry entries related to the malfunctioning printer using the Registry Editor. Removing these specific registry keys and subkeys removes the corresponding printer’s configuration data, potentially fixing corruption issues. After clearing the registry and restarting the computer, many were able to remove the printer in the usual way without further complications.

Method 3: Clear the Print Jobs Queue

Many users have encountered a scenario where a printer cannot be removed due to stuck print jobs. These pending jobs can interfere with the printer’s removal process. Clearing the spooler, which stores print commands, can often resolve this issue by removing any obstructions and allowing the printer to be uninstalled successfully.

If you’re still seeing your printer listed in the Devices list at the next restart or if it continues to show “being removed”.

Method 5: Remove Printer via Control Panel

Using the legacy Control Panel interface can sometimes circumvent issues with removing a printer that persists in Windows. This method has proven effective especially after clearing old drivers through Print Server Properties, which can resolve conflicts or corruption within the printer’s installation files.

Method 6: Remove the Printer via Print Management (if applicable)

At the next startup, see whether the printer driver has been successfully removed. If you’re still seeing listed among your other devices, move over to the other method below.

Method 7: Remove Printer via Device Manager

Removing the printer from the list of devices can also be done from Device Manager, but keep in mind that some users have reported that this method was ineffective in their case – the printer has only briefly removed from the list of devices and was back at the next startup.

Method 8: Remove the Printer via Command Prompt

Some users have finally managed to remove the printer using an elevated Command Prompt. This method will require you to get a little technical, but it has the potential of succeeding where other methods failed. Note: The following procedure will not be successful unless you do the command in an elevated Command Prompt. Note: Keep in mind that the Name of Printer is just a placeholder for the name that you previously noted down at step 3. Replace the placeholder with the actual name of the printer that you want to remove. The result should look like this: To verify if this method was successful, close the elevated Command Prompt and restart your computer. At the next startup, see whether your printer is still among the devices list. If it is, move over to the other methods below.

Method 9: Remove the Printer Using PowerShell

Some users have successfully managed to remove the stubborn printer that was refusing to go away on Windows by using PowerShell. While this method will require you to get a little technical, it’s reportedly more efficient than the majority of methods that are done through a graphical interface. At the next startup, see whether the printer device is still present in the printer’s list. If it is, move down to the next method.