How to Remove Printer Drivers in Windows 10, 8, 7 & Vista.
In several cases users may face printing problems, because of the existence of several installed printer drivers belonging to printers that they don't use anymore. This usually happens, because most users, when they change their old (useless) printer device, with a new one, doesn't also uninstall the corresponding driver/software of the old printer. As a result, user(s) cannot print, because the print spooler (queue) is full and stuck with print jobs to printers that do not exist anymore (not connected).
This article shows the correct way to completely remove printer drivers in Windows in order to resolve printing problems. (Remove Unused or Damaged Printer Drivers)
How to Properly Uninstall Unwanted Printers in Windows (All Versions)
Step 1. Uninstall Old Printer Software.
Of course, the first step to remove an unused printing device from your system, is to uninstall the corresponding printer software from Programs and Features in Control Panel. To do that:
1. Simultaneously press the Win + R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter.
3. In the program list, select the Printer software/driver that you want to remove and click Uninstall.
4. When the uninstall process is completed, restart your computer.*
* Note: If you have a multifunction (All In One) printer, then repeat the process and uninstall all the additional software regarding to it.
Step 2. Completely Remove Unused, Wrong or Damaged Printer Drivers.
After you have removed all the installed printer software, it's time to ensure that your system is clean from the useless printer driver(s).
Windows 7, 8 or 10 Home. *
* Note: If you use Windows 10, 8 or 7 Pro edition, click here.
– If you use Windows 10, 8 or 7 Home edition, navigate to Device and Printers in Control Panel. To do that:
1. Simultaneously press the Win + R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type control panel and press Enter.
3. Change the View By (at the up right) to Small icons and then open Devices and Printers.
4. Now see in "Printer and Faxes section", if the unused printer still exists on the list. If so, then right click on it and select Remove device.
5. After printer removal, highlight (select) any other printing device (e.g. "Microsoft XPS Document Writer", Fax, etc.) under the "Printers and Faxes" section and then click Print server properties.
6. At Print Server Properties window, select the Drivers tab.
7. Finally, select the printer driver that you want to completely delete from your system and select Remove.
8. When the removal is completed, restart your computer. *
* Note: If you face printing problems, then proceed and remove all Print Spooler jobs by following the instructions in this article: Fix Spoolsv.exe error and Printing Error problems
Windows 7, 8 or 10 Professional.
If you own a Windows 10, 8 or 7 PRO Operating System, then you can use the "Print Management" console, to manage the installed printers (add or remove printers & drivers). To do that:
1. Simultaneously press the Win + R keys to open the run command box.
2. Type printmanagement.msc and press Enter, to launch the Print Management console.
3. In Print Management console, select All Printers on the left pane and see if the unused printer exist on the list. If so, right click on it and select Delete.
4. Then select All Drivers at the left.
5. Right click at the Printer driver that you want to completely remove from your system and select Remove Driver Package.
6. When the removal is completed, restart your computer. *
* Note: If you face printing problems, then proceed and remove all Print Spooler jobs by following the instructions in this article: Fix Spoolsv.exe error and Printing Error problems
That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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