Welcome to our article about how to clear print queue in Windows 10! Have you ever experienced a jammed printer or a print job that couldn’t be canceled? If you have, then you understand the frustration and time it takes to resolve this problem. Well, worry no more! We have compiled 12 simple steps that will help you clear your print queue in no time. Keep reading to discover the solution to this common printer issue.
Steps to Clear Print Queue in Windows 10
Step 1: Stop the Print Spooler Service
The first step is to stop the print spooler service. This service manages all the printing process on your computer. To stop this service, you can go to the Services window by typing “services.msc” in the Windows search bar. Once you find the service, right-click on it, and then select “Stop.”
Step 2: Clear the Print Queue
After stopping the print spooler service, you can now clear the print queue. To do this, go to the Windows search bar and type “cmd.” From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt, and then select “Run as Administrator.” In the Command Prompt window, type “net stop spooler” and press enter. Once the service has stopped, type “del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\* /q” and press enter. This will delete all the print jobs in the print queue.
Step 3: Start the Print Spooler Service
After clearing the print queue, start the print spooler service again. Go back to the Services window and find the print spooler service. Right-click on it, and then select “Start.”
Step 4: Disable Bidirectional Support
Sometimes, bidirectional support can cause issues with the print queue. To disable this feature, go to the Control Panel and click on “Devices and Printers.” Right-click on your printer, and then select “Printer Properties.” Click on the “Ports” tab and uncheck the “Enable bidirectional support” option.
Step 5: Update Printer Drivers
If your printer drivers are outdated, this can also cause issues with the print queue. To update your printer drivers, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, restarting your computer can help resolve issues with the print queue. This will refresh your computer’s settings and might help in resolving printer issues.
Step 7: Use the Troubleshooter
Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter for printers. To access this feature, go to the Control Panel and click on “Troubleshooting.” Select “Hardware and Sound” and then click on “Printer.” Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix any issues.
Step 8: Check Your Printer’s Status
Sometimes, your printer might be experiencing issues that are not related to the print queue. Check your printer’s display panel or manual to see if there are any error messages. This can help in identifying the issue and resolving it.
Step 9: Use a Different USB Port
If you are using a USB connection for your printer, try using a different USB port. This can help in resolving issues related to a faulty USB port.
Step 10: Check Your Firewall
Your firewall might be blocking communication between your computer and the printer. Check if your printer is added to the list of allowed apps in your firewall settings.
Step 11: Reinstall Your Printer
If none of the above steps have helped in resolving the issue, you might need to reinstall your printer. Go to the Control Panel and click on “Devices and Printers.” Right-click on your printer, and then select “Remove Device.” Once you have uninstalled your printer, you can reinstall it by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 12: Contact Your Printer’s Manufacturer
If you have tried all the above steps and are still experiencing issues with your printer, contact your printer’s manufacturer. They will be able to provide you with support and might be able to resolve the issue.
Explanation
Clearing the print queue in Windows 10 can be a daunting task, but by following the steps mentioned above, it can be easily resolved. The print spooler service manages all the printing processes on your computer. By stopping this service, you can clear all the print jobs in the queue. Disabling bidirectional support and updating your printer drivers can also help in resolving issues related to the print queue. Restarting your computer, using the troubleshooter, and checking your printer’s status can also help in resolving printer issues.
Tips and Tricks
1. Print in Batches
Instead of printing all your documents at once, try printing them in batches. This can help in minimizing the number of print jobs in the queue and can also help in preventing printer issues.
2. Clear the Print Queue Regularly
Clearing the print queue regularly can help in preventing print jobs from getting stuck. This can help in minimizing printer issues and can also help in improving your printer’s performance.
3. Use the Latest Printer Drivers
Using the latest printer drivers can help in preventing issues related to the print queue. Make sure to check your printer manufacturer’s website regularly for updates.
4. Don’t Overload Your Printer
Overloading your printer with too many print jobs can cause it to freeze or get jammed. Make sure to print in batches and avoid overloading your printer.
5. Keep Your Printer Clean
Keeping your printer clean can help in improving its performance and can also help in preventing printer issues. Make sure to clean your printer regularly and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
6. Use Genuine Printer Supplies
Using genuine printer supplies can help in preventing printer issues and can also help in improving print quality. Make sure to use genuine ink and toner cartridges recommended by your printer manufacturer.
7. Avoid Using Low-Quality Paper
Using low-quality paper can cause issues with the print queue and can also reduce print quality. Make sure to use high-quality paper recommended by your printer manufacturer.
8. Keep Your Printer Updated
Keeping your printer updated with the latest firmware can help in preventing printer issues and can also help in improving its performance. Make sure to check your printer manufacturer’s website regularly for firmware updates.
9. Keep Your Printer in a Dust-Free Environment
Keeping your printer in a dust-free environment can help in preventing printer issues and can also help in prolonging its life. Make sure to clean your printer’s surroundings regularly.
10. Power Off Your Printer When Not in Use
Powering off your printer when not in use can help in prolonging its life and can also help in preventing printer issues. Make sure to turn off your printer when you’re not using it.
In conclusion, clearing the print queue in Windows 10 can be easily resolved by following the above steps. By keeping your printer updated, using genuine printer supplies, and taking care of your printer, you can prevent printer issues and improve its performance. We hope that this article has been helpful in resolving your printer issues. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Clearing Print Queue in Windows 10
Advantages:
1. Improved printing efficiency: Clearing the print queue helps improve the overall printing efficiency of your computer, as it ensures that all the print jobs are processed correctly without any issues.
2. Faster printer response time: By clearing the print queue, you can reduce the time it takes for the printer to respond to your printing requests, therefore saving time and increasing productivity.
3. Allows better printer management: Clearing the print queue can allow users to better manage their printer settings, as it helps identify which print jobs are causing issues and which ones need to be deleted or rescheduled.
4. Reduces printer errors: A clear print queue helps reduce the possibility of printer errors and malfunctions, thus increasing your computer’s reliability.
5. Easy to perform: Clearing the print queue in Windows 10 is a simple and straightforward process, and requires no special knowledge or technical expertise.
Disadvantages:
1. Deleted print jobs cannot be recovered: Once a print job is deleted from the print queue, it cannot be recovered, which can be inconvenient if you accidentally delete an important document.
2. Interrupted printing: Clearing the print queue can interrupt any ongoing printing tasks, which may cause delays or disruptions in your workflow.
3. May require printer reset: Sometimes, clearing the print queue may not solve printer issues, and a printer reset may be necessary, which can be time-consuming.
4. Inability to track print job progress: After clearing the print queue, it can be difficult to track the progress of print jobs, as they do not appear in the print queue anymore.
5. Potential for user error: Since clearing the print queue involves deleting print jobs, there is always a risk of accidentally deleting the wrong document, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
FAQ
1. What is print queue?
Print queue is a list of documents waiting to be printed on your printer.
2. How do I access print queue in Windows 10?
To access print queue in Windows 10, go to “Settings”, then click on “Devices” and select “Printers and scanners”. Choose your printer and click “Open queue” to view the list of documents waiting to be printed.
3. Why are documents stuck in print queue?
Documents can be stuck in print queue due to various reasons such as printing errors, network connection issues, outdated printer drivers, or printer hardware problems.
4. How to clear print queue in Windows 10?
To clear print queue in Windows 10, go to “Settings”, then click on “Devices” and select “Printers and scanners”. Choose your printer and click “Open queue”. Select the document(s) you want to remove and click “Cancel”.
5. What if the cancel button is not working to clear print queue?
If the cancel button is not working to clear print queue, try restarting your printer, restarting the print spooler service, or uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver.
6. How to restart print spooler service in Windows 10?
To restart print spooler service in Windows 10, press “Windows key + R” to open the Run dialog box. Type “services.msc” and press Enter. Locate “Print Spooler” in the list and right-click on it. Choose “Restart” from the context menu.
7. How to uninstall and reinstall printer driver in Windows 10?
To uninstall and reinstall printer driver in Windows 10, go to “Settings”, then click on “Devices” and select “Printers and scanners”. Choose your printer and click “Remove device”. To reinstall the printer driver, click on “Add a printer or scanner” and follow the on-screen instructions.
8. How to check if printer driver is updated?
To check if printer driver is updated, go to “Settings”, then click on “Devices” and select “Printers and scanners”. Choose your printer and click “Manage”. Select “Printer properties”. Go to the “Advanced” tab and click “New driver”. If a new driver is available, Windows will download and install it automatically.
9. How to troubleshoot printer hardware problems?
To troubleshoot printer hardware problems, check the printer’s manual or manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting tips and solutions. You can also try resetting the printer or replacing the cartridge or toner.
10. How to prevent documents from getting stuck in print queue?
To prevent documents from getting stuck in print queue, make sure the printer is connected and turned on, update the printer driver regularly, avoid printing large documents or print jobs, and clear print queue regularly.
11. Can I clear print queue remotely from another device?
Yes, you can clear print queue remotely from another device by accessing the same printer over the network or by using a remote desktop connection.
12. What if print queue is not visible in Windows 10?
If print queue is not visible in Windows 10, try restarting the print spooler service, updating the printer driver, or reinstalling the printer.
13. What if documents are still stuck in print queue after following these steps?
If documents are still stuck in print queue after following these steps, contact the printer manufacturer’s support or a professional technician for assistance.
How to Clear Print Queue in Windows 10
Printers are an essential component of every office and home, and their usage varies from printing important documents to making copies of photographs. However, it can be frustrating when a print job becomes stuck in the print queue, halting all the subsequent print jobs. In such cases, clearing the print queue and restarting the print spooler service is the recommended option. Here’s how to clear print queue in Windows 10.
Conclusion
In conclusion, clearing print queues in Windows 10 is a straightforward process. However, it is crucial to ensure that all the pending print jobs are saved before clearing the print queue, as it will remove all the pending print jobs. Additionally, it is recommended to regularly check the status of the printer and perform routine maintenance to avoid unexpected delays while printing. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you will be able to clear the print queue and resolve the pending print jobs.
Closing
Thank you for reading this article on how to clear print queue in Windows 10. We hope that this article has helped you in resolving your printer’s pending print jobs and clearing the print queue. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments section below. Until next time, happy printing!