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To remove a printer from Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, and choose Remove. That removes its installed Windows entry; it does not unplug a cable or switch off the printer. Choose the action that matches your goal: remove the saved printer, physically disconnect it, or troubleshoot a printer you still want to use.
Remove the printer from Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the printer you want to remove.
- Select Remove. Confirm if Windows asks you to.
This removes the printer from Windows, not from the network or power. Microsoft’s printer instructions use the Printers & scanners page for printer removal. The separate Devices page in Windows’ general device-removal guidance is not the normal route for removing a printer.
Disconnect the printer physically
USB printer
To disconnect a USB printer, unplug its USB cable from the computer or the printer. Removing the printer in Settings does not disconnect that cable. If you are troubleshooting an existing connection, check that the cable is securely connected; you do not need to buy a replacement cable simply to remove the Windows printer entry.
Network or wireless printer
To stop a network or wireless printer from communicating, disconnect it using the printer’s or network’s connection controls. Removing its Windows entry does not turn off the printer or disconnect it from Wi-Fi or a wired network.
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Microsoft treats cable and wireless checks as connection troubleshooting, separately from removing a printer in Settings. See its printer connection and printing guidance.
If you want the printer to work again, troubleshoot before removing it
Removing a printer is not required to clear a stuck job or investigate an offline status. For Windows 11, Microsoft recommends starting with the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. You can also inspect the queue and restart the Print Spooler if needed.
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Check or clear the print queue
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the printer, then choose Open print queue.
- Cancel pending jobs if they are stuck or no longer needed.
Restart the Print Spooler
- Search Windows for Services and open it.
- Find Print Spooler.
- Choose Restart.
These are troubleshooting steps, not prerequisites for removing a printer. Microsoft’s offline-printer guidance covers queue and Print Spooler actions.
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Add the printer again later
- Turn on the printer and connect it by USB or to the appropriate network.
- On the PC, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select Add device and let Windows search for available printers.
A network printer may require the PC to be on the same network, and some printers may require permission to connect. Microsoft’s printer installation instructions describe adding an available device.
Quick Recap
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