The print queue is the list of documents that have been sent from your computer to a printer but have not yet been printed. When a document is added to the print queue it must wait until the documents ahead of it in the queue have finished printing before it can be printed out.
Sometimes documents can get stuck in the print queue, preventing any new documents from printing. This can be due to a variety of issues including a slow network connection, a malfunctioning printer, or a problem with the document itself. You may need to clear the print queue if you are unable to print any additional documents or if the documents in the queue are not printing correctly.
Clearing the print queue is a relatively straightforward process, but the steps may vary slightly depending on the type of printer and operating system you are using. Here are a few of the most common methods for clearing the print queue.
1. Using Printer Properties
Using printer properties is the most common way to clear the print queue. On Windows computers, you can access the printer properties by right-clicking on the printer icon in the Control Panel. On Mac computers, you can access printer properties by selecting the printer from the Print & Fax window. Once you are in the Printer Properties window, look for an option to “Cancel All Documents”. This will remove all documents from the queue and allow new documents to be printed.
2. Using Command Prompt
On Windows computers, you can also use the Command Prompt to clear the print queue. Open the Command Prompt window by typing “cmd” into the search field on the Start menu. Then type the following command and press enter: “net stop spooler”. This will stop the print spooler service, which will clear the print queue. Once the spooler has been stopped, type “net start spooler” and press enter to restart the service and clear the print queue.
3. Restarting Your Printer
Sometimes restarting the printer itself can be enough to clear the print queue. To do this, turn off the printer and then unplug it from the power source. Wait a few minutes, then plug the printer back in and turn it on. Once the printer has restarted, try printing again.
4. Clearing Temporary Files
Clearing the temporary files on your computer can be a helpful way to clear the print queue. On Windows computers, open File Explorer and go to the C: drive. Select the “Temp” folder and delete all of the files inside it. On Mac computers, open the Finder window and select the “Go” menu in the top-left corner. Select “Go to Folder” and type “/private/var/folders”. Select the “TemporaryItems” folder and delete all of the files inside it.
5. Updating Printer Drivers
Outdated printer drivers can cause documents to get stuck in the print queue. To ensure that your printer drivers are up to date, go to the website of the printer manufacturer and locate the correct driver for your model. Download and install the new driver, then restart your computer and try printing again.
6. Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Printer
If none of the above methods have worked, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer. On Windows computers, open the Control Panel, select “Devices and Printers”, and right-click on the printer. Select “Remove device” and confirm the uninstallation. Then reinstall the printer by downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website. On Mac computers, open the Print & Fax window, select the printer, and click the “-” button at the bottom of the window. Follow the instructions to uninstall the printer, then download and install the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
These are just a few of the methods for clearing the print queue. Depending on the type of printer and operating system you are using, other techniques may be available. Consult your printer’s manual or contact the manufacturer for more detailed instructions.