How To Uninstall Printer: A Step-By-Step Guide

Are you having trouble uninstalling your printer? Well, fret not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free removal of your printer. Whether you’re using a Windows or Mac operating system, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive right in and get that printer uninstalled!

Table of Contents

1. Uninstalling Printer on Windows
2. Uninstalling Printer on Mac
3. Additional Steps for Complete Uninstallation
4. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
5. Conclusion

Uninstalling Printer on Windows

Uninstalling a printer on Windows is a relatively straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen.
2. Select Settings and then Devices from the menu.
3. In the Devices window, click on Printers & scanners on the left sidebar.
4. Find the printer you want to uninstall in the list of installed printers.
5. Click on the printer and then click on the Remove device button.
6. Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

And voila! Your printer has been successfully uninstalled from your Windows computer. However, there may be some additional steps you need to take to ensure a complete removal, which we’ll discuss later in this article.

Uninstalling Printer on Mac

Uninstalling a printer on a Mac is also a simple process. Just follow these steps:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
3. In the System Preferences window, click on Printers & Scanners.
4. Select the printer you want to uninstall from the left sidebar.
5. Click on the – (minus) button at the bottom of the printer list to remove the printer.
6. Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

That’s it! The printer has been successfully uninstalled from your Mac. However, as with Windows, there may be additional steps you need to take to ensure a complete removal, which we’ll cover in the next section.

Additional Steps for Complete Uninstallation

While the above steps will remove the printer from your computer, there may still be residual files and drivers left behind. To ensure a complete removal, follow these additional steps:

Windows

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type printmanagement.msc and hit Enter.
3. In the Print Management window, expand the Print Servers section.
4. Expand your local computer and click on Printers.
5. Right-click on the printer you want to uninstall and select Delete.
6. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

By following these additional steps, you’ll ensure that all printer-related files and drivers are completely removed from your Windows computer.

Mac

1. Navigate to the Library folder on your Mac’s hard drive. You can do this by clicking on the Finder icon in your dock, selecting Go from the menu bar, and then choosing Go to Folder.
2. In the Go to Folder dialog box, type /Library/Printers and click Go.
3. Locate the folder corresponding to your printer’s manufacturer or model.
4. Drag the folder to the Trash.
5. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the printer-related files.

Following these additional steps will ensure that all remnants of the printer are removed from your Mac, providing a clean slate for any future installations.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Uninstalling a printer can sometimes be a bit more complicated if you encounter certain issues. Here are some common issues and their corresponding troubleshooting steps:

Printer Not Listed in Devices

If you can’t find your printer listed in the Devices window on Windows or the Printers & Scanners window on Mac, try the following:

• Make sure your printer is turned on and connected to your computer.
• Check the USB or network cable connections to ensure they are secure.
• Restart your computer and try again.

Printer Driver Won’t Uninstall

If you’re unable to uninstall the printer driver, try the following:

• Disconnect the printer from your computer.
• Restart your computer.
• Reconnect the printer and try uninstalling the driver again.

If the issue persists, you may need to download a driver uninstaller tool from the printer manufacturer’s website or contact their customer support for further assistance.

Conclusion

Uninstalling a printer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you’ll be able to easily remove your printer from your Windows or Mac computer. Remember to also follow the additional steps for a complete uninstallation, ensuring that all printer-related files and drivers are removed. If you encounter any issues along the way, refer to the troubleshooting section for possible solutions. Happy uninstalling!