how to uninstall printer driver

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Introduction: Why Uninstall a Printer Driver?

Printer drivers are essential software components that allow your computer to communicate with your printer. However, sometimes these drivers can become corrupted, outdated, or conflict with other software, leading to printing problems like errors, slow performance, or the printer not being recognized. Completely uninstalling a printer driver is a vital troubleshooting step to resolve these issues, remove old printer software, or prepare your system for a new printer. This guide will walk you through various methods to uninstall printer drivers on Windows 10 and 11.

Pre-Uninstallation Steps

Before you begin the uninstallation process, follow these preliminary steps to ensure a smooth removal:

• Disconnect the Printer: Turn off your printer and disconnect it from your computer (unplug USB cable or disconnect from network).
• Close Printer-Related Applications: Ensure all printer-related programs, including any printing software or print queues, are closed.
• Restart Print Spooler (Optional but Recommended): This can help clear any stuck print jobs. To do this, press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, find ‘Print Spooler,’ right-click and select ‘Restart.’
• Log in as Administrator: You need administrative privileges to uninstall drivers.

Methods to Uninstall a Printer Driver

Method 1: Using Windows Settings (Windows 10 & 11)

This is the most straightforward method for removing a printer and its basic associated software.

1. Open Settings: Press Windows Key + I.
2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners (Windows 11) or Devices > Printers & scanners (Windows 10).
3. Select the printer you wish to remove from the list.
4. Click the Remove button (or Remove device).
5. Confirm by clicking Yes.

Method 2: Using Print Server Properties for Driver Package Removal

While Method 1 removes the printer device, the driver package itself might remain. This method ensures a more complete removal.

1. Open Settings and go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Scroll down and click on Print Server Properties. (Alternatively, you can type printui /s /t2 in the Run dialog (Windows Key + R) and press Enter.)
3. In the Print Server Properties window, go to the Drivers tab.
4. Click Change Driver Settings if prompted to allow changes.
5. Select the printer driver you want to uninstall from the list.
6. Click the Remove… button.
7. Choose the option ‘Remove driver and driver package’ to delete all associated files and click OK.
8. Confirm any prompts by clicking Yes or Delete.

Method 3: Using Print Management Console (Windows Pro and Enterprise)

For advanced users or those with Windows Pro/Enterprise editions, the Print Management console offers a robust way to manage and remove drivers.

1. Open Print Management: Press Windows Key + S, type Print Management, and select the application. (Alternatively, open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Tools > Print Management).
2. In the left pane, expand Custom Filters and click on All Drivers.
3. Right-click on the driver you want to remove in the right pane and select Remove driver package…
4. Confirm the deletion by clicking Delete.

Method 4: Using PowerShell (Windows Home & Advanced Users)

If you have Windows Home edition or prefer command-line tools, PowerShell can be used to remove drivers.

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator: Press Windows Key + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or search for PowerShell, right-click and ‘Run as administrator.’
2. To list all installed printer drivers, type the command: Get-PrinterDriver | Format-List Name and press Enter.
3. Identify the exact name of the driver you want to remove.
4. To remove a driver, use the command: Remove-PrinterDriver -Name "Driver Name" (replace “Driver Name” with the actual driver name, including quotes if it has spaces).
5. Confirm if prompted.

Method 5: Checking for Printer Software in Apps & Features

Sometimes, printer manufacturers install additional software alongside the drivers. Removing these can further clean your system.

1. Open Settings: Press Windows Key + I.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps > Apps & features (Windows 10).
3. Search for your printer brand or model.
4. If you find any printer-related software, click on it and select Uninstall.
5. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation.

Troubleshooting Common Printer Driver Issues

If you’re uninstalling due to persistent issues, consider these troubleshooting tips after a clean uninstallation and before reinstalling drivers:

• Restart Your Computer: A fresh start can often resolve residual issues.
• Update Windows: Ensure your operating system is up to date, as updates often include improved driver support and compatibility patches.
• Run the Printer Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Printer) that can automatically detect and fix common issues.
• Check for Corrupted System Files: Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan by opening Command Prompt as administrator and typing sfc /scannow.
• Consider a Different USB Port or Cable: For USB printers, a faulty port or cable can mimic driver issues.

Reinstalling Printer Drivers

After a complete uninstallation, you can reinstall your printer driver if needed. Always download the latest official drivers from the manufacturer’s website for your specific printer model and operating system. Generic drivers from unofficial sources can lead to further problems.

For example, visit:

• HP: Official HP® Printer Drivers and Software Download
• Canon: Canon PIXMA G2010 series Full Driver & Software Package (Example for G2010 series) or Canon U.S.A. Support Page
• Epson: Official Epson® Support
• Brother: Brother Drivers & Downloads

Locate your printer model, select your operating system, and download the full driver and software package for the best experience.

Conclusion

Successfully uninstalling a printer driver ensures your system is free from conflicting or corrupted software, paving the way for a fresh installation or improved system stability. By following these detailed steps, you can effectively manage your printer drivers on Windows 10 and 11, resolving common issues and maintaining optimal performance for your printing devices.