How to Fix the “Another Computer Is Using the Printer” Error on Windows 10 & 11
Printing documents and images is essential for many users. However, some users’ printers don’t print because of a Windows error message that says, “Another computer is using the printer.” Users have reported this error message appears when they select to print in Windows software packages.
This error message suggests the printer can’t print because it’s already in use by another computer. However, the error also arises for home users who aren’t sharing their printers with other computers on organization networks. This is how you could fix the “Another computer is using the printer” error on Windows 10 & 11.
1. Restart the Printer
Restarting the printer is a simple possible fix that’s worth a try. The printer could be stuck with a preceding request, which applying this solution might resolve. So, power off your printer for a few minutes and then turn it back on to see if that makes a difference.
2. Deselect the “Allow Windows to Manage My Default Printer” Option
TheAllow Windows to manage my default printeroption sets the most recently used printer to be the default one when enabled. This can cause issues if the printer with which you’re trying to print isn’t set as default. You can turn off that setting as follows:
You might see an alternative WS printer listed in Settings (most typically for Canon models). The WS stands for web services, and that printer shouldn’t be your default one. verify your standard printer is set as default.
3. Utilize the Print Troubleshooter
Windows has a Printer troubleshooter that’s there to detect and resolve all manner of printing issues. So, that troubleshooter could feasibly offer a solution for the “Another computer is using the printer” error. Thishow to run any troubleshooter postexplains how you can access that troubleshooter in the Windows 11/10 Settings app.
Make sure the printer’s cable is connected to your PC before running the Printer troubleshooter if it’s a non-wireless one. Then select your printer model within the troubleshooter and apply the potential fixes suggested.
4. Start or Restart the Print Spooler
Print spooler is a service for handling print jobs. Some users say they’ve been able to fix the “Another computer is using the printer” error by restarting that service. it’s possible to apply that resolution by following the step-by-step instructions in ourhow-to restart the printer spooler article. If the service isn’t already running, click itsStartoption.
5. Clear the Printers Folder
The Printers folder is a spooler directory that stores print jobs in the queue. Deleting files in that folder is a potential solution for the “Another computer is using the printer” error as that will clear the print queue. This is how it’s possible to clear the Printers folder on Windows 11/10:
6. Disconnect Previous Users
If you share your PC with other users, the “Another computer is using the printer” error could be due to a previous user who hasn’t been completely logged off. you could remedy that by disconnecting previous users with Task Manager like this:
7. Update the Printer’s Driver
Antiquated printer drivers can cause lots of printing issues. So, you may need to revise your printer’s driver to resolve the “Another computer is using the printer” error if other potential solutions aren’t effective.
You can update a printer’s driver by manually downloading it from the manufacturer’s website. The Epson, HP, Cannon, Brother, and Xerox sites include driver download sections for their respective printer models. When you’ve downloaded the driver for your printer, you can double-click on the driver setup package to install it. This article aboutfinding and replacing outdated drivers on Windowsprovides further details for updating device drivers.
Print, Print, and Print Again on Windows
Getting the “Another computer is using the printer” error fixed is essential for the many users who can’t afford to lose printing functionality. Fortunately, lots of users have resolved that printing issue with the potential Windows 11/10 fixes covered here. So, applying them will probably get that issue sorted on your Windows PC, and then you can print to your heart’s content again.
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