To remove a printer from Windows 11, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, then choose Remove. That deletes its installed Windows printer entry; it does not unplug a cable or turn off the printer. If you only want to stop printing temporarily, troubleshoot the connection or queue instead.
Remove the printer from Windows 11
- Open Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select the printer you want to remove.
- Choose Remove. Confirm if Windows asks you to.
This is the normal Windows route for removing a printer. Microsoft’s instructions are on its Add or install a printer in Windows page. Do not use the general device-removal route under Bluetooth & devices > Devices for this task.
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“Remove” and “disconnect” mean different things
Removing the printer in Settings removes its installed entry from Windows. Physically disconnecting it means breaking its hardware or network connection. For a USB printer, unplug the existing USB cable from the computer or printer. For a wireless or network printer, disconnect it according to how that printer and network are set up. Removing it in Settings does not unplug a cable or switch off the printer.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Microsoft’s printer connection and printing troubleshooting treats cable and wireless checks separately from removing the printer in Settings. You do not need to buy a cable or adapter simply to remove the Windows entry.
#1 Best Overall
- IN THE BOX: (1) 6-foot high-speed multi-shielded USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male cable
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer
- ULTRA FAST SPEED: Full 2.0 USB capability with 480 Mbps transfer speed
- DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors for optimal signal clarity and shielding to minimize interference
If you want the printer to work again, troubleshoot first
If the printer is offline or a job is stuck, removing it is not required. Microsoft recommends starting with the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. For pending jobs, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, then choose Open print queue. Cancel jobs that are no longer needed.
If queue troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, restart the Print Spooler: search Windows for Services, open the app, find Print Spooler, and choose Restart. Microsoft’s printer troubleshooting guidance covers connection checks and offline status. These steps are for restoring printing, not prerequisites for removing a printer.
Rank #2
- Ideal Printer Scanner Cable: UGREEN USB 2.0 printer cable is ideal for connecting your scanner, printer, server, hard drive, camera, piano, and other USB b devices to a laptop, computer (Mac/PC), or other USB-enabled devices for data transfer.
- High-Speed Transfer: Up to 480 Mbps transfers data speed for USB 2.0 devices, the USB Type B cable is backward compliant with full-speed USB 1.1 (12 Mbps) and low-speed USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbps). Compared with a WIFI connection, this USB B Cable provides a more stable data transmission and offers a more efficient work way for you.
- Wide Compatibility: This Printer Cable compatible with HP deskjet 2540 / 3630, HP officejet 5740, HP Envy 4527 / 4520 / 4523 / 5540, HP photosmart 7520 / 5520 / 5510, Canon MG5750 / MG3550 / MG7550, Epson XP225 / XP245 / XP425, Brother DCP-L2520DW, Lexmark MX310DN, Dell C2665DNF, Samsung Xpress SL-C1860FW, Oki ML1120 / 511DN, Schiit Modi 2 Uber, Yamaha digital piano, DAC, etc.
- Premium Quality: Corrosion-resistant gold-plated connectors and foil/braid shielding make the SB 2.0 Male to USB B Male cable cord more long-term performance (without noise or signal loss).
- Plug and Play, No Driver Required. What You Get: a USB 2.0 printer cable. Important Note: This printer USB cable has a USB 2.0 Type B Interface, not USB 3.0 Type B.
Add the printer again when you need it
- Turn on the printer and connect it to the computer or network.
- 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. Some printers also require permission before Windows can add them. See Microsoft’s printer installation instructions for details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SOLVE WIFI PRINTER DROPOUTS: A direct USB A to USB B printer cable gives your printer a stable wired connection, helping avoid WiFi dropouts, offline errors, failed print jobs and repeated reconnection headaches
- PLUG AND PLAY USB 2.0 CONNECTION: Connect the USB-A end to your computer and the square USB-B end to your printer for quick recognition on Windows or Mac, with up to 480 Mbps data transfer for daily printing and scanning
- Nylon Braided + SR Joint Design Prevents Wire Breakage — Solid metal housings with reinforced stress-relief joints tested to 25,000+ bends resist fraying, cracking, and internal wire breaks from daily plugging, unplugging, and constant desk movement
- STABLE SIGNAL FOR CRITICAL TASKS: Built for more than basic printing, this USB B cable supports firmware updates, scanner transfers, document printing and photo printing where a dropped wireless connection can interrupt the job
- MADE FOR HOME OFFICE AND WORKSTATIONS: The 6 ft length reaches across desks, shelves and printer stands without excessive cable clutter, ideal for home offices, schools, shared workstations and backup wired printer setups
Rank #4
- Extra Long 20FT Freedom: Say goodbye to distance limits. This long printer cable 20 ft gives you the ultimate flexibility to place your printer or scanner exactly where you want it. It acts as a perfect usb to printer cable solution, bridging the gap between your computer and devices without the need for clunky extension cords
- High-Speed & Flawless Transfer: Enjoy blazing-fast data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps with this premium printer cable to usb connection. Unlike unreliable Wi-Fi connections that frequently drop, this physical usb a to usb b cord guarantees a stable, error-free printing experience with absolutely no data loss
- Nylon Braided & Built to Last: Engineered with a premium nylon braided jacket, this heavy-duty printer cord is completely tangle-free and proven to withstand over 25,000+ bends. The robust aluminum alloy shell protects the usb b cable connectors from daily wear and tear, ensuring a significantly longer lifespan than standard PVC cables
- DOUBLE SHIELDED FOR SIGNAL INTEGRITY - Features aluminum foil and braided mesh shielding layers to block EMI and RFI interference; provides a clean and zero latency signal for professional MIDI keyboards and audio interfaces
- Plug & Play Simplicity: No drivers or software required. Simply plug the standard Type-A connector into your Mac, PC, or laptop, and the usb b to usb a plug into your printer to start working immediately
Rank #3
- IN THE BOX: (1) 10-foot high-speed multi-shielded USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male cable
- DEVICE COMPATIBLE: Connects mice, keyboards, and speed-critical devices, such as external hard drives, printers, and cameras to a computer
- ULTRA FAST SPEED: Full 2.0 USB capability with 480 Mbps transfer speed
- DURABLE DESIGN: Corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors for optimal signal clarity and shielding to protect against noise, minimizing interference for a clear signal
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