Your computer shows the same printer multiple times
Windows created new entries instead of updating the old one. Remove all the duplicates except the one that actually prints, then set it as your default.
Your computer builds up duplicate printer entries because Windows sees the printer as a new device each time its network address changes. Instead of updating the existing entry, Windows adds a new one. Most duplicates are dead links that don't work. The fix is testing each copy to find the one that prints, removing all the others, and setting the working one as default.
- ✓Go to Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Printers & scanners and count how many copies of your printer are listed
- ✓Note the exact names of each copy
- ✓Have a document ready to send a test print to each one
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Keeping all copies just in case — the extra entries are what cause the problem in the first place
- Renaming the duplicates to distinguish them — removing the broken ones is the actual fix
- Assuming the printer hardware is failing — the printer is fine, Windows just has a cluttered list
Signs you need professional help
- Duplicates keep reappearing after every restart despite removing them and disabling auto-management — you'll need a static IP assigned to prevent this, give us a call and we'll set that up for you.
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