Printer keeps coming back after you delete it
Windows automatically reinstalls printers that are still on your network or plugged in via USB. Deleting it from the settings list is not enough — you must also remove the driver.
When a removed printer keeps reappearing, Windows is finding it on your network or USB port and automatically installing it again. Just deleting it from Printers & Scanners leaves the driver installed, so Windows reinstalls the printer the next time it restarts. You need to remove both the printer entry and the driver.
- ✓Know whether this is a USB printer or a network printer
- ✓If it's a USB printer, unplug it before starting
- ✓Have access to Device Manager (search for it in the Start menu)
Fix-IT-Bot will walk you through each step, just tap, no typing needed.
Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Removing the printer from the settings list without removing the driver — deleting from settings alone is not enough
- Removing a USB printer while it's still plugged in — Windows detects it immediately and reinstalls it
Signs you need professional help
- Even after removing the driver and disabling auto-install, the printer keeps reappearing — it may be managed by workplace IT policies that are automatically pushing it, give us a call and we'll investigate.
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