🖨️How to Clear the Printer Queue on Windows and Mac (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
Ever sent a document to print and then realized it was the wrong file 😅? Or maybe your printer froze halfway through a job? In these moments, clearing the printer queue is the fastest way to stop unwanted print jobs and get your printer back to normal.
This guide shows you how to cancel print jobs and clear the queue on both Windows and Mac devices — plus tips to avoid future issues.
💡 Why Clearing the Printer Queue Helps
You might need to clear the queue if:
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You accidentally printed the wrong file 📄
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You need to update or edit a document before printing
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The printer is paused, frozen, or unresponsive
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One stuck job is blocking all others
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You want to save paper, ink, and time
Think of it as giving your printer a “fresh start” 🚀.
🪟 Clearing the Printer Queue on Windows
Follow these steps to remove print jobs from a Windows PC:
1️⃣ Open the Printer Icon
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Look for the printer icon near the clock in the taskbar
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Right-click it to open the menu
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If you don’t see the icon, your document may already be printing
2️⃣ Open the Printer Window
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You’ll see all connected printers
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Click your active printer to view the queue
3️⃣ Select the Job to Cancel
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Find the print job you want to remove
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You can select one or multiple jobs
4️⃣ Cancel the Job
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Right-click the job(s) → select Cancel or Cancel Document
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Confirm if prompted ✅
5️⃣ Wait for the Queue to Clear
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The job(s) will disappear from the list
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Your printer is now ready for new tasks
🍏 Clearing the Printer Queue on Mac
Here’s how to remove print jobs on a Mac:
1️⃣ Open the Printer Window
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Go to System Settings → Printers & Scanners
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Select your printer → click Open Print Queue
2️⃣ Choose the Job to Remove
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All active print jobs will appear
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Click the document you want to cancel
3️⃣ Cancel the Job
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Click the pause (⏸️) button
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Then click the trash icon (🗑️)
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Confirm the action
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The queue should now update automatically
⚙️ Tips to Avoid Printer Queue Problems
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Keep your printer drivers updated
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Restart your printer occasionally to clear memory buildup 🔄
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Avoid sending multiple print jobs at once
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Check that printer settings match your document type
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Ensure a stable Wi-Fi or cable connection
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Wait patiently — don’t hit “Print” repeatedly
🧾 Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clear your printer queue can save time, paper, and ink. Whether you’re at home, school, or work, this simple skill helps keep your printer responsive and avoids frustration.
If the queue still won’t clear, restart both your printer and computer, and make sure all drivers and software are up to date.