Windows

How to Cancel Print Job in Windows 11

Written by

Richard

Dec 14, 2021 Updated Apr 15, 2026 3 min read

Printing is usually fast, but sometimes things go wrong. A stuck file can stop your printer from working. This guide helps you clear out those stubborn jobs.

Why cancel a print job?

When a document fails to print, it gets stuck in the “queue.” This blocks all other documents behind it. Canceling the stuck job clears the path so your printer can start working again.

What happens when you are done?

Once you cancel the stuck job, your printer will stop trying to process the error. It will then move on to the next document in the list, allowing your printing tasks to continue normally.

Windows allows users to view and cancel print jobs after accessing the print queue via the notification area or the Windows Settings app. You can find our previous post on viewing the print queue here: How to view a print queue in Windows 11

How to cancel a print job from the notification area

When you are printing, a small printer icon often appears in your taskbar. Look for it near the clock.

Windows 11 print queue window showing active documents to cancel

Right-click the printer icon and select Open All Active Printers.

Right-clicking the taskbar printer icon to open all active printers

How to open the print queue using Settings

If you do not see the icon, use the Settings app instead.

Open the Start menu and click Settings.

Click Bluetooth & devices, then select Printers & scanners.

windows 11 bluetooth and device printer and scanner

Click on the name of your printer from the list.

Click Open Print Queue.

Canceling the job

Once the queue window is open, right-click the file you want to remove and select Cancel.

Windows 11 settings menu showing the open print queue option

Sometimes the printer needs a moment to catch up. If it does not disappear immediately, wait about 15 seconds before trying again.

Note: If you are unable to clear a job, you may need to run the command prompt as an administrator to restart the printing service. You will need admin privileges to execute the following command:

💻Code

net stop spooler
del /Q /F /S %systemroot%\System32\Spool\Printers\*.*
net start spooler

Summary

Canceling a stuck print job is simple. You can reach the queue through the taskbar icon or the Windows Settings menu. Clearing these stuck files keeps your printer running smoothly and prevents long wait times. If a job refuses to go away, wait a few seconds or use the command line tools provided above to reset the system.

How do I cancel a print job in Windows 11?

To cancel a print job in Windows 11, access the print queue by right-clicking the printer icon in the notification area and selecting 'Open All Active Printers.' From there, right-click the print job you want to cancel and select 'Cancel.'

What should I do if my print job won't cancel in Windows 11?

If a print job does not cancel immediately, wait at least 15 seconds before trying again. Sometimes, print jobs may take a little longer to process, so patience is key.

Can I access the print queue from Windows Settings?

Yes, you can access the print queue from Windows Settings. Go to the Start menu, click on Settings, then navigate to 'Bluetooth & devices' and select 'Printers & scanners' to find and open the print queue.

Why is it important to manage the print queue in Windows 11?

Managing the print queue is important because it helps prevent delays in printing and ensures that other jobs can proceed without interruption. Regularly checking the queue can also help troubleshoot potential issues sooner.

What happens if I try to cancel a print job multiple times?

If you attempt to cancel a print job multiple times, it may not have any effect and could lead to further delays. It's best to wait a moment after each cancellation attempt to allow the system to process your request.

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Tags: #Windows 11