How to Delete Printer Drivers in Windows 11

You delete printer drivers in Windows 11 to remove obsolete or corrupted files left behind after uninstalling a printer.

These leftover driver files can consume valuable disk space and potentially cause conflicts or errors with new printer installations or other system functions.

For example, a common issue is a corrupted driver from a printer you no longer use preventing a new printer from being recognized by Windows 11. Removing the old driver ensures a cleaner system.

Why delete printer drivers?

When you uninstall a printer, Windows often leaves the driver files behind. These files take up space and can cause conflicts if they are corrupted. You should delete them to stop ‘ghost printers’ from appearing in apps like Word or Photoshop.

What happens when done?

Once finished, the driver package is completely removed from your system. You will need to download and install the driver again if you decide to use that printer in the future. This ensures a clean install without old, broken files interfering with your new setup.

Step 1: Remove the printer

Before you delete the driver, you must remove the printer from your settings.

• Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.

  

• Click Bluetooth & devices on the left.
• Select Printers & scanners on the right.

  

• Click on the name of the printer you want to delete.

  

• Click the Remove button.

  

Step 2: Restart the Print Spooler Service

Note: This step requires administrator privileges. If you get a ‘printer driver is in use’ error, the Print Spooler service is likely holding the file open.

• Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Scroll down to find Print Spooler.
• Right-click it and select Restart.

Step 3: Delete the driver using Print Server Properties

If you cannot find Print Management, use this quick shortcut.

• Press Windows key + R, type printui /s /t2, and press Enter.
• A list of installed drivers will appear.
• Select the driver you want to remove and click Remove.
• Choose Remove driver and driver package to fully wipe it from C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore.

Step 4: Advanced Cleanup with Command Line

Note: This step requires administrator privileges. For stubborn drivers, use the pnputil.exe tool.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type pnputil /enum-drivers to see all installed drivers.
• Identify the Published Name (e.g., oem12.inf).
• Type pnputil /delete-driver oem12.inf /uninstall and press Enter.

Step 5: Registry Cleanup

Note: This step requires administrator privileges. Sometimes registry keys keep printers alive.

• Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Printers.
• Delete the folder corresponding to your old printer.

Summary

Removing old printer drivers is a great way to maintain your PC. By following these steps, you remove the printer from your device list and then wipe the leftover driver files from your system using the Print Management tool or command line. This helps keep your computer running smoothly and saves disk space.