How to Enable Keep Printed Documents in Print Queue on Windows 11

Why You Might Want This Feature

Keeping printed documents in the Windows 11 print queue lets you print a file again later without sending it from the original app. It also gives you a record of what went to the printer. Normally, Windows removes a job from the queue once it finishes printing. One setting on the printer changes that.

When you turn on “Keep printed documents,” a copy of each printed document stays in the print queue after printing. This helps if you often reprint the same file or want a record of what you’ve printed. The setting applies per printer, so you have to turn it on for each printer you want it for. No restart is needed, and it takes effect for the next job you print.

Method 1Use the Settings App

The Settings app is the simplest route, and it works on every edition of Windows 11, including Home. You only change one checkbox on the printer.

1. Open the Settings app. Click the Start menu⊞ and select Settings, or press Win+I.
2. On the left side, click Bluetooth🔷 & devices. The device categories appear on the right.
   
   

   

3. On the right side, select Printers & scanners. You should see a list of the printers installed on this PC.
   
   

   

4. Find the printer you want to configure and select it. The page for that printer opens.
   
   

   

5. Click Printer properties. A properties window opens.
   
   

   

6. Click the Advanced tab at the top of the window.
7. Find the box next to Keep printed documents. Check it to turn the feature on, or uncheck it to turn it off.
   
   

   

8. Click Apply, then OK, and close Settings.

If the checkbox is greyed out or won’t stay checked, you are probably signed in with a standard account. Sign in with an administrator account and try again. To undo the change later, follow the same steps and uncheck the box.

Method 2Use Print Management

Print Management is a more advanced tool that gives you more control over printers. It requires administrator rights, and it is not available in Windows 11 Home. It ships with Pro, Enterprise and Education. If you are on Home, use the Settings steps above or the Control Panel steps below instead.

1. [Requires Admin Privileges] Open Print Management by typing printmanagement.msc in the Windows search box🔍 and pressing Enter. Approve the User Account Control prompt if one appears.
2. On the left side, expand Custom Filters and select All Printers. The installed printers are listed in the middle pane.
3. Right-click the printer you want to configure and select Properties.
   
   

   

4. Click the Advanced tab.
5. Check the box next to Keep printed documents to turn it on, or uncheck it to turn it off.
   
   

   

6. Click Apply, then OK, and close Print Management.

The classic Control Panel is a third route. It works on all editions, including Home, and opens the same properties dialog.

1. Open Control Panel🎛️, then go to Control Panel🎛️ › Devices and Printers. Your printers appear as icons.
2. Right-click the printer you want to configure and select Printer properties. Do not pick the plain Properties entry, which shows device details instead.
3. Click the Advanced tab.
4. Check Keep printed documents to turn it on, or uncheck it to turn it off.
5. Click Apply, then OK.

What Happens When You Enable This Feature

Once “Keep printed documents” is on, each job you print stays in the print queue after it finishes. Open the print queue for the printer and you will see the finished documents listed. You can reprint one without sending it again from the original app, usually by right-clicking it in the queue and choosing the restart option.

Because jobs are no longer removed automatically, the queue grows over time. Clear old entries from the queue now and then, or turn the setting off when you no longer need it.

Summary

• The “Keep printed documents” feature lets you keep copies of printed documents in your print queue.
• By default, Windows 11 removes printed documents from the queue automatically.
• This feature is useful if you frequently need to reprint the same documents or keep records of what you’ve printed.
• You can enable or disable it through the Settings app, through Control Panel › Devices and Printers, or through Print Management.
• With any method, go to your printer’s Advanced properties and check or uncheck the “Keep printed documents” box.
• Print Management requires admin privileges and is not available in Windows 11 Home. Home users should use Settings or Control Panel.
• The setting is per printer and needs no restart.

The “Keep printed documents” feature in Windows 11 saves copies of your printed files in the print queue. By default, Windows deletes these jobs once printing is complete. Turning this setting on is useful for reprinting or record-keeping. You can switch it on or off from the Settings app, Control Panel, or the Print Management tool.