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

Why You Might Want This Feature

You might want to keep printed documents in the Windows 11 print queue so you can easily print them again later or have a record of what you’ve sent to the printer. Normally, Windows removes jobs once they’re done, but a simple setting change lets you keep them handy if you often need to reprint the same file.

When you enable “Keep printed documents,” a copy of each printed document stays in your print queue. This is helpful if you need to reprint documents often or if you want to keep records of what you’ve printed.

Method 1Use ⚙️ the Settings App

Using the ⚙️ Settings app is the simplest way to keep printed documents in your Windows 11 print queue. This method involves just a few clicks to adjust the setting for your printer, and you can ⚙️ open Settings by clicking the ⊞ Start menu and selecting Settings, or by pressing Windows key + I.

1. Open the ⚙️ Settings app. Click the ⊞ Start menu and select Settings, or press Windows key + I.
2. On the left side, click 🔷 Bluetooth & devices.
   
   

   

3. On the right side, select Printer & scanners to expand it.
   
   

   

4. Find and select the printer you want to configure.
   
   

   

5. Click Printer properties.
   
   

   

6. A new window will open. Click the Advanced tab at the top.
7. Look for the box next to Keep printed documents. Check the box to turn it on, or uncheck it to turn it off.
   
   

   

8. Close ⚙️ the Settings app when finished.

Method 2Use Print Management

For those comfortable with more advanced settings, the Print Management tool offers another way to keep printed documents in the Windows 11 print queue. This built-in Windows feature gives you more control over your printers, but it does require administrator rights and a few extra steps.

1. [Requires Admin Privileges] Open Print Management by typing printmanagement.msc in the Windows 🔍 search box and pressing Enter.
2. On the left side, expand Custom Filters and select All Printers.
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. Close Print Management when finished.

What Happens When You Enable This Feature

After you enable “Keep printed documents,” each time you print something, a copy will stay in your print queue even after the document finishes printing. You can see these documents in your print queue and reprint them if needed without having to send the print job again.

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 this feature in two ways: through ⚙️ the Settings app or through Print Management.
• To use either method, go to your printer’s Advanced properties and check or uncheck the “Keep printed documents” box.
• Using Print Management requires admin privileges on your computer.

The ‘Keep printed documents’ feature in Windows 11 allows you to save copies of your printed files in the print queue. By default, Windows deletes these jobs once printing is complete, but enabling this setting is useful for reprinting or record-keeping. You can turn this feature on or off using either ⚙️ the Settings app or the Print Management tool.