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 if you need to easily reprint something or keep a record of what you’ve printed. Normally, Windows 11 deletes documents from the queue after printing, but a simple setting change lets you keep them.

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

The easiest way to keep printed documents in the Windows 11 print queue is by using ⚙️ the Settings app. This method is straightforward and doesn’t require any special tools, just a few clicks to change the setting for your printer.

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

If you’re comfortable with more advanced computer settings, you can keep printed documents in the Windows 11 print queue using the Print Management tool. This feature is built into Windows and offers more control over your printers, but it requires 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 is a handy tool that saves copies of your printed items in the queue. By default, Windows removes these files after printing, but you can easily change this setting to keep them for reprinting or record-keeping.