How to Keep Printed Documents in the Print Queue on Windows 11
Saving printed documents in the print queue on Windows 11 stops your print jobs from vanishing the second the page rolls out. This setting keeps a temporary history of your hard copy output so you can see recent files and print them again without opening the original documents.
Turning on this feature gives you a handy way to track repetitive paperwork or print the same reports on a regular basis. You can set this up directly inside your printer properties on Windows 11 by changing a few simple boxes.
Open Printer properties, go to the Advanced tab, and check the “Keep printed documents” box. This retains a history of your print jobs in the queue for easy reprinting or verification.
Why Use This Feature?
Keeping printed documents in your queue helps you:
- Print the same document again without finding the file
- Keep a backup of what you’ve sent to the printer
- Check your print history
Method 1Using the Settings App
The main Settings app provides the fastest route to toggle this behavior. Saving a copy of your print jobs in the queue eliminates the need to open the original file for subsequent runs.
- Open the Settings app by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings. Or press
Windows key + Ion your keyboard. - In the Settings window, click on Bluetooth & devices on the left side.
- On the right side, click on Printers & scanners.
- Select the printer you want to change from the list.
- Click on Printer properties.
- In the new window, click on the Advanced tab.
- Check the box for Keep printed documents to turn it on. Uncheck it to turn it off.
- Click OK or Apply to save your changes. Then close the Settings app.
Method 2Using Print Management
The Print Management tool on Windows 11 lets you keep printed documents in the print queue. This method offers more control over your print jobs, which is helpful if you need to manage documents closely or save them for reprinting.
- Press
Windows key + Rto open the Run window. - Type
printmanagement.mscand press Enter. This opens Print Management. ⚠️ Admin privileges may be required - In the left panel, expand Custom Filters and click on All Printers.
- Find your printer in the list. Right-click it and select Properties.
- Go to the Advanced tab.
- Check or uncheck the box for Keep printed documents.
- Click OK and close Print Management.
Summary
The ‘Keep printed documents’ feature saves a copy of your print jobs in the queue, acting as a handy backup for reprinting. Toggling this feature on or off occurs through either the Settings app or the Print Management tool, giving you flexibility.
Either the Settings app or Print Management handles toggling this feature. Visiting your printer's properties and heading to the Advanced tab allows you to adjust the setting.
Windows 11's print queue management helps users work more efficiently and track print jobs. Controlling incomplete printing tasks prevents them from vanishing from the list after submission to the printer.
Why does my printer keep documents in queue?
Print jobs get stuck in the queue if the printer stops printing midway through a job. This can happen for various reasons, from a sudden power outage, low ink, no paper, a paper jam, to interference by third-party firewall software.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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