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

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

Using the Settings app ⚙️ is the fastest way to keep printed documents queue active on Windows 11. This feature saves a copy of every print job so you can reprint files quickly without opening the original document again. You can turn on this option in a few quick steps by checking your printer properties.

1. Open the Settings ⚙️ app by clicking the Start menu ⊞ and selecting Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. In the Settings ⚙️ window, click on Bluetooth 🔷 & devices on the left side.
3. On the right side, click on Printers & scanners.
4. Select the printer you want to change from the list.
5. Click on Printer properties.
6. In the new window, click on the Advanced tab.
7. Check the box for Keep printed documents to turn it on. Uncheck it to turn it off.
8. Click OK or Apply to save your changes. Then close the Settings ⚙️ app.

Method 2Using Print Management

Using Print Management lets you keep printed documents queue active through an advanced system tool built into Windows 11. This method works well if you manage multiple printers or need tighter control over your print history for easy reprinting. You will need administrator access to open this tool and change your printer settings.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run window.
2. Type printmanagement.msc and press Enter. This opens Print Management. ⚠️ Admin privileges may be required
3. In the left panel, expand Custom Filters and click on All Printers.
4. Find your printer in the list. Right-click it and select Properties.
5. Go to the Advanced tab.
6. Check or uncheck the box for Keep printed documents.
7. Click OK and close Print Management.

Summary

Keeping printed documents in the queue saves a temporary copy of every print job as a handy backup for future use. You can turn this feature on or off using either the Settings ⚙️ app or the Print Management tool depending on what works best for you. Managing your print queue this way helps you reprint files without opening the original programs.

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.