How to Pause and Resume Printing in Windows 11
Pausing and resuming printing in Windows 11 involves managing the print queue, a window showing all the documents waiting to be printed.
This queue lets you control individual print jobs or the entire list of pending tasks.
For instance, you can halt all printing for a specific printer, like your Canon PIXMA TR4720, when you need to change ink or paper.
Simply click on the printer’s name to open its queue and then select the pause or resume option as needed.
Access your printer’s queue via Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners. Select your printer, then click the “Pause” button to stop printing. Click “Resume” to restart the print queue.
What is a Printer?
A printer is a machine that copies digital files from your computer onto paper. When you choose to print something, like a photo or a document, your computer sends the information to the printer. The printer then uses this data to put ink on paper, creating a physical copy for you.
When a user clicks "Print," their computer sends the document file to the printer. The printer then uses the sent file data to print the document onto paper, producing a physical copy.
Why Would You Pause Printing?
You might want to pause printing for several reasons. For example, you might be changing the ink or toner cartridge. Or maybe you need to fix a paper jam. Windows 11 now lets you pause printing easily and then resume it later without losing your place.
How to Pause and Resume Printing in 🪟 Windows 11
Pausing your printer in Windows 11 lets you stop print jobs before they start printing. You can easily pause printing windows 11 from the Settings app, which helps you manage what’s waiting to be printed. This is useful if you need to stop a document from printing right away or want to organize your print queue.
- Open the Settings app: Click the Start menu button and select Settings. Or press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- Go to Bluetooth & Devices: In the Settings window, click Bluetooth & devices in the menu on the left.
Windows 11 Bluetooth & devices settings page showing connected hardware. - Find Printers & Scanners: On the right side, click Printers & scanners.
Printers and scanners tile in the Settings app - Select your printer: Click on the printer you want to pause or resume printing for.
List of printers in Settings - Pause or Resume printing: Under Advanced Printer Settings, click the Printing tile. Then click the Pause button to stop printing.
Pause printing button
When you want to start printing again, click the Resume button.
Resume printing button - When finished, close the Settings app.
Summary
Windows 11 makes it simple to pause and resume printing jobs right from the Settings menu.
How do I pause printing in 🪟 Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Devices > More devices and printer settings > Double-click the printer to open the print queue to pause the print, just like the way you could do on Windows 10.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!