How to Pause and Resume Printing in Windows 11
Pausing and resuming printing in Windows 11 stops or restarts your print jobs using the print queue, a built-in window that lists every document currently waiting for the printer. You open this queue from the taskbar printer icon or the Windows 11 Settings app when you run out of paper, need to swap a low ink cartridge, or want to cancel a mistaken job.
Stopping a print job takes just a few clicks. You can pause the entire printer or hold back a single document without losing your place in line.
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 hardware device that connects to your computer to put digital documents and photos onto physical paper. When you choose to print a file, your computer sends that data to the printer, which then uses ink or toner to create a hard copy you can hold in your hands.
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
To pause printing windows 11 and manage your active print queue, open the Settings app and go to Bluetooth & devices, select Printers & scanners, and click on your printer. From there, open the print queue to pause any active job and resume it whenever you are ready to start printing again.
- 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!