How to Fix the “Another Computer Is Using the Printer” Error on Windows 10 & 11

Many users find it essential to print documents and images. However, some users’ printers don’t print because of a Windows error message that says, “Another computer is using the printer.” Users have reported this error message appears when they select to print in Windows software packages.

This error message suggests the printer can’t print because it’s already in use by another computer. However, the error also arises for home users who aren’t sharing their printers with other computers on organization networks. This is how you can fix the “Another computer is using the printer” error on Windows 10 & 11.

1. Restart the printer

Restarting the printer is a simple possible fix that’s worth a try. This solution may resolve a printer that is stuck on a previous request. Turn off your printer and then turn it on again to see if this makes a difference.

2. Select “Allow Windows Manage My Default printer” and click “Deselect”.

You can also find out more about the following: Windows can manage my default printer When enabled, this option makes the printer that was most recently used the default. This can cause issues if the printer with which you’re trying to print isn’t set as default. You can turn this setting off as follows:

1. Click the Start button and then right-click to select Search for a better alternative.
2. Types of printers & scanners Search engine inside the search tool
3. Select Printers & scanners Open the Settings section.
4. Turn off the Windows can manage my default printer setting by clicking that option’s toggle switch.

   

5. Select your printer by clicking on Settings. Set as default button.

   

In Settings, you may see an alternative WS Printer listed (most commonly for Canon models). The WS stands for web services, and that printer shouldn’t be your default one. Make sure you have your default printer set up.

3. Use the Print Troubleshooter

Windows has a Printer troubleshooter that’s there to detect and resolve all manner of printing issues. So, that troubleshooter could feasibly offer a solution for the “Another computer is using the printer” error. This post on how to run any Troubleshooter explains how you can get to that troubleshooter from the Windows 11/10 Settings App.

Make sure the printer’s cable is connected to your PC before running the Printer troubleshooter if it’s a non-wireless one. Select your printer model in the troubleshooter, and then apply the suggested fixes.

4. Start or Restart Print Spooler

Print spooler handles print jobs. Some users say they’ve been able to fix the “Another computer is using the printer” error by restarting that service. Follow the instructions in our article on how to restart the printer spooler. If the service isn’t already running, click its Start option.

5. Clear the Printers Folder

The Printers folder contains a spooler that stores print jobs. Deleting files in that folder is a potential solution for the “Another computer is using the printer” error as that will clear the print queue. How to clear the printers folder on Windows 10/11:

1. To open Services, simply press the Windows logo + R Key Combination services.msc Run, and select OK.
2. Click on the right-click menu. Print spooler Service and Select Stop.

   

3. Press the button to learn more. Windows + You can also read about how to get in touch with us. The file manager can be activated by using the keyboard.
4. You can find this folder by clicking on the following link:

    C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS 

5. Press and hold the button to select all items in the Printers folder. Ctrl + The following are some of the ways to get in touch with each other.

   

6. Press the button to learn more. Del Delete selected files using the keyboard.
7. Right-click to return to the Services app Print spoolerSelect. Start.

6. Disconnect previous users

If you share your PC with other users, the “Another computer is using the printer” error could be due to a previous user who hasn’t been completely logged off. You can fix the problem by disconnecting any previous users via Task Manager.

1. Click any space in the taskbar by clicking the right-click button Task Manager shortcut.
2. Click Here Users tab.
3. Click the previous user on the screen by clicking right-click. Users Tab and select Disconnect.

   

4. Continue the previous step to disconnect any users that are not you.

7. Update the Printer’s Driver

Printer drivers that are outdated can cause a variety of printing problems. So, you may need to update your printer’s driver to resolve the “Another computer is using the printer” error if other potential solutions aren’t effective.

You can update a printer’s driver by manually downloading it from the manufacturer’s website. Epson’s, HP’s, Cannon’s, Brother’s, and Xerox’s websites all have sections that allow you to download drivers for their respective printers. When you’ve downloaded the driver for your printer, you can double-click on the driver setup package to install it. This article provides additional information on updating device driver.

Print, Print and Print Again on Windows

Getting the “Another computer is using the printer” error fixed is essential for the many users who can’t afford to lose printing functionality. Many users have been able to fix the printing issue using the Windows 11/10 fixes that are covered here. So, applying them will probably get that issue sorted on your Windows PC, and then you can print to your heart’s content again.