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Enabling and Viewing Print History in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

2024/08/02
PC Repair

Key Notes

  • To track print jobs, print history must be enabled in Windows 11 settings.
  • Print history can be accessed through both the Settings app and Event Viewer.
  • PaperCut Print Logger is a reliable third-party tool for more detailed print history.

Unlocking Your Print History in Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

In a world where tracking printed documents is essential for productivity and cost management, knowing how to enable and view print history in Windows 11 is vital. This guide will walk you through several methods to easily access and manage your print logs.

How to Enable and View Print History in Windows 11

Windows 11 does not automatically log printed documents; thus, it is crucial to enable print history first. Below are multiple methods to accomplish this effectively.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

To enable and view print history through the Settings app, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Enable Print History

Step 1: Enable Print History

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
  2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Select your printer from the list.
  4. Click on Printer properties.
  5. Go to the Advanced tab.
  6. Check Keep printed documents and click OK.

Print history will now be enabled, allowing all future printed documents to be logged.

Step 2: Check Print History

Step 2: Check Print History

  1. Open the Settings app again.
  2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Select your printer.
  4. Click on Open print queue to view your print history.

Method 2: Using Event Viewer

Another option for enabling and viewing print history is through the Event Viewer:

Step 1: Enable Print History Logs

Step 1: Enable Print History Logs

  1. Search for and open Event Viewer.
  2. In the left pane, navigate to Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > PrintService.
  3. Right-click on Operational and select Properties.
  4. Choose Enable logging and click OK.

Step 2: Check Print History

Step 2: Check Print History

  1. Open Event Viewer and navigate back to Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > PrintService.
  2. Click on Operational to display the events.
  3. Sort the events by Task Category to view only printing events.
  4. Review the list of printed documents along with their timestamps.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software (PaperCut Print Logger)

If you need a more comprehensive solution, consider using PaperCut Print Logger:

Step 1: Install PaperCut Print Logger

  1. Download and install PaperCut Print Logger using the link provided.
  2. Navigate to the installation folder, typically found at C:\Program Files (x86)\PaperCut Print Logger.
  3. Double-click ViewLogs to access your print history.
  4. Select a date to view the print jobs completed on that day.
  5. Export your print data if necessary to a CSV or Excel file.

PaperCut provides a detailed view of your print history, making it a superior choice for those who require consistent tracking of print jobs.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure all drivers are updated for accurate print job logging.
  • Regularly check logs for any unusual print activities.
  • Utilize built-in filters in Event Viewer for better navigation through logs.

Summary

Tracking print jobs in Windows 11 is crucial for effective document management. By following the methods outlined in this guide, users can easily enable and view their print history in multiple ways, ensuring they stay informed about their printing activities.

Conclusion

With the tools and methods provided, you can now effortlessly enable and view print history on Windows 11. Whether you prefer the native settings or a third-party application, tracking your prints becomes a straightforward process.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How can I enable print history in Windows 11?

You can enable print history through Settings by selecting your printer and turning on “Keep printed documents” in the printer properties.

Is there a way to view print history from past dates?

You can view past print jobs if you have enabled print history. If not, you will only see prints after enabling this feature.

What is the best third-party app for tracking print history?

PaperCut Print Logger is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive logging capabilities.

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