Steps to Resolve the ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE Issue

2024/09/04

Key Notes

Stop the Print Spooler service to release the driver.
Delete the printer driver from the Print Management tool.
Use the Printer Troubleshooter for automatic detection of issues.

Resolving the ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE on Windows Systems

If you’ve encountered the ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE accompanied by the message that indicates the specified printer driver is currently in use, you are not alone. This error can be frustrating, preventing uninstallation of printer drivers as it suggests that another printer or process is still using them. This guide outlines a systematic approach to quickly resolve this issue and regain control over your printer settings.

How to Fix ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE

Step 1: Stop the Print Spooler Service

To begin with, stopping the Print Spooler service is essential, as it can release the driver from whatever process is using it. Follow these steps:

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Scroll down to find Print Spooler in the list.
Right-click Print Spooler and select Stop.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stop the service before attempting any changes to your printer settings.

Step 2: Delete the Printer Driver

After stopping the service, it’s time to remove the troublesome printer driver:

Press Windows + R, type printmanagement.msc, and hit Enter.
Expand the list under Print Servers, find your computer name, and then navigate to Drivers.
Right-click on the printer driver causing issues and select Remove Driver Package.

Step 3: Disable Bi-Directional Support

Next, you should disable bi-directional support on your printer, which can sometimes lead to connection issues:

Press Windows + R, type control printers, and press Enter.
Right-click on your printer and select Printer properties.
Navigate to the Ports tab and uncheck Enable bi-directional support.

Pro Tip: Disabling bi-directional support can effectively disconnect your printer from the print server.

Step 4: Rename Print Processors

Another potential fix involves renaming the print processors:

Follow Step 1 to stop the Print Spooler service again.
Press Win + E to access File Explorer.
Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\prtprocs\x64 (or x86 for 32-bit systems).
Rename all files in this directory (e.g., change winprint.dll to winprint.old ).
Restart the Print Spooler service afterwards.

Step 5: Use the Printer Troubleshooter

If the issue persists, leveraging the built-in Printer Troubleshooter in Windows can be highly beneficial:

Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Click the Run button next to the Printer option.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Pro Tip: Always run the troubleshooter after performing manual fixes to ensure everything is correctly set up.

By executing these comprehensive steps, you should successfully eliminate the ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE on your Windows system. For any questions or further assistance, feel free to comment below.

Summary

This guide provided a structured approach to resolving the ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE issue, including methods such as stopping the Print Spooler service, deleting printer drivers, disabling bi-directional support, renaming print processors, and utilizing the Printer Troubleshooter. Following these steps ensures effective troubleshooting of printer driver issues on Windows.

Conclusion

You should now have the necessary tools and knowledge to address the ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE error on your Windows systems. Don’t hesitate to refer back to this guide should you encounter similar issues in the future, and consider checking in with tech forums or communities for additional support.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What causes ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE?

This error typically occurs when a printer driver is actively being used by another printer or process, preventing modifications or removals.

Can I fix this error without uninstalling anything?

Yes, steps such as stopping the Print Spooler service or disabling bi-directional support can help resolve the issue without needing to uninstall drivers.