GuidesError FixesOur Recommended Solutions for "Another Computer Is Using The Printer"

Our Recommended Solutions for “Another Computer Is Using The Printer”

Learn how the issue can be fixed via Updating drivers, restarting spooler service, etc.

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Printers are an important device at home or the office. Still, it gets frustrating when you receive the error ‘Another computer is using the printer’ while printing something or restarting or shutting down the printer. The error may surface due to a corrupted or outdated printer driver, incomplete logout of another user, outdated Windows, etc.

Key Takeaways
  • You might get this error due to a corrupted or outdated printer driver, incomplete log out of another user, outdated Windows, broken printer, or an issue with Spooler service.
  • This error is typically prevalent in crowded workplaces such as offices.
  • A power cycle, updating drivers, clearing data in the Spooler folder restarting the service, etc can help you eliminate the error.
  • A printer may become temporarily inaccessible if used by several users or computers, thus giving out the “Another computer is using the printer” error.

Method Difficulty Rating

Scan System
Rated: 7/10

Default Printer
Rated: 9/10

Spooler Service
Rated: 9/10

Print Driver
Rated: 9/10

Tip: Power cycling your computer, printer, and Wi-Fi are options that many users found effective.

Scan Your System

Malware might be a reason for your printer problem; you can perform a system scan with Windows Defender, a powerful tool that finds and removes malware from your system. When dealing with the issue we noted that performing a system scan was very effective and also worked for people on the MS forum. Here are the steps to scan your system: 

  1. Access VTP: Go to the Windows Security settings > Go to the Virus & Threat Protection.
    Virus and Threat Protection Tab
    Virus and Threat Protection Tab – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  2. Restart: Hit the Quick Scan button > Restart your device.
    Windows Defender Offline Scan
    Windows Defender Offline Scan – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)

To view the scan’s results:

  1. View Protection History: Go to the Device Security tab in the Virus & Threat Protection > Click on Protection History.
    Protection History
    Protection History – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)

Set Printer As The Default Printer

Some printers function when you set them as a default printer in your system’s settings, such as the Canon printer. Follow these steps to select a default printer:

Windows 11

  1. Choose Default: Go to Start and jump to Settings > Choose a printer by going to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & Scanners > Then select Set as default by clicking on the printer.

Windows 10

  1. Access Printer Settings: Go to Printers & Scanners > Remove the checkmark from the right pane next to Let Windows manage my default printer.
    Remove Checkmark
    Remove Checkmark – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  2. Select Printer: Click the Manage icon next to the printer you want to use under Printers & Scanners > Click “set as default”
    Manage Icon
    Manage Icon – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
    Set As Default
    Set As Default – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)

Tip: An uncompleted log-off from a previous user can cause the error message “Another computer is using the printer.”

Restart Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service is crucial for a printer because it maintains the print job queue and manages communications with the printer. You cannot print or won’t be able to view your printers if this service is disabled. Users can see the print spooler service and cancel a print job that is in progress or handles waiting for jobs.

Turning the Print Spooler service on and off can be beneficial. This method clears everything up and will help everyone have access to the printer. Performing this method worked for us and also for people on Justanswer.com. Here’s how to do so:

  1. Open Services List: Launch the Run dialogue box by pressing Windows+R > Type services.msc > Press Enter.
    services msc
    services msc – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  2. Restart Spooler Service: A list of every service that Windows offers will be displayed in the results > Look for Print Spooler service > Right-click on it and hit Restart from the context menu.
    Spooler Service Restart
    Spooler Service Restart – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)

Update Printer Driver

Sometimes corrupted drivers may be the cause of the issue. Reinstalling or updating the printer driver will update everything, such as a corrupted printer driver or a stuck queue. Updating drivers usually works to solve the issue. This step proved of great use to us and also for people online. To try this method, follow these instructions:

  1. Open Ques: Go to the Device Manager > Expand Print queues.
    Device Manager Print Queues
    Device Manager Print Queues – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  2. Look For Faulty Printer: Look for the printer messing up with the system > Right-click on it > Click on Update Driver > Follow on-screen instructions.
    Update Printer Driver
    Update Printer Driver – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)

If your system cannot find updates, use any third-party updater, such as Driver Easy, Driver Fix, or Driver Booster. It will automatically detect and find the correct drivers per your system configurations and update the drivers on your computer.

This way, you will get the error-free installation that might have been done due to the wrong driver installation or any mistake by updating the drivers manually!


WARNING: Make sure to update your Windows regularly, un-updated systems spiral into an array of different problems.

Last Words

Fixing the “another computer is using printer” error is fairly straightforward and usually does not occur in home spaces but is prevalent in crowded workspaces. While surfing Twitter I saw a thread highlighting the restarting print spooler method, other users claimed it to work as well. 

People on Quora were also discussing this particular issue. One user on Twitter mentioned he was frustrated that even tho his printer was isolated he still ran into this problem. They then had to reinstall all drivers for it to work. Regardless by following the steps mentioned above you can easily solve the “another computer is using your printer” issue.


 


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