Fix Deleted Printer Keeps Reappearing in Windows 10

If you delete a printer in Windows 10 and it comes back on its own, the fix is to stop Windows from automatically re-adding it, then remove the leftover driver and registry entries. The quickest permanent solution is to disable the “automatically set up printers� option, delete the printer from Device Manager, and uninstall the driver package.

Why Windows 10 Re-Adds Deleted Printers

Windows 10 has a feature called “Automatically set up printers� that scans your network and USB ports for printers and installs them without asking. When you delete a printer from Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, Windows may still see the device on your network or remember its driver, then re-add it the next time you sign in, restart, or plug in the USB cable.

Another common cause is a stale entry in the Windows print spooler cache or a leftover driver that still claims the port. Even if you remove the printer icon, the driver remains loaded, and Windows can recreate the printer from that driver information.

Disable Automatic Printer Setup

The first step is to turn off the automatic setup feature. This stops Windows from adding any printer on its own.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Devices.
2. Click Printers & scanners on the left.
3. Scroll down and uncheck “Automatically set up printers�.
4. Close Settings.

This prevents future automatic additions, but it does not remove an already re-added printer. You still need to delete the printer and its driver.

Delete the Printer and Remove the Driver

After disabling auto-setup, delete the printer again, then remove the driver package so Windows cannot recreate it.

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.
2. Click on the unwanted printer and select Remove device.
3. Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and choose it).
4. Expand Print queues or Printers.
5. Right-click the printer and choose Uninstall device. If prompted, check “Delete the driver software for this device�.
6. Restart your PC.

If the printer still reappears, you may need to clear the print spooler cache.

Clear the Print Spooler Cache

The print spooler stores temporary files and driver information. A corrupted or stale cache can cause a deleted printer to reappear.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Print Spooler in the list, right-click it, and select Stop.
3. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS.
4. Delete all files inside that folder (you may need administrator permission).
5. Go back to Services, right-click Print Spooler, and select Start.

This clears any pending print jobs and old driver data. After this, delete the printer again if it reappeared.

Use Registry Editor to Remove Stale Entries

If the printer still comes back, there may be leftover registry entries. Editing the registry is safe if you follow the steps exactly, but you should back up the registry first.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Printers.
3. Look for a subkey with the printer’s name. Right-click it and select Delete.
4. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Be careful: only delete the subkey that matches the exact printer name you are trying to remove. Deleting the wrong key can break other printers.

Check for Third-Party Printer Software

Many printer manufacturers install their own management software that can re-add a printer even after you remove it from Windows. Check for programs like “HP Smart,� “Epson Status Monitor,� or “Canon IJ Status Monitor� in your system tray or Start menu.

If you find such software, open it and look for a setting that says “automatically add printer� or “keep printer list updated.� Disable that option. If you no longer use the printer, you can uninstall the manufacturer’s software entirely through Settings > Apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my printer keep reappearing after I delete it?

Windows 10’s automatic printer setup re-adds any printer it detects on your network or USB port. Even if you delete the printer, the driver remains, and Windows can recreate it from that driver information. Disabling auto-setup and removing the driver is the standard fix.

How do I stop Windows from automatically installing printers?

Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners and uncheck “Automatically set up printers�. This stops Windows from adding any printer on its own, but you still need to remove existing ones manually.

Will clearing the print spooler delete my printer drivers?

No, clearing the spooler cache only removes temporary print files and pending jobs. It does not uninstall drivers. You can safely clear the spooler folder to fix stuck print queues or a reappearing printer.

Is it safe to edit the registry to remove a printer?

Yes, if you only delete the specific subkey under Printers that matches your printer name. Always back up the registry first (File > Export) and restart your PC after making changes. Deleting the wrong key can affect other printers or system settings.

My printer is wireless and still reappears after all these steps. What else can I do?

If the printer is on your network, your router may be broadcasting it via mDNS or WSD. Disable the printer’s network discovery feature in the printer’s own settings menu, or block the printer’s IP address in your router’s DHCP reservation list. Also check if your router has a “printer sharing� option that you can turn off.

What if the printer reappears after a Windows update?

Windows updates can reset some settings, including automatic printer setup. Re-check the “Automatically set up printers� checkbox and repeat the driver removal steps. If it happens repeatedly, you may need to disable the “Print Spooler� service startup type, but that will prevent all printing, so only do that if you don’t use any printer.

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