How To Fix “Cannot remove or delete network printer” Error in Windows

Offices and huge organizations have a large network of interconnected printers that are attached to a network and are accessible by other machines on that network. At some point in time some of the printers start malfunctioning, may be because of overload or due to any other problems, while in the most extreme cases some of the printers die out over time.

This could eventually lead to mess as the list of network printers will include names of those printers that are not in use any more (or have died). One of the major problems faced while deleting a printer that is no longer functioning in Windows is that it displays an error message which say “Cannot delete network printer” .

This error could prove very problematic since it will not remove those unwanted printers that are still in the list. So what should be done to resolve this issue? Luckily, we have just the solution for you which will enable you to get rid of this pesky error in no time!

Note: Since this is a registry hack, for those who don’t feel comfortable with it, should first create a backup copy of Windows registry.

Remove network printers from Windows using registry

1. Go to Start and click on Run,

2. Type regedit and hit enter,

3. Navigate to the following registry path,

HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Printers -> Connections

This will show you the list of printer that are inside the list. Select the printer that you want to remove from the network and either hit the delete button or use the right click mouse button and then select delete from the menu to remove the folder completely.

Wait…!! There’s one last step that you still have to perform. Follow the registry path as shown below:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE –> SYSTEM –> CurrentControlSet –> Control –> Print –> Providers -> LanMan Print Services –> Servers -> Printers

Now under the Printers key, expand it and see the name of the print server that actually hosts the printer you want to delete, then delete the printer from the list.

Great! Now reboot your system for changes to take effect. The next time you’ll log-in to the network that pesky error and the non-working printer will be no more in the list. Enjoy! Image Courtesy: OnlineTechTips