How to cancel a print job?

how to cancel a print job

Cancelling a print job can be a necessary task, especially if you’ve realized that the document you’re printing is no longer needed, or if there’s an error that needs to be fixed. Whether you’re using a personal printer or a shared office printer, the process is generally straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to cancel a print job across various platforms.

Understanding Print Jobs

A print job is a command sent to the printer to produce a physical copy of a document. Once a job is sent, it enters the printer’s queue, which may include several other jobs. Cancelling a print job ensures that your printer does not waste resources or time on unwanted prints.

Common Methods to Cancel a Print Job

1. Using Windows

If you’re using a Windows computer, follow these steps to cancel a print job:

  • Open the Printer Queue:
    • Click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
    • Select “Settings” and then choose “Devices.”
    • Click on “Printers & Scanners” and find your printer in the list.
    • Click on your printer and select “Open Queue.”
  • Cancel the Print Job:
    • In the printer queue window, you’ll see a list of documents waiting to be printed.
    • Right-click on the document you wish to cancel and select “Cancel.”
    • If you want to cancel all jobs, you can choose “Cancel All Documents.”
  • Confirm Cancellation:
    • The print job should now disappear from the queue. If it doesn’t, you may need to restart the printer or your computer.
2. Using macOS

For Mac users, the process is slightly different:

  • Access the Printer Queue:
    • Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
    • Select “System Preferences” and then click on “Printers & Scanners.”
    • Find your printer in the list and click on it.
    • Click the “Open Print Queue” button.
  • Cancel the Print Job:
    • In the print queue, you’ll see a list of jobs.
    • Click on the job you want to cancel and then click the “X” button in the top-left corner of the queue window.
  • Confirm Cancellation:
    • The job should now be removed. If it remains, try restarting the printer.
3. Using Mobile Devices

If you’re printing from a mobile device, the steps may vary based on the app you’re using (e.g., iOS, Android):

  • iOS Devices:
    • Open the app you used to print.
    • Tap on the “Print” option in the sharing menu.
    • You will see the print job; tap “Cancel Printing.”
  • Android Devices:
    • Open the “Settings” app and go to “Connected devices.”
    • Tap on “Print,” and select your printer.
    • You will see the print jobs listed. Tap on the job you wish to cancel and select “Cancel.”
4. Using Printer Control Panel

Many modern printers have a control panel that allows you to manage print jobs directly:

  • Navigate to the Control Panel:
    • Access the printer’s touch screen or buttons.
    • Look for an option that says “Jobs” or “Queue.”
  • Cancel the Print Job:
    • Select the job you want to cancel and look for a “Cancel” option.

Conclusion

Cancelling a print job is a simple task that can save you time, paper, and ink. Whether you’re using a computer or a mobile device, the process remains user-friendly. Regularly monitoring your print queue can help you manage your printing tasks more efficiently and prevent unnecessary waste. If you encounter persistent issues with cancelling print jobs, consider checking your printer’s manual for specific troubleshooting steps or updates.