Updated for MS Windows 10 – How To ‘Really’ Remove Unused Print Drivers From Your Windows XP/7/8/10 PC or Tablet

Windows 8

How To Completely Remove Print Drivers From Your System – Windows 8

Now that we have had a chance to learn the ins-and-outs of Windows 8, we are pleased to tell you that the process of “really” removing print drivers is exactly the same as with Windows 7. However, finding the Devices and Printers (Windows 7 and 8) is another story.

From Modern UI

There are two methods that you can use to access the control panel from Modern UI:

1. Right click or swipe up from the bottom of the screen and click the “apps” button that appears in the bottom right-hand corner. Scroll to or swipe to the far right and you’ll see an icon for the Control Panel. Select the icon and then select Hardware and Sound/View devices and printers.
2. Search for “Control Panel” from the charms panel that pops up on the right side of the screen and then select Hardware and Sound/View devices and printers (below).

Once there, follow the follow the instructions for Windows 7.

From the Desktop

There are three methods that you can use to access the Control Panel from the Desktop:

1. Right click on the task bar in the area that previously held the “Start” button, select “Control Panel” from the list, and then select Hardware and Sound/View devices and printers.
2. Select “Control Panel” from the charms panel that pops up on the right side of the screen and then select Hardware and Sound/View devices and printers.
3. Select the File Explorer icon in the system tray (previously known as “Windows Explorer”). In File Explorer, select the “Open Control Panel” icon in the ribbon along the top. If the ribbon does not appear, select either the File menu or click the gray “Maximize ribbon” down-arrow in the upper right. Once the Control Panel opens, select Hardware and Sound/View devices and printers.

Once you have located “View devices and printers,” follow the instructions for Windows 7.

Windows 10

How To Completely Remove Print Drivers From Your System – Windows 10

Now that we have had a chance to learn the ins-and-outs of Windows 10, we are pleased to tell you that the process of “really” removing print drivers is exactly the same as with Windows 8. The only issue that you may have is the new method for locating the Control Panel and Hardware and Sound/View devices and printers. Finding the control panel is pretty easy: right click the Windows icon on the lower left of the screen and select “Control Panel” from the list of options. From there, select “Hardware and Sound/View devices and printers.”

Once you have located “View devices and printers,” follow the instructions for Windows 7.

In order to keep your system “clean” and ensure that it runs optimally, make sure that you get rid of any unused print drivers and any associated ports or software suites.

Happy reading!
Terry Wirth

Donate