How to Fix ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE

Make sure that the driver is not used by another printer

Fix » Peripherals

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by Claudiu Andone 

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How to fix ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE
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The ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE usually comes with the 3001 (0xBB9) The specified printer driver is currently in use message. The error prevents you from uninstalling a printer driver, suggesting that another printer or process still uses it. Here’s how to fix this problem quickly. Before anything else, make sure that you are logged into the account you have used to install the printer.

How do I fix ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE?

1. Stop the Print Spooler service

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Scroll down to find Print Spooler.
  3. Right-click Print Spooler and select Stop.

After you stop the Print Spooler service, try to uninstall the printer ant its driver again.

2. Delete the Printer Driver

  1. Press Windows + R, type printmanagement.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Expand Print Servers > [Your Computer Name] > Drivers. Right-click the problematic driver and select Remove Driver Package.

3. Disable Bi-Directional Support

  1. Press Windows + R, type control printers, and press Enter.
  2. Right-click your printer and select Printer properties.
  3. Go to the Ports tab and uncheck Enable bidirectional support.

By disabling the bidirectional support, you will actually end any connection between the printer and the printer server, allowing you to uninstall it and its driver.

4. Rename Print Processors

  1. Follow Step 1 to stop the Print Spooler service.
  2. Press Win + E to start File Manager and go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\prtprocs\x64 (or x86 for 32-bit systems).
  3. Rename all files in this folder (e.g., winprint.dll to winprint.old).
  4. Now, you can restart the Print Spooler service.

5. Use the Printer troubleshooter

  1. Press Win + I to start Settings.
  2. Now, go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Finally, click the Run button next to the Printer option.
  4. Follow the instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ERROR_PRINTER_DRIVER_IN_USE issue on your Windows system. If you have any questions, go to the comments below and leave a note.

More about the topics: drivers, Printer Errors

Claudiu Andone

Claudiu Andone Shield

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft. His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school. With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!

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