Check Current Print Jobs in Queue in Windows 11 & 10

If you’ve ever sent a document to print and nothing seems to happen, you’re not alone. One of the most common printing issues on Windows computers is a stuck or delayed print job. 

Whether you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10, checking the current print jobs in the queue can help you figure out why your printer isn’t responding, cancel unwanted documents, or simply monitor what’s being printed. This is especially useful in busy environments where multiple documents are sent to the same printer.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to easily access and manage your printer queue, even if you’re a complete beginner.

How to Check Current Print Jobs in Queue in Windows 11 & 10?

To check current print jobs in the queue in Windows 11 or Windows 10, open Settings, go to Bluetooth & devices or Devices, select Printers & scanners, choose your printer, and click Open print queue. You can view, pause, or cancel print jobs from there.

Let’s explore in detail!

Step 1: Open the Settings App on Your Computer

The first step is to open the Settings app, which is where you manage most of your system configurations, including printers.

To do this, go to Start Menu > Click on Settings > Open the Settings window.

If you prefer a faster way, press Windows key + I on your keyboard. This shortcut instantly opens the Settings app without navigating through menus.

Once the Settings window is open, you will see different categories like System, Devices, Network, and more. The exact layout may vary slightly depending on whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, but the process remains very similar.

Make sure you are comfortable navigating this screen because you’ll be using it to locate your printer settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Printers & Scanners Section

Now that you’re inside Settings, you need to locate the section where printers are listed.

On Windows 11, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.

On Windows 10, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.

This section displays all the printers connected to your computer, whether they are wired, wireless, or virtual printers like PDF printers.

Take a moment to identify the printer you are currently using. If you have multiple printers installed, it’s important to select the correct one; you won’t see the right print queue.

Once you find your printer, click on its name to open more options.

Step 3: Select Your Printer and Access Its Options

After clicking on your printer, you will be taken to a page with several options related to that specific device.

Go to Settings > Printers & scanners > Click your printer > Open its settings page.

Here, you’ll see options like Set as default, Manage, or Open queue, depending on your Windows version.

Click on the Manage button if it appears. This will take you to another screen where you can perform actions related to that printer.

This step is important because it ensures you’re working with the correct printer and accessing its specific queue.

Step 4: Open the Print Queue Window

Now you’re just one step away from viewing your print jobs.

Go to Settings > Printers & scanners > Select printer > Click Manage > Click Open print queue.

Once you click Open print queue, a new window will appear. This is the print queue window, where all active and pending print jobs are displayed.

Each job in the queue shows details such as the document name, status, number of pages, and size. If a document is currently printing, you’ll see its progress here.

If nothing is listed, it means there are no active print jobs at the moment.

Print Queue Status and Options

Now that the print queue is open, it’s important to understand what you’re looking at.

Each entry represents a document waiting to be printed or currently being printed. The Status column tells you what’s happening with each job. For example, it may say Printing, Paused, Error, or Spooling.

You can right-click on any document to see options like Pause, Resume, Restart, or Cancel.

If a document is stuck, selecting Cancel can remove it from the queue and allow other jobs to continue.

You can also use the top menu in the queue window to manage all jobs at once, such as canceling all documents.

This step gives you full control over your printing process and helps you troubleshoot issues quickly.

Check Current Print Jobs in Queue Using Control Panel

If you prefer using the traditional Control Panel, you can access the print queue from there as well.

Go to Start Menu > Search Control Panel > Open Control Panel > Click Hardware and Sound > Click Devices and Printers.

In this window, you’ll see icons for all connected printers.

Right-click on your printer and select See what’s printing.

This will open the same print queue window you accessed earlier through Settings.

This method is especially useful for users who are more familiar with older versions of Windows or prefer a classic interface.

How to Quickly Access from the System Tray?

Another quick way to check print jobs is through the system tray, which is located in the bottom-right corner of your screen.

When a document is printing, a small printer icon may appear in the system tray.

Go to Taskbar > System tray > Double-click the printer icon.

This action directly opens the print queue without navigating through Settings or Control Panel.

If you frequently print documents, this is one of the fastest ways to monitor your queue.

FAQs

How do I know if a print job is stuck in the queue?

If a document shows a status like Error or remains in the queue without progressing, it is likely stuck. You may need to cancel it or restart the printer.

Can I prioritize a print job in the queue?

Windows does not allow direct prioritization, but you can cancel other jobs or pause them to let a specific document print first.

Why is my print queue not showing any jobs?

This usually means there are no active print tasks. If you expected a job to appear, check your printer connection and ensure the document was sent correctly.

How do I clear all print jobs at once?

Open the print queue, go to the Printer menu at the top, and select Cancel All Documents.

Is the process the same for all printers?

Yes, the steps are generally the same regardless of the printer brand, as long as it is properly installed on your system.

Summary

Checking the current print jobs in the queue in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is a simple but powerful way to manage your printing tasks. By accessing the print queue, you can monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and control how documents are printed.

The easiest method is through the Settings app, where you navigate to Printers & scanners, select your printer, and open the queue. 

You also have alternative options like using the Control Panel or system tray, for quicker access.