How to remove a printer from Mac OS or Windows operating system

Questions

  • How do I remove a printer from my Mac?
  • How do I delete a printer from my Windows 11 computer?
  • I no longer need a printer — how do I uninstall it?
  • How do I remove a printer as a troubleshooting step on macOS?
  • The wrong printer keeps showing as my default — can I delete it?
  • How do I remove an old or unavailable printer from my printer list?
  • What is the difference between removing a printer here and using Print Deploy?

Environment

This article covers removing printers directly through the operating system's printer settings:

  • Who: All Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students.
  • Devices: Bowdoin-issued MacBook Pro (macOS Sequoia 15.x or Tahoe 26.x) and Windows 11 computers.
  • Use this article when: You want to remove a specific printer from your computer's printer list — for example, to clean up unused printers, remove a duplicate, or as a troubleshooting step before reinstalling.
PaperCut / Print Deploy printers: If you need to remove a Bowdoin campus printer that was installed through Print Deploy, you can also manage it from within the Print Deploy application. See How to install or delete a Bowdoin printer in the Related Articles section for that workflow. Either method works — the OS settings method below applies to any printer regardless of how it was installed.

Resolution

Remove a printer on macOS

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
  2. Click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar.
  3. Select the printer you want to remove from the list.
  4. Click the Remove button (–) below the printer list.
  5. Click Delete Printer to confirm.
Note: Removing a printer on macOS does not affect other users on the same network — it only removes it from your Mac. You can reinstall it at any time through Print Deploy.

Remove a printer on Windows 11

  1. Click the Start button and open Settings (Windows + I).
  2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Click the printer you want to remove.
  4. Click Remove, then confirm when prompted.
Note: On Windows 11, removing a printer only removes it from your device. You can reinstall it at any time through Print Deploy.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Print Article

Related Articles (2)

How to install or delete a Bowdoin printer
How to install or delete campus printers on a Bowdoin-issued Mac or Windows 11 computer using the Print Deploy application. Covers printers that are installed automatically, how to manually add additional printers, and how to remove printers that are no longer needed. Requires being on campus or connected to the Bowdoin VPN.
Setting a default printer
Instructions for setting a default printer on a Mac running macOS Sequoia or Tahoe, and on Windows 11. Also covers how to stop the OS from automatically switching your default printer. Applies to all Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff.