Resetting saved password in PaperCut Client

Issues

  • I changed my Bowdoin password, but PaperCut keeps using the old one and won’t let me sign in.
  • How do I reset my saved PaperCut password after a Bowdoin password change?
  • PaperCut is stuck on my old credentials — how do I clear them?
  • My print jobs aren’t going through since I changed my password. How do I fix PaperCut?
  • How do I delete the PaperCut saved login on a Mac?
  • How do I clear saved PaperCut credentials on Windows 11?

Environment

This article applies to:

  • Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff who have recently changed their Bowdoin password
  • Bowdoin-issued MacBook Pros (macOS Sequoia 15.x or Tahoe 26.x) and Bowdoin-issued Windows 11 computers
  • The PaperCut Client application (also called PCClient on macOS or PaperCut MF Client on Windows)

This only applies if you previously chose to have PaperCut Client remember your credentials. If PaperCut is prompting you for a username and password normally but rejecting your new password, your Bowdoin password change may still be propagating — wait a few minutes and try again, or contact the Service Desk.

Resolution

Clear saved credentials on macOS

PaperCut Client stores a saved-login file at ~/Library/Preferences/PCClient/pc-auth.cookie. Because the Library folder is hidden by default in macOS, use the Finder Go to Folder shortcut to reach it:

  1. Quit PaperCut Client if it is running — click the PaperCut “P” icon in the menu bar and choose Exit.
  2. Open Finder.
  3. From the menu bar, choose Go > Go to Folder (or press Command + Shift + G).
  4. Type the following path and press Return:

    ~/Library/Preferences/PCClient

  5. Locate the file named pc-auth.cookie and drag it to the Trash.
  6. Relaunch PaperCut Client by opening Applications > PCClient.
  7. Sign in with your Bowdoin username and your new password when prompted.
Tip: You can also open the folder directly from Spotlight. Press Command + Space, type ~/Library/Preferences/PCClient, and press Return.

Clear saved credentials on Windows 11

PaperCut MF Client stores a saved-login file in your AppData folder:

  1. Quit PaperCut MF Client if it is running — right-click the PaperCut icon in the system tray and choose Exit.
  2. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
  3. Type the following path and press Return:

    %APPDATA%\PaperCut MF Client

  4. Locate the file named pc-auth.cookie and delete it.
  5. Relaunch PaperCut MF Client from the Start menu.
  6. Sign in with your Bowdoin username and your new password when prompted.
Folder not found? Try the alternate path %LOCALAPPDATA%\PaperCut MF Client instead. The location can vary slightly depending on how PaperCut was installed on your computer.

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.

Additional Resources

Print Article

Related Articles (4)

PaperCut Client
Explains what the PaperCut Client (PCClient) application is, why it is required for printing on campus, and how to tell whether it is running on a Mac or Windows 11 computer. Applies to all Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff.
PaperCut Client Troubleshooting
Step-by-step troubleshooting guide for the PaperCut Client application on Bowdoin-issued Macs and Windows 11 computers. Covers how to check whether the client is running, how to start it manually, and how to repair or reinstall it when print jobs don't appear at the release station.
PaperCut Print Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting the PaperCut print workflow on a Bowdoin-issued Mac, iPad, or Windows 11 computer. Covers jobs that won't print, jobs stuck in the queue, releasing from the web portal, balance or quota errors, blank pages, and unresponsive release stations. For PaperCut Client software problems, see PaperCut Client Troubleshooting.
Start the PaperCut Client on macOS or Windows
How to manually start the PaperCut Client application on a macOS or Windows 11 computer when it is not running. Use these steps when the PaperCut icon is missing from the menu bar or system tray, or when print jobs are not appearing in the queue.