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Issues
- How do I reset the printing system on my Mac?
- My Mac can't print and I've tried everything else — what now?
- How do I remove all printers from my Mac at once?
- My printer list is stuck or corrupted — how do I fix it?
- Print jobs keep failing even after reinstalling the printer — how do I start over?
- What is "Reset Printing System" on macOS?
- How do I factory-reset the printing system on macOS?
- I need admin rights to reset printers on my Mac — what do I do?
Environment
This article covers how to reset the entire macOS printing system as a last-resort fix for persistent printing problems. It applies to all students, faculty, and staff using a Bowdoin-issued Mac.
- Devices: Bowdoin-issued MacBook Pro (macOS Sequoia 15.x or Tahoe 26.x)
- Requires: Administrator privileges. Faculty and staff will need to run the Privileges app from the Applications folder to temporarily grant admin rights.
- Not covered here: Resetting the printing system on Windows 11 — this is a macOS-specific procedure. For Windows printer issues, see PaperCut Print Troubleshooting.
Resolution
Warning: Resetting the printing system will delete every printer installed on your Mac and return the printing system to factory defaults. This action cannot be undone. You will need to reinstall any printers you want to use afterward — see How to install or delete a Bowdoin printer under the "Related Articles" section.
Only reset the printing system after you have tried other fixes (restarting the print queue, reinstalling a single printer, restarting your Mac). This should be a last resort.
Important: You must be signed in as an administrator to reset the printing system. If you are a faculty or staff member without standing admin rights, open the Privileges app from your Applications folder first to temporarily elevate your account.
Reset the printing system
- From the Apple menu, choose System Settings.
- In the sidebar, scroll down and click Printers & Scanners.
- Hold down the Control key and click on any printer in your list.
- From the menu that pops up, choose Reset printing system…
- A confirmation dialog will appear. Click Reset to confirm.
- Enter your Mac administrator username and password when prompted, then click Modify Settings.
Your printer list will be empty. To print again, reinstall any printers you need using PaperCut Print Deploy — see How to install or delete a Bowdoin printer under the "Related Articles" section.
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