Overview
This article briefly describes the Print Management snap-in tool provided by Microsoft®. This tool's primary function is to manage multiple printers, print servers, or print queues.
For management purposes, this tool provides the following specific functions:
- Activate users to relocate to different print servers or reposition printer connections.
- Identify printer and print server status and conditions.
- Identify printer error conditions.
- Send e-mail alert notifications for intervention-required conditions.
- Reference pertinent driver information
Driver compatibility
This tool only supports printers that have Windows 8 and Windows 10 driver support. See Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 driver compatibility lists to verify that these operating systems support your printer or printers.
Note: Windows 10 drivers may not be immediately available. In the meantime, you may use Windows 8 or 8.1 driver packages for Windows 10 supported printers.
Accessing the Print Management Console
| OS Version / From | Instructions |
|---|
Windows 10 Desktop |  Open the task bar's Search option. Type printmanagement.msc. Click printmanagement.
Alternatively, click Ctrl + X > Control Panel >Administrative tools > Print Management. |
Windows 8 (8.1) Desktop search | Tap the Win Key, or search charm, or Win + S. Type printmanagement.msc.
|
Windows 8 (8.1) Desktop settings | Click or tap the settings charm. Click or tap Control Panel. Click or tap Administrative tools. Click the Print Management shortcut.
|
Windows 8 (Modern User Interface) | Click the Print Management tile. Note: This will only be visible if you have selected Show Administrative Tools to use this method. Settings > Tiles > Show Administrative Tools Simply start typing the word printmanagement.msc, and then click the application icon when it appears under Apps Results for 'print...' the result over to the left under Apps. Right-click with the cursor at the bottom of the screen and select All apps, and then click or tap Print Management.
|
Viewing the print queue
Right-click on the printer-in-question, and then select Open Printer Queue.
View Status and perform the necessary diagnostics.
Working with custom filters
Printer or driver filters
In the left-column, you will see Custom Filters. Click Action > Add New Printer Filter or Add New Driver Filter.
Print server filters
Notice that when you select Print Servers > Drivers, your Action options now allow you to add or manage drivers.
Many other management options are available under Forms, Ports, and Printers to assist with managing large printer fleets.
Additional information
Other accessible print driver and print queue information that may be of interest when diagnosing print or print driver-related issues:
- Printer Name
- Driver Name
- Queue Status
- Jobs in the Queue
- Server Names
- Driver Version
- Driver Type (V3, V4* type drivers)
Note: * Version 4 drivers.
Related article
Click here for an article that describes how to install a printer using Print Management.
LEGACY ID: HO3875