Are you tired of dealing with printer driver issues that prevent you from printing important documents? The “currently in use” error can be frustrating, especially when you’re on a deadline. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the troubleshooting process to fix the printer driver currently in use error and get your printer up and running in no time.
Understanding the “Currently in Use” Error
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what’s causing the error. The “currently in use” error typically occurs when the printer driver is already in use by another application or process, preventing you from accessing the printer. This can happen due to various reasons, including:
- Conflicting printer drivers or software
- Malfunctioning printer spooler service
- Outdated or corrupted printer drivers
- Printer settings configured incorrectly
Step 1: Restart the Printer Spooler Service
The printer spooler service is responsible for managing print jobs and communicating with the printer. Restarting the service can often resolve the “currently in use” error. Here’s how to do it:
For Windows Users
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
- Scroll down and find the “Print Spooler” service in the list.
- Right-click on the service and select “Restart.”
- Wait for the service to restart, then try printing again.
For Mac Users
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Printers & Scanners.”
- Select the printer you’re trying to use.
- Click on the “Open Print Queue” button.
- Click on the “Resume” button to restart the print queue.
Step 2: Update Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause the “currently in use” error. Updating your printer drivers can resolve the issue. Here’s how to do it:
For Windows Users
- Open the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager.”
- Expand the “Printers” or “Print Queues” section.
- Right-click on the printer driver and select “Update driver.”
- Click on “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
- Follow the prompts to install the updated driver.
For Mac Users
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Printers & Scanners.”
- Select the printer you’re trying to use.
- Click on the “Options & Supplies” button.
- Click on the “Update Drivers” button.
- Follow the prompts to install the updated driver.
Step 3: Disable and Re-enable the Printer
Disabling and re-enabling the printer can often resolve the “currently in use” error. Here’s how to do it:
For Windows Users
- Open the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager.”
- Expand the “Printers” or “Print Queues” section.
- Right-click on the printer and select “Disable device.”
- Wait for 30 seconds, then enable the device again.
For Mac Users
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Printers & Scanners.”
- Select the printer you’re trying to use.
- Click on the ” minus (-) button” next to the printer to remove it.
- Wait for 30 seconds, then add the printer again.
Step 4: Uninstall and Reinstall Printer Drivers
If updating the printer drivers doesn’t work, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the drivers. Here’s how to do it:
For Windows Users
- Open the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager.”
- Expand the “Printers” or “Print Queues” section.
- Right-click on the printer driver and select “Uninstall device.”
- Follow the prompts to uninstall the driver.
- Restart your computer.
- Go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest printer driver.
- Install the driver following the on-screen instructions.
For Mac Users
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Printers & Scanners.”
- Select the printer you’re trying to use.
- Click on the “minus (-) button” next to the printer to remove it.
- Go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest printer driver.
- Install the driver following the on-screen instructions.
- Add the printer again.
Step 5: Check for Conflicting Printer Software
Conflicting printer software can cause the “currently in use” error. Check if you have any other printer software installed and uninstall them. Here’s how to do it:
For Windows Users
- Open the Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Control Panel.”
- Click on “Programs and Features” or “Add or Remove Programs.”
- Look for any other printer software installed.
- Select the software and click on “Uninstall.”
For Mac Users
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Printers & Scanners.”
- Select the printer you’re trying to use.
- Click on the “Options & Supplies” button.
- Look for any other printer software installed.
- Select the software and click on “Uninstall.”
Additional Troubleshooting Steps
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, try the following additional troubleshooting steps:
- Check the printer’s power cord and USB connection.
- Ensure the printer is set as the default printer.
- Check for any Windows or macOS updates.
- Run the built-in troubleshooter for printers.
Conclusion
The “currently in use” error can be frustrating, but it’s often an easy fix. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your printer up and running again. Remember to restart the printer spooler service, update printer drivers, disable and re-enable the printer, uninstall and reinstall printer drivers, and check for conflicting printer software. If you’re still experiencing issues, you may want to contact the manufacturer’s support team for further assistance.
What is the “Currently in Use” error in printer drivers?
The “Currently in Use” error in printer drivers is a common issue that occurs when the printer driver is already in use by another application or process, preventing you from uninstalling or updating the driver. This error can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a critical print job. It’s essential to resolve this issue to ensure smooth printing operations.
The error can occur due to various reasons, including a stuck print job, a faulty driver, or a conflicting application. In some cases, the error might also be caused by a Windows update or a malware infection. Regardless of the cause, it’s crucial to troubleshoot and fix the issue to regain control over your printer.
How do I identify the application causing the “Currently in Use” error?
To identify the application causing the “Currently in Use” error, you can use the Task Manager or the Resource Monitor. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager, and then switch to the “Processes” tab. Look for any processes related to your printer or print job. You can also use the “Open Resource Monitor” button at the bottom of the Task Manager window to access the Resource Monitor. In the Resource Monitor, you can see which applications are currently using the printer.
Once you’ve identified the culprit, you can try closing the application or process to see if it resolves the issue. If the error persists, you may need to take further steps, such as restarting your system or uninstalling the problematic application. Remember to also check for any malware infections that might be causing the issue.
Can I simply restart my system to fix the “Currently in Use” error?
Yes, a simple system restart can sometimes resolve the “Currently in Use” error. When you restart your system, any stuck print jobs or applications will be terminated, which can release the lock on the printer driver. This is a quick and easy solution, and it’s worth trying before diving into more complex troubleshooting steps.
However, if the error persists after a restart, you’ll need to explore other solutions. You may need to uninstall and reinstall the printer driver, update your operating system, or remove any conflicting applications. Be sure to also check for any Windows updates or malware infections that might be causing the issue.
How do I uninstall the printer driver to fix the “Currently in Use” error?
To uninstall the printer driver, go to the “Devices and Printers” or “Printers & scanners” section in your Control Panel. Find the problematic printer, right-click on it, and select “Remove device” or “Uninstall device.” Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
After uninstalling the printer driver, you can reinstall it from the manufacturer’s website or using the installation disc. Make sure to download the correct driver version for your operating system and printer model. You may also need to restart your system after reinstalling the driver to ensure that the changes take effect.
What if the “Currently in Use” error persists after uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver?
If the “Currently in Use” error persists after uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver, you may need to take more aggressive troubleshooting steps. One approach is to use the built-in Windows utility, Microsoft Fixit, to remove any remaining printer driver files and registry entries. You can also try using a third-party driver removal tool to ensure that all driver files are removed.
Additionally, you can try resetting the print spooler service or disabling any conflicting applications that might be causing the issue. In some cases, you may need to perform a System Restore or seek professional assistance to resolve the issue.
Can I fix the “Currently in Use” error using Windows built-in tools?
Yes, Windows provides several built-in tools that can help you fix the “Currently in Use” error. For example, you can use the Print Management console to view and cancel any stuck print jobs. You can also use the System Configuration tool to identify and disable any problematic applications or services.
Another useful tool is the Windows Event Viewer, which can provide valuable insights into system events and errors. By analyzing the event logs, you can identify the root cause of the issue and take corrective action. Additionally, you can use the built-in troubleshooters, such as the Printer Troubleshooter, to automatically detect and fix common printer-related issues.
Is it safe to use third-party tools to fix the “Currently in Use” error?
While third-party tools can be useful in fixing the “Currently in Use” error, you should exercise caution when using them. Some third-party tools can be malicious or may cause system instability. It’s essential to only use reputable and trusted tools from well-known providers.
Before using a third-party tool, read reviews and ratings from other users to ensure that it’s safe and effective. Also, make sure to follow proper usage guidelines and avoid using tools that require administrative privileges or make system changes without your consent. If you’re unsure about using a third-party tool, it’s always best to seek assistance from a qualified technician or Windows support specialist.