How do I remove a printer from my iMac

Date 27/09/2023
Category
Apple Blog, Apple iMac Blog
Tags, ,
How do I remove a printer from my iMac

 

If you’re looking to remove a printer from your iMac, it’s a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Follow these instructions to seamlessly remove a printer from your iMac and free up valuable printing resources.

What is the process for removing a printer from an iMac?

To remove a printer from your iMac, you’ll need to go through a few steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Access System Preferences:
    • Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
    • Select “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
  2. Open Printers & Scanners:
    • Navigate your way through the System Preferences window and click on the captivating and magical “Printers & Scanners” icon. This will open the Printers & Scanners preferences pane.
  3. Select the Printer to Remove:
    • In the left sidebar of the Printers & Scanners preferences pane, you’ll see a list of printers currently added to your iMac. To remove a printer, simply click on the desired printer.
  4. Remove the Printer:
    • With the printer selected, you’ll see several options on the right side of the preferences pane. Look for a “-” (minus) button below the list of printers.
    • Click the “-” button. This will remove the selected printer from your iMac.
  5. Confirm Removal:
    • A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you’re sure you want to delete the printer. Click “Delete Printer” to confirm the removal.
  6. Printer Removed:
    • The selected printer will be removed from your iMac, and it will no longer appear in the list of available printers.
  7. Optional: Uninstall Software:
    • Depending on the printer model, you may also want to uninstall any software or drivers associated with the printer. You can often find this software in the Applications folder or by using the manufacturer’s uninstaller if provided.

By following these steps, you can easily remove a printer from your iMac, declutter your list of available printers, and manage your printing resources more efficiently.

What happens after I confirm the removal of the printer?

After you confirm the removal of the printer from your iMac, several things occur. Firstly, the printer icon associated with the now-removed printer disappears from the list of available printers in the Printers & Scanners preferences. This indicates that the iMac no longer recognizes or communicates with the removed printer. Additionally, any print jobs that were previously queued for the removed printer will be automatically canceled, as the iMac no longer has a designated connection to send those jobs to.

Furthermore, the removal process often includes uninstalling any associated driver software or applications specific to the printer, especially if it was a model that required additional software for full functionality. For example, if you had an HP printer, the HP software installed on your iMac may also be uninstalled during this process. This ensures that no residual files or software components related to the removed printer linger on your system, maintaining a clean and streamlined printing setup. If the printer was connected via USB, you may be prompted to unplug the USB cable from your iMac to complete the removal process, further severing the connection between the computer and the now-removed printer.

Are there any additional steps for uninstalling printer software or drivers?

Yes, there are additional steps you can take if you want to ensure a thorough uninstallation of printer software or drivers from your iMac. After removing the printer from the Printers & Scanners preferences and confirming the removal, it’s advisable to go a step further and uninstall any associated driver software or applications directly related to the printer. This can be particularly important if the printer required specific software for features like scanning or advanced printing settings. For instance, if you had an HP printer, you should locate and run the HP printer software uninstaller, which is often provided by HP. This will remove any software components associated with the printer, including drivers and additional utilities.

Additionally, if the printer was connected via a USB cable, it’s recommended to unplug the USB connection from both the printer and the iMac. This action physically severs the connection and ensures there are no residual links between the two devices. This step can be crucial in preventing any potential conflicts or issues that might arise if the iMac continues to detect a non-existent printer through the USB port. By thoroughly uninstalling the printer software and removing any physical connections, you can be confident that the printer is completely disassociated from your iMac.