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Devices and Printers Freezing in Windows 10 [Solved]
It’s likely that one of the critical services is not running
5 min. read
Updated onJuly 29, 2024
updated onJuly 29, 2024
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Often, when trying to add a printer or reconfiguring the connected ones, you find thatDevices and Printersis freezing or crashing in Windows 10. This happens when the required services are not running, conflicting third-party apps are installed, the Registry has problematic entries, or the user profile is corrupt.
But more often than not, I have found that if theControl Panelfreezes when I click onDevices and Printers, it has to do with missing services. So, let’s get straight to the fixes!
What can I do if Devices and Printers is freezing or crashing in Windows 10?
1. Run all Bluetooth and printer-related services
Although some services don’t appear directly related to the Bluetooth functionality or printers, enabling them fixes things if the computer freezes when trying to print in Windows 10. One such is theBluetooth Headphone Supportservice, as confirmed by a user in Microsoft forums.
2. Uninstall conflicting third-party applications
The most common one I found triggering issues withDevices and Printersin Windows 10 wasToolKitInstaller/DriverToolkitbyMegaify Software, anduninstalling the appfixed things!
3. Update the printer drivers
Updating the printer driverscan help if theDevices and Printerswindow keeps freezing on Windows 10. If Windows can’t find a better driver, I suggest you check the manufacturer’s website, locate the latest version, andmanually install the driver!
4. Delete corrupt registry entries
If this doesn’t work,check the error logsand verify it lists any related to Registry keys.
For instance, a user found this error log,Windows detected your registry file is still in use by other applications or services. The file will be unloaded now. The applications or services that hold your registry file may not function properly afterwards, followed by several Registry keys related to the installed printer. And deleting them did the trick!
5. Repair the corrupt system files
If it’s thecorrupt system filesto blame for the computer freezing when trying to print, running theDISMcommandsandSFCscan will help, replacing all corrupted files with their cached copy!
6. Perform an in-place upgrade
Anin-place upgradetakes a few hours to complete but is highly effective against issues with built-in Windows components and features. The best part is that you don’t lose any stored files, applications, or configured settings!
7. Create a new user profile
As a last resort, you cancreate a new local user account on Windows 10, as it had helped quite a few users when theControl PanelorDevices and Printersfroze while printing. You can alsoadd a shortcut to your printerfor ease of access.
And while you are here, discover some quick tips tomake Windows print faster than ever!
Which fix worked for you? Share with our readers in the comments section.
More about the topics:crash,Printer,windows 10
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
