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How to Restore Print Management if It’s Missing in Windows 10
Print Management is an optional feature in Windows
6 min. read
Updated onMay 15, 2024
updated onMay 15, 2024
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Fix Windows 10 OS errors with Fortect:
Windows Pro and Enterprise editions have aPrintManagement utility. However, someusershave said on Microsoft’s forum that theirPrintManagement tools are missing.
Thoseuserscan’t findPrintManagement in Administrative Tools and open that utility. One userforum postsaid this:
I just upgraded from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro and I can’t find Print Management anywhere. Also, printmanagement.msc is not available. I suspect other Windows 10 Pro administration utilities are also missing.
Print Management is aMicrosoft Management Console(MMC) that allows users to view, install, access, and manage the various printers on the network through a single device running Windows Server.
It’s an effective way of modifying the various parameters and streamlines the whole process. Without the console, users would have to install and manage the printers individually through the connected computers, which takes considerable time and effort.
Why is Print Management missing?
There are various reasons why Print Management is not showing in Windows 10. It includes issues with the installed driver, corrupt system files, or problems with the relevant service. These issues can also lead to thePrint action missing from context menu.
Also, remember that the Print Management Console is only available on Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows. If you are running the Home edition, upgrade or look for other similar third-party software.
Other issues with the Print Management Console in Windows 10 are as follows:
How do I restore Print Management in Windows 10?
Ifprintmanagement.mscis not found in Windows when you try accessing it through the Run command, the console has not yet been added.
Print Management Console is an optional feature in Windows that has to be manually downloaded and installed and does not come built in with it. So, installing Printer Management will restore it on your computer.
1. Update the printer driver
Updating theprinterdrivercan help fix a wide range ofprinter-related issues. You can check if you need to update your printer’sdriverwithdriverupdater software.
Driverupdater softwarelists all your PC’s devices with outdateddriversand lets you quickly download and install updated ones.
2. Add the Print Management tool to Windows 10
This simple method can help ifPrintManagement is missing in Windows 10 or 11. This solution can also help if you’re getting theprint program error in Photoshop, so be sure to try it out.
3. Clean the Print Spooler
This quick fix can fix all problems with printmanagement.msc in Windows 11. If Print Management is still missing in Windows, head to the following method.
4. Run a system file scan
Corruption of system files can causePrintManagement to go missing on Windows 10, but you should be able to fix it with the DISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)and SFC(System File Checker)scans.
5. Reset or reinstall Windows
If none of the methods listed here have worked, you have no option but toreset Windows to the factory settings. In this case, you will lose all data and installed applications, but it’s one of the most effective troubleshooting methods.
Also, many reported thatreinstalling Windows from a USB drivefixed issues with Print Management and made it reappear. In case you run the previous iteration, theWindows 10 reinstall processis very similar.
What can I do if Print Management is missing on Windows 11?
In addition to the methods listed earlier, you can tryperforming a System Restoreif Print Management is missing in Windows 11.
Besides, the problem may arise due to complex or conflicting applications. So look for similar programs or ones known to create conflicts, anduninstall these appsfrom the device.
Suppose none of the methods listed earlier or the ones here work, and you cannot find the Print Management Console in Optional features. In that case, you are most certainly running the Home edition of Windows 11, in which case upgrading to theProorEnterpriseedition is the only solution.
Where is Print Manager in Windows 10?
The Print Management Console can be found at the following address in Windows 10:C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Administrative Tools
However, you don’t necessarily need to navigate the path to launch it each time. Instead, simply pressWindows+Rto open theRuncommand, pasteprintmanagement.msc,andhitEnter.
These fixes will likely restore most users’ missingPrintManagement tools in Windows 10 and 11.
There might be more ways to fix the same issue, anduserswho have restored a missingPrintManagement tool with other resolutions are welcome to share their methods in the comment section.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
Reviewed byVlad Turiceanu
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.More about Vlad ›
