Steps to Remove a Printer in AutoCAD 2025
Removing a printer from AutoCAD can streamline your workflow, especially if you no longer use certain printers or plotters. This guide outlines the step-by-step process to help you delete printers effectively.
Accessing the Control Panel
First, navigate to your computer’s Control Panel. Here’s how:
- Click the Start button on your Windows taskbar.
- Type Control Panel in the search box and press Enter.
- In the Control Panel, locate and select Devices and Printers.
Deleting Unused Printers
Once you are in the Devices and Printers window, follow these steps:
- Find the printer you wish to remove in the list of installed devices.
- Right-click on the printer icon.
- Select Remove device from the dropdown menu. Confirm any prompts that appear to complete the removal process.
Removing Plotter Configuration Files in AutoCAD
If you want to delete plotters specifically associated with AutoCAD, proceed as follows:
- Launch AutoCAD by clicking its icon.
- From the menu, select File.
- Navigate to the Plotter Manager option. It may be listed directly or under Print settings.
- In the Plotter Manager, look for any plotters or printer configuration files (.pc3) that you want to delete.
- Right-click on the desired plotter and select Delete.
- Confirm the deletion if prompted.
Verifying the Deletion
After you have removed the printer or plotter configuration files, it’s important to verify that they are no longer listed:
- Reopen your Plotter Manager within AutoCAD.
- Check that the removed plotter does not appear in the list.
Clearing Any Old Printer Entries
Sometimes, old entries may linger. To ensure your setup is clean:
- Return to Devices and Printers in the Control Panel.
- Review the list again to confirm non-functional or old printers are completely removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a printer while AutoCAD is open?
Yes, you can remove a printer while AutoCAD is running. However, it’s advisable to close AutoCAD and restart it to ensure that the changes reflect properly in your plotting options.
What if I accidentally delete a printer I need?
If you delete a printer by mistake, you can reinstall it. Use the Add a Printer feature in Windows or the Add-A-Plotter Wizard in AutoCAD to set it up again.
How do I check if my printer settings are correct after removal?
After removing a printer, navigate to the Plotter Manager in AutoCAD, and ensure the default plot settings are configured correctly. You can also perform a test print to verify functionality with your remaining devices.
