- Joined
- Mar 14, 2023
- Messages
- 22,890
- Thread Author
- #1
In today's fast-paced, paper-driven workplace, keeping track of printed documents is more crucial than ever. Fortunately, Windows 11 provides features that enable users to monitor their print jobs effectively. However, by default, print history logging is not enabled. This article will guide you through the necessary steps to enable and access your print history seamlessly.
## What You Need to Know
Windows 11, like its predecessors, does not track printed documents unless users enable this feature. This capability is essential for those who want to keep a record of what has been printed, especially in environments where tracking printing practices is necessary. The print history feature allows users to review past jobs, which can be invaluable for auditing purposes.
Here are the primary methods for enabling and viewing your print history in Windows 11:
1. Using the Settings App
2. Utilizing Event Viewer
3. Employing Third-Party Software
## Method 1: Using the Settings App
The Settings app provides a user-friendly interface for enabling print history. Here’s how to do it:
### Step 1: Enable Print History
1. Open the Settings App: Press
2. Navigate to Printers and Scanners: Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Select Your Printer: Click on the printer you want to configure.
4. Access Printer Properties: Select Printer properties.
5. Enable Keep Printed Documents: Click on the Advanced tab and check Keep printed documents. Confirm by clicking OK.
This allows Windows 11 to start logging all print jobs, which you can review later.
### Step 2: Check Print History
To view your print history:
1. Again, navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners from the Settings app.
2. Select your printer and click on Open print queue.
In this window, you will find a list of documents printed since you enabled the logging feature.
## Method 2: Using Event Viewer
The Event Viewer provides a more detailed auditing tool for print jobs. Here's how to utilize it:
### Step 1: Enable Print History Logs
1. Open Event Viewer: Press
2. Navigate to PrintService: From the left pane, expand Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > PrintService.
3. Enable Logging: Right-click on Operational and select Properties. Then, check the Enable logging option and click OK.
### Step 2: Check Print History
To view your printing events:
1. In the Event Viewer, navigate back to PrintService and click on Operational.
2. Here, you will see a list of events, including print jobs. You can filter by task category to specifically check for print document events.
This method provides detailed information, such as print times and related events, but might not be as user-friendly as the Settings app.
## Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
If you require more advanced features, consider using third-party applications. One of the most popular options available is PaperCut Print Logger. This software is well-regarded for its ability to handle print history logging efficiently.
### Installation Steps:
1. Download PaperCut Print Logger from its official site.
2. Install it by following the on-screen instructions.
### Viewing Print History with PaperCut
1. Open the installation directory (Default:
2. Double-click on ViewLogs. This will show you your print history, categorized by date.
3. You can also export the print log to CSV or Excel format for further analysis.
### Why Use PaperCut?
PaperCut offers a more comprehensive view of your print history compared to Windows’ native features. It's particularly beneficial for businesses that need to keep a close eye on print activities for cost-management or compliance reasons. The ability to export data also enhances its usability for auditing and reporting.
## Conclusion
Enabling and viewing your print history in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can greatly improve your control over document management. Whether you prefer using built-in Windows features or third-party applications, the options available allow you to maintain an effective logging system.
To recap the key points:
- Enable Print History: Start by activating the print logging feature either through the Settings app or Event Viewer.
- View Print History: Access your print jobs via the printer queue or through the detailed logs in Event Viewer.
- Consider Third-Party Tools: For advanced tracking and reporting, PaperCut Print Logger is an excellent alternative.
By following these steps, you will have greater oversight of your printing activities, enabling better management and accountability in your printing practices.
## What You Need to Know
Windows 11, like its predecessors, does not track printed documents unless users enable this feature. This capability is essential for those who want to keep a record of what has been printed, especially in environments where tracking printing practices is necessary. The print history feature allows users to review past jobs, which can be invaluable for auditing purposes.
Here are the primary methods for enabling and viewing your print history in Windows 11:
1. Using the Settings App
2. Utilizing Event Viewer
3. Employing Third-Party Software
## Method 1: Using the Settings App
The Settings app provides a user-friendly interface for enabling print history. Here’s how to do it:
### Step 1: Enable Print History
1. Open the Settings App: Press
Win + I to launch Settings.2. Navigate to Printers and Scanners: Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Select Your Printer: Click on the printer you want to configure.
4. Access Printer Properties: Select Printer properties.
5. Enable Keep Printed Documents: Click on the Advanced tab and check Keep printed documents. Confirm by clicking OK.
This allows Windows 11 to start logging all print jobs, which you can review later.
### Step 2: Check Print History
To view your print history:
1. Again, navigate to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners from the Settings app.
2. Select your printer and click on Open print queue.
In this window, you will find a list of documents printed since you enabled the logging feature.
## Method 2: Using Event Viewer
The Event Viewer provides a more detailed auditing tool for print jobs. Here's how to utilize it:
### Step 1: Enable Print History Logs
1. Open Event Viewer: Press
Start, type "Event Viewer," and open it.2. Navigate to PrintService: From the left pane, expand Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > PrintService.
3. Enable Logging: Right-click on Operational and select Properties. Then, check the Enable logging option and click OK.
### Step 2: Check Print History
To view your printing events:
1. In the Event Viewer, navigate back to PrintService and click on Operational.
2. Here, you will see a list of events, including print jobs. You can filter by task category to specifically check for print document events.
This method provides detailed information, such as print times and related events, but might not be as user-friendly as the Settings app.
## Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
If you require more advanced features, consider using third-party applications. One of the most popular options available is PaperCut Print Logger. This software is well-regarded for its ability to handle print history logging efficiently.
### Installation Steps:
1. Download PaperCut Print Logger from its official site.
2. Install it by following the on-screen instructions.
### Viewing Print History with PaperCut
1. Open the installation directory (Default:
C:\Program Files (x86)\PaperCut Print Logger).2. Double-click on ViewLogs. This will show you your print history, categorized by date.
3. You can also export the print log to CSV or Excel format for further analysis.
### Why Use PaperCut?
PaperCut offers a more comprehensive view of your print history compared to Windows’ native features. It's particularly beneficial for businesses that need to keep a close eye on print activities for cost-management or compliance reasons. The ability to export data also enhances its usability for auditing and reporting.
## Conclusion
Enabling and viewing your print history in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can greatly improve your control over document management. Whether you prefer using built-in Windows features or third-party applications, the options available allow you to maintain an effective logging system.
To recap the key points:
- Enable Print History: Start by activating the print logging feature either through the Settings app or Event Viewer.
- View Print History: Access your print jobs via the printer queue or through the detailed logs in Event Viewer.
- Consider Third-Party Tools: For advanced tracking and reporting, PaperCut Print Logger is an excellent alternative.
By following these steps, you will have greater oversight of your printing activities, enabling better management and accountability in your printing practices.
