How to Check Print History in Windows 10
Ever printed something and then completely forgot where it went? Or maybe you need to see what got printed last week? Checking your print history in Windows 10 can help. With just a few simple steps, you can track what’s been sent to your printer. Let’s dive into how you can easily find your print history.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Check Print History in Windows 10
In this section, you’ll learn how to enable print history logging and view the print queue to check your print history.
Step 1: Open the Devices and Printers Window
First, click the Start button and type "Devices and Printers," then hit Enter.
When you access the Devices and Printers window, you’ll see all the printers connected to your computer. This is your main control panel for managing printers.
Step 2: Right-click on Your Printer and Select "Printer Properties"
After locating your printer, right-click on it and choose "Printer properties" from the dropdown menu.
By accessing the Printer Properties, you unlock more settings and options specific to your printer. Think of it as opening a toolbox with all the tools you need.
Step 3: Go to the "Advanced" Tab
In the Printer Properties window, click on the "Advanced" tab at the top.
The Advanced tab is where you’ll find more detailed settings. This is where you can enable print history.
Step 4: Enable "Keep Printed Documents"
Check the box next to "Keep printed documents" and then click Apply, followed by OK.
By enabling this option, you tell Windows 10 to save a record of every document printed. This action is essential for building your print history from this point forward.
Step 5: Open the Print Queue
To see your print history, go back to Devices and Printers, right-click on your printer again, and select "See what’s printing."
The print queue will show you a list of documents that are currently being printed and those that have printed recently. If you enabled "Keep printed documents," you’ll start seeing the history build up here.
Once you’ve completed these steps, Windows 10 will keep a record of all future print jobs. You can view them anytime by checking your print queue.
Tips for How to Check Print History in Windows 10
- Make sure to enable "Keep printed documents" before you start printing documents you want to track.
- Regularly check your print queue to avoid it getting too cluttered.
- Use the print history feature to monitor usage, especially useful in shared or office environments.
- Occasionally clear the print history to free up system resources.
- If print history is crucial, consider also enabling logging via third-party print management software for more comprehensive tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Check Print History in Windows 10
How do I clear my print history?
Go to the print queue, right-click on any document, and select "Cancel" to remove it from the list.
Can I check the print history for a network printer?
Yes, the steps are the same. However, you need administrative access to enable "Keep printed documents" on network printers.
Will print history show documents printed before enabling the setting?
No, it will only show documents printed after you enable "Keep printed documents."
Can I export my print history?
Not directly from Windows 10. You’d need third-party software to export print history.
Does enabling "Keep printed documents" affect printer performance?
There might be a slight delay, but it’s usually negligible.
Summary
- Open Devices and Printers.
- Right-click on your printer and select "Printer properties."
- Go to the "Advanced" tab.
- Enable "Keep printed documents."
- Open the print queue to view print history.
Conclusion
Understanding how to check print history in Windows 10 can save you a lot of headaches, whether you’re tracking your own prints or managing a shared printer. By enabling the "Keep printed documents" option, you ensure that every print job is logged from that moment forward. Remember, this won’t track past prints, but it’s incredibly useful for future reference.
For more comprehensive tracking, consider complementing Windows’ built-in features with third-party print management software. This can offer additional functionalities like exporting logs and more detailed usage statistics.
So, whether you’re a student trying to keep track of school assignments, a home user needing to remember what was printed, or an office administrator managing multiple users, knowing how to check print history in Windows 10 is a valuable skill. Now, go ahead and enable that setting—future you will thank you!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.