Remove "Print Queue" app (breaks printing)

Overview

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script removes the "Print Queue" app 1 2 3, also known as the Print Queue Action Center 1 2 3 4 5.

This app replaces the older print queue dialog with a modern user interface (UI) 3 5. It enables users to view and manage their print jobs, including pausing and resuming them 1 2.

The app first appeared in an early version of Windows 11 (build 22567.1) 5. It became fully functional in later updates (starting with build 22572.1) 3. The Windows 11 22H2 update includes it for general users 6.

To determine if this app is essential for your workflow, launch it from the terminal using the following command to explore its features before deciding on its removal 1 2:

explorer.exe shell:appsFolder\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy!App

This app comes pre-installed on certain versions of Windows 4 2 5 3 6.

Uninstalling this app can improve system performance by reducing background processes.

Caution

This may significantly impair your ability to print. Be cautious about removing this app if you rely on printing services. This app is essential for printing in Windows 11 1. Switching back to older interfaces might not be possible 6.

Overview of default preinstallation

OS	Version	Existence
Windows 10	19H2	❌
Windows 10	20H2	❌
Windows 10	21H2	❌
Windows 10	22H2	❌
Windows 11	21H2	❌
Windows 11	22H2	✅
Windows 11	23H2	✅

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users. This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Implementation Details

• Language: batch

• Required Privileges: Administrator rights

• Compatibility: Windows only

• Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories

Remove printing user interface

This action belongs to Remove printing user interface category. This category includes scripts that remove applications providing printing-related user interfaces. These interfaces manage printing tasks from the desktop environment. Both system and third-party applications use these interfaces. Removing these apps benefits users who do not use physical... Read more on category page ▶

Remove system apps

This action belongs to Remove system apps category. This category includes scripts for uninstalling default system apps in Windows. System apps are pre-installed applications located in the C:\Windows* directory. These apps are typically found on C:\Windows\SystemApps\{PackageFamilyName} or C:\Windows\{ShortAppName} folders. They are... Read more on category page ▶

Remove Windows apps

This action belongs to Remove Windows apps category. This category covers the uninstallation of Windows apps. Windows apps were introduced with Windows 8 and are typically acquired and installed through the Store app. Many of these apps come pre-installed on Windows by default. Uninstalling unused or unwanted apps contributes to privacy by... Read more on category page ▶

Remove bloatware

This action belongs to Remove bloatware category. This category configures Windows using 215 scripts. These scripts are organized in 35 categories. The category includes 1 subscripts and 9 subcategories that include more scripts and categories. Read more on category page ▶

Apply now

Choose one of three ways to apply:

1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions

1. Open or download the desktop application
2. Search for the script name: Remove "Print Queue" app (breaks printing).
3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

   Download script

2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

HELP: Step-by-step guide

1. Click on Start menu

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

2. Type cmd

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

   Windows 11

   

   Windows 10

   

---

Windows 11

Windows 10

2. Copy the following code:

Code to apply changes

:: Enable removal of system app 'Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter' by marking it as "EndOfLife"
:: Create "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy" registry key
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; $userSid = (New-Object System.Security.Principal.NTAccount($env:USERNAME)).Translate([Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier]).Value; $registryPath = $registryPath.Replace('$CURRENT_USER_SID', $userSid); if (Test-Path $registryPath) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry path `"^""$registryPath`"^"" already exists."^""; exit 0; }; try { New-Item -Path $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully created the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to create the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Uninstall 'Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter' Store app
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "Get-AppxPackage 'Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter' | Remove-AppxPackage"
:: Mark 'Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter' as deprovisioned to block reinstall during Windows updates.
:: Create "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy" registry key
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; if (Test-Path $registryPath) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry path `"^""$registryPath`"^"" already exists."^""; exit 0; }; try { New-Item -Path $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully created the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to create the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Remove the registry key "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy" (Revert 'Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter' to its default, non-removable state.)
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; $userSid = (New-Object System.Security.Principal.NTAccount($env:USERNAME)).Translate([Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier]).Value; $registryPath = $registryPath.Replace('$CURRENT_USER_SID', $userSid); Write-Host "^""Removing registry key at `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $registryPath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry key `"^""$registryPath`"^"" does not exist."^""; exit 0; }; try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully removed the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"

3. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
4. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code

:: Remove ability to remove system app 'Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter' to match operating system defaults
:: Restore "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy" registry key by deleting it
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\EndOfLife\$CURRENT_USER_SID\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; $userSid = (New-Object System.Security.Principal.NTAccount($env:USERNAME)).Translate([Security.Principal.SecurityIdentifier]).Value; $registryPath = $registryPath.Replace('$CURRENT_USER_SID', $userSid); Write-Host "^""Removing registry key at `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $registryPath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry key `"^""$registryPath`"^"" does not exist."^""; exit 0; }; try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully removed the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"
:: Reinstall 'Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter' if it was previously uninstalled
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$packageName='Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter'; $publisherId='cw5n1h2txyewy'; if (Get-AppxPackage -Name $packageName) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, `"^""$packageName`"^"" is already installed for the current user."^""; exit 0; }; Write-Host "^""Starting the installation process for `"^""$packageName`"^""..."^""; <# Attempt installation using the manifest file #>; Write-Host "^""Checking if `"^""$packageName`"^"" is installed on another user profile..."^""; $packages = @(Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers $packageName); if (!$packages) { Write-Host "^""`"^""$packageName`"^"" is not installed on any other user profiles."^""; } else { foreach ($package in $packages) { Write-Host "^""Found package `"^""$($package.PackageFullName)`"^""."^""; $installationDir = $package.InstallLocation; if ([string]::IsNullOrWhiteSpace($installationDir)) { Write-Warning "^""Installation directory for `"^""$packageName`"^"" is not found or invalid."^""; continue; }; $manifestPath = Join-Path -Path $installationDir -ChildPath 'AppxManifest.xml'; try { if (-Not (Test-Path "^""$manifestPath"^"")) { Write-Host "^""Manifest file not found for `"^""$packageName`"^"" on another user profile: `"^""$manifestPath`"^""."^""; continue; }; } catch { Write-Warning "^""An error occurred while checking for the manifest file: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; continue; }; Write-Host "^""Manifest file located. Trying to install using the manifest: `"^""$manifestPath`"^""..."^""; try { Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "^""$manifestPath"^"" -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully installed `"^""$packageName`"^"" using its manifest file."^""; exit 0; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Error installing from manifest: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; }; }; <# Attempt installation using the package family name #>; $packageFamilyName = "^""$($packageName)_$($publisherId)"^""; Write-Host "^""Trying to install `"^""$packageName`"^"" using its package family name: `"^""$packageFamilyName`"^"" from system installation..."^""; try { Add-AppxPackage -RegisterByFamilyName -MainPackage $packageFamilyName -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Successfully installed `"^""$packageName`"^"" using its package family name."^""; exit 0; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Error installing using package family name: $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }; throw "^""Unable to reinstall the requested package ($packageName). "^"" + "^""It appears to no longer be included in this version of Windows. "^"" + "^""You may search for it or an alternative in the Microsoft Store or "^"" + "^""consider using an earlier version of Windows where this package was originally provided."^"""
:: Remove 'Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter' from deprovisioned list to allow reinstall during updates.
:: Restore "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy" registry key by deleting it
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$keyPath='HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore\Deprovisioned\Microsoft.Windows.PrintQueueActionCenter_cw5n1h2txyewy'; $registryHive = $keyPath.Split('\')[0]; $registryPath = "^""$($registryHive):$($keyPath.Substring($registryHive.Length))"^""; Write-Host "^""Removing registry key at `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; if (-not (Test-Path -LiteralPath $registryPath)) { Write-Host "^""Skipping, no action needed, registry key `"^""$registryPath`"^"" does not exist."^""; exit 0; }; try { Remove-Item -LiteralPath $registryPath -Force -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Host "^""Successfully removed the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to remove the registry key at path `"^""$registryPath`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; }"

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