How to Fix Printer Port in Use Error on Windows 10

A USB port is used to connect printers. They require specific drivers to function, i.e., your system’s USB drivers will not suffice. Sending a print job to a printer is difficult, and you’ll often discover that it stalls or that the printer is unable to accept another print job once it’s completed.

“Printer port in use, please wait”

Please wait while the printer port in use. When Windows 10 detects that the printer isn’t ready to receive another print request, an error message appears. It should normally be able to queue a print job, however issues with the port, printer, or one of its services prohibit the task from being sent.

Make sure there are no paper jams in the printer and that it is visible online.

(SOLVED) Error Port in Use

Here’s how to fix it.

1. Restart Windows 10 & the printer

Most printer problems can be resolved by restarting both the computer and the printer. It will restart services, clear the print queue, and resolve any other issues preventing you from printing.

Turn the printer off and unplug it.
Shut down Windows 10.
Leave the printer unplugged for five minutes.
Turn the system back on.
Plug the printer in and turn it on.
Connect the printer and print something.

2. Uninstall and reinstall printer

If the printer still does not work after restarting the system, uninstall and reinstall the printer.

Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
Go to Devices.
Select the Printers & scanners tab.
Select the printer and click Remove device.
Disconnect the printer and unplug it.
Leave the printer unplugged for a few minutes.
Plug in the printer again and connect it to your system.
Windows 10 will automatically install the printer again.
Try printing again.

3. Update USB drivers

Although a printer need its own drivers to function, this does not negate the importance of USB drivers. Update the USB port drivers if necessary.

Open Device Manager.
Expand USB Serial Bus controllers.
Right-click the USB port and select Update Driver from the context menu.
Search online for driver updates.
Install the updates that are available.
Restart the system and the printer.

Related: How to Fix VLC error Libvlc.dll Is Missing on Windows 10

4. Run the printer troubleshooter

The built-in printer troubleshooter in Windows 10 may be able to resolve the Printer port in use, please wait error.

Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
Go to Update & security.
Select the Troubleshoot tab.
Click Additional troubleshooters.
Select and run the printer troubleshooter.
Apply all fixes that it recommends.
Restart the system.

Conclusion

A printer can cause a variety of issues. Even if it was working great just moments before, this can happen. The older the printer, the more likely it is that it will not work with Windows 10 on newer technology. If the problem persists, see if the printer is still supported by the most recent Windows 10 releases. If it isn’t, you’ll have to either revert to a previous Windows 10 release or purchase a new printer.