Users have reported the problem of being unable to print due to “Port in use, please wait’ error in Windows 11. This error message appears while trying to print to both USB connected and wireless printers.
The “Port in use” error message does not go away, even if you restart the printer and try to print again. However, this error does not occur, if you try to print to the same printer from an iPhone or Android Phone.
Since, the printer is able to accept print commands from a mobile device, it narrows down the problem to the computer being unable to communicate with the printer.
Fix Port in use, please wait Printer error?
In most cases “Port in use” Printer error can be fixed by running the Printer Troubleshooter as available on a Windows 11 computer. If this does not help, you can move to other troubleshooting steps.
1. Run the Printer Troubleshooter
As mentioned above, the built-in Troubleshooter in Windows 11 should help you fix this problem.
1. Go to Settings > System > scroll down in the right-pane and click on Troubleshoot.
2. On the next screen, scroll down and click on Other troubleshooters.
3. On Other Troubleshooters screen, click on the Run option in the Printer tab.
Follow the onscreen instructions as the Troubleshooter tries to find and fix printing problems on your computer.
2. Set Correct Printer Port
Follow the steps below to make sure that the right type of Port has been assigned for your printer.
In this regard, you can refer to the User Manual that came with your printer and it should mention the type of Port required or supported by your printer.
1. Type Printer in the search bar and click on Printers & Scanners in the search results.
2. On Printers & Scanners screen, locate your printer and click on it. On the next screen, click on Printer Properties tab.
3. On Printer Properties screen, switch to Ports tab and make sure that the selected printer port type matches the connection that is currently in use.
Note: If the printer uses a USB connection, the Port will have a USB in its name & description. Similarly, if the printer is using a network connection, it will have Network, or IP in its name/description.
3. Update Printer Device Driver
Printer Problems can also be caused due to the Printer device driver software being incompatible with the version of Windows OS running on your computer.
1. Right-click on Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manager screen, expand Printers Entry > Right-click on the Printer Name and select Update Driver option.
4. Reinstall Faulty USB Drivers
If you are trying to print to a USB connected printer, the problem might be due to the USB device driver being outdated or corrupted.
1. Right-click on Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manager screen, expand Universal Serial Bus Controllers Entry > Right-click on the USB Controller with an exclamation mark and click on Uninstall in the contextual menu.
Repeat the above steps for other USB Controllers with Exclamation marks and Restart the computer.
Once the computer restarts, your computer should automatically load the right drivers as required for USB Ports on your computer.