Unfortunately, most printers don’t have a built-in feature to directly view your print history. However, you can access this information on your computer system if you’re using Windows or Mac. This article will guide you through the steps on how to check your print history on both operating systems.
What is Print History?
Your print history refers to a record of all the documents you’ve printed from your computer. This history typically includes details like the file name, date, and time of printing.
Why Would You Need to Check Print History?
There are several reasons why you might want to check your print history. Here are a few examples:
- Track printing activity: You can monitor who or what printed documents on your computer, especially useful in workplaces or shared computers.
- Reprint a document: If you accidentally closed a document after printing or need another copy, you can find the file name in your print history to reprint it easily.
- Troubleshooting printing issues: Your print history can sometimes reveal clues about printing errors or problems that might be occurring.
How to Check Print History on Windows?
Windows offers two methods to check your print history: enabling logging for the print queue and using Event Viewer.
Enabling Logging for Print History
This method allows you to view a limited history of recently printed jobs directly in the print queue.
- Access the print queue: Right-click the Start menu and select “Settings.” Navigate to “Devices” > “Printers & scanners.”
- Open queue properties: Click on your desired printer and then select “Open queue.”
- Enable logging: Right-click inside the print queue window and choose “Properties.” Go to the “Advanced” tab and check the box next to “Keep printed documents.”
- View print history: Now, the print queue window will display a list of documents currently printing and those recently printed.
Accessing Print History in Event Viewer
Event Viewer provides a more detailed log of all printing activity on your computer, including past prints. However, enabling logging is required beforehand.
- Enable Event Viewer logging: Press the Windows key + X and select “Run.” Type “eventvwr.msc” and press Enter.
- Navigate to PrintService logs: In Event Viewer, expand “Applications and Services Logs” > “Microsoft” > “Windows” and select “PrintService.”
- Enable logging: Right-click on “PrintService” and select “Properties.” Under the “General” tab, check the box that says “Enable logging.”
- View print history: Now, open the “Operational” log under “PrintService.” This log will display a record of all printing events, including successful prints, errors, and spooling activities.
How to Check Print History on Mac?
On Mac, you can utilize the Console app or check the printer logs (if your printer offers this feature).
Using the Console App
The Console app provides system and application logs, including some printing information.
- Open Console app: Go to “Applications” > “Utilities” and select “Console.”
- Filter logs: In the search bar, type “print” to filter logs related to printing.
- Review print history: The filtered results will show printing events, including timestamps and file paths (if available) for some print jobs.
Checking Printer Logs
Some printer manufacturers might offer a built-in utility or web interface to access printer logs. These logs may contain details about printing jobs.
- Consult your printer manual: Refer to your printer’s manual to see if it offers a way to access printer logs.
- Access printer logs (if available): The specific steps to access printer logs will vary depending on your printer model. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for details.
Conclusion
While checking print history directly on the printer might not be possible, you can access this information on your computer using the methods mentioned above. Remember that enabling logging might be required for some methods to function. By following these steps, you can easily track your printing activity and retrieve details about previously printed documents on your Windows or Mac computer.