Quick Answer
printmanagement.msc is safe. It's the Windows Print Management Console, an MMC snap-in used by admins to manage printers, queues, drivers, and servers.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Part of Windows System32: C:\Windows\System32\printmanagement.msc
Warning
Not a background service; MMC hosts the snap-in when launched
Print Management uses MMC to present printers; may spawn mmc.exe when opened
Can I Disable?
<strong>Typically not required to disable.</strong> It is an admin tool. You can disable access by turning off the optional Windows feature that provides Print Management.
What is printmanagement.msc?
printmanagement.msc is the Microsoft Print Management Console, a Windows MMC snap-in used to administer printers, queues, drivers, and print servers across local and remote machines. It consolidates printer settings, deployment, and monitoring into a single administrative interface for IT admins.
The Print Management Console is hosted by mmc.exe and loads printmanagement.msc to allow centralized management of printers, drivers, and queues. It relies on the Print Spooler service and RPC/WMI for remote operations and status retrieval.
Quick Fact: Print Management streamlines large-scale printer deployments and driver updates, reducing manual configuration across multiple machines.
Types of Print Management Processes
- MMC Host Process: mmc.exe loads the printmanagement.msc snap-in
- Printer Driver Deployment: Distributes and updates printer drivers across devices
- Queue and Policy Management: Manages print queues, permissions, and deployments
- Remote Printer Management: Allows administration of printers on remote servers
- Event Logging: Records printer events and troubleshooting data
- Spooler Interaction: Interacts with the Print Spooler service for jobs
Is printmanagement.msc Safe?
Yes, printmanagement.msc is safe when it originates from a legitimate Windows installation and is accessed via the system path.
Is printmanagement.msc a Virus or Malware?
The real file is not a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names; verify location and signature.
How to Tell if printmanagement.msc is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Windows\System32\printmanagement.msc. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click
C:\Windows\System32\printmanagement.msc → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a Microsoft publisher such as "Microsoft Windows Publisher".
- Related Executable: Launched via
mmc.exe (C:\Windows\System32\mmc.exe) when opened; verify the parent process in Task Manager.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is minimal when closed. Unexpected CPU spikes while not actively using the console are suspicious.
Red Flags: If printmanagement.msc is found outside System32, lacks a valid signature, or shows persistent background activity, run a malware scan and verify Windows integrity.
Why Is printmanagement.msc Running on My PC?
printmanagement.msc runs when you open the Print Management Console or when admin tasks invoke the MMC snap-in for printer management.
Reasons it's running:
- Administrative Use: You opened the Print Management Console to view printers, queues, or drivers
- Remote Printer Management: Admins connect to remote servers to manage printers and drivers
- Driver Deployment: Organizations deploy or update printer drivers via the console
- Inventory and Auditing: Used to collect printer inventory and monitor status across devices
- Policy and Server Maintenance: Group Policy or maintenance tasks load the snap-in for centralized management
Can I Disable or Remove printmanagement.msc?
Yes, you can prevent its use. It is an admin tool; you can disable the Windows feature that provides Print Management or restrict access to the MMC snap-in.
How to Stop printmanagement.msc
- Do not launch the console: Simply avoid opening Print Management in MMC.
- Disable the Windows Feature: Turn Windows features on or off → Print and Document Services → uncheck Print Management (if available)
- Restrict Access: Use Group Policy or Local Security Policy to limit MMC snap-in access for non-admin users
- Remove Admin Roles: Remove Print Management rights from users who do not need printer management capabilities
- Restart: Restart the computer after changes to ensure the feature is not loaded
How to Uninstall Print Management Console
- ✔ Open Windows Features: Turn Windows features on or off
- ✔ Expand Print and Document Services
- ✔ Uncheck Print Management (if present)
- ✔ Restart the computer
- ✔ Note: On some editions, Print Management is integral; removal may not be supported without reinstalling Windows components
Common Problems: Print Management Not Opening or Working Properly
If printmanagement.msc fails to load, behaves oddly, or shows missing printers, try the following fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Print Management feature not installed: Enable it in Windows Features under Print and Document Services
- MMC snap-in crash or corruption: Run System File Checker: sfc /scannow; repair system files and reattempt opening the console
- Remote management blocked by firewall: Ensure RPC ports are open and firewall allows MMC remote management (RPC dynamic ports)
- Insufficient permissions: Run as Administrator or grant appropriate permissions for the snap-in access
- Outdated printer drivers: Update drivers from printer vendor or via Windows Update and re-open the console
- Spooler service issues: Restart Print Spooler: net stop spooler && net start spooler; verify spoolsv.exe is running
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Print Management and verify available printers
2. Run Windows Update to fetch driver updates
3. Restart the Print Spooler service
4. Ensure the feature is enabled in Windows Features
5. Check firewall rules for remote MMC management
Frequently Asked Questions
What is printmanagement.msc?
printmanagement.msc is the Microsoft Print Management Console MMC snap-in used to administer printers, queues, drivers, and print servers locally or on remote systems.
Is printmanagement.msc safe?
Yes, when launched from a legitimate Windows installation and located at C:\Windows\System32\printmanagement.msc.
Can I uninstall Print Management Console?
You can disable or remove access to the feature via Windows Features, but it may not be removable on all editions since it is part of the OS.
Why can't I open Print Management?
Possible reasons include the feature not installed, insufficient permissions, or MMC snap-in corruption. Check Windows Features and run sfc /scannow if needed.
How do I add printers with Print Management?
Open Print Management, connect to a print server if needed, then add printers or deploy drivers through the console.
Can I manage printers remotely with Print Management?
Yes, Print Management supports remote administration of printers and drivers on network servers when properly configured.