unknown printer shows up in addition to my HP Deskjet 2700 series

[Karolmac]

Probably result of a power surge, I now have a rogue/ghost printer (HP1768CB) listed along with my HP Deskjet 2752 that I can't remove. I believe this is the reason my printer now runs very SLOW. Any help to remove the ghost printer greatly appreciated!

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Karolmac 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I can understand how frustrating it feels to see a ghost printer appear alongside your Deskjet 2752, especially when you suspect it’s slowing things down. Thank you for already identifying the issue and trying to manage it—it shows real persistence. Let’s go step by step to remove the rogue printer entry and stabilize your setup.

 

Steps to Remove Ghost Printer in Windows 11

Remove Printer from Settings

• Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
• Locate the ghost printer (HP1768CB).
• Select it and click Remove device.

Clear Printer Drivers

• Press Windows + R, type printui /s /t2, and press Enter.
• This opens the Print Server Properties window.
• Under the Drivers tab, look for the ghost printer driver.
• Select it and click Remove.

Restart Print Spooler Service

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Scroll down to Print Spooler.
• Right‑click and select Restart.
• This clears cached printer entries and refreshes the system.

Re‑Add Your Deskjet 2752

• In Printers & scanners, click Add device.
• Select your HP Deskjet 2752 from the list.
• Complete the setup through the HP App to ensure full functionality.

Update Firmware and Drivers

• On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Printer Maintenance > Update Printer.
• On your PC, open the HP App, select your printer, and check for driver updates.
• This ensures smooth communication and prevents ghost entries from reappearing.

Ghost printers often appear after power fluctuations or driver conflicts. Removing the device, clearing its driver, and restarting the print spooler usually resolves the issue. Once your Deskjet 2752 is re‑added through the HP App, printing speed and stability should return to normal.

Would you like me to also share how to print a test page directly from Windows settings? It’s a quick way to confirm the Deskjet is working properly after removing the ghost printer.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye