Windows 10 doesn’t keep a print history by default. To start one, open Event Viewer and turn on the PrintService Operational log. After that, each document you print is saved as an event with its name, the user, the printer and the number of pages.
Applies to: Windows 10. Microsoft doesn’t have a support page for this task, so these steps follow Event Viewer in Windows 10. Checked on September 27, 2026.
Turn on print history in Event Viewer
You need to be signed in as an administrator to do this.
- Right-click Start and select Event Viewer.
- On the left, go to Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > PrintService.
- Select Operational.
- On the right, under Actions, select Enable Log.
Windows starts recording from now on. It can’t show documents printed before you turned the log on.
See what was printed
- In Event Viewer, select the Operational log under PrintService.
- Under Actions, select Filter Current Log.
- In the Event IDs box, type
307and select OK. - Select an event. The General tab shows the document name, who printed it, the printer and the pages printed.
To keep more history, right-click Operational, select Properties, and raise Maximum log size.
See the print queue
To see documents waiting to print, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, and select Open queue.
To keep finished documents in the queue, open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers. Right-click the printer, select Printer properties, select the Advanced tab, and check Keep printed documents. They stay until you delete them. This uses disk space, so turn it off when you’re done.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see what was printed last week?
Only if the log was already on. Some office printers also keep their own job list on their built-in web page. Check your printer’s manual.
Does this record every user?
Yes. It records print jobs from every account on the PC.
My printer stopped printing. What should I try?
See how to get a printer back online in Windows 10. You can also remove the printer and add it again. See how to remove a printer in Windows 10 and how to add a printer in Windows 10.
More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.