Locking print jobs in Windows 10 allows you to send a document to the printer, but it won't print until you enter a specific password directly at the printer control panel. This feature, often called "Secure Print" or "Locked Print," is a great way to enhance privacy and prevent documents from sitting in the output tray unattended.
The process typically involves adjusting settings within your specific printer's driver software via Windows.
Steps to Lock Your Print Jobs
Based on the provided reference, the key steps to enabling this feature are performed within your printer's properties:
- Access Print Settings: When you are ready to print a document from any application (like Word, Excel, or a web browser), select your printer and click on “Printing preferences”. This opens the configuration window for your specific printer driver.
- Choose the Job Type: Look for an option related to "Job Type," "Print Method," or similar. Under “Job Type”, select “Locked Print”. (The exact name and location of this setting can vary depending on your printer manufacturer and driver version).
- Set Your Security Details: Once "Locked Print" is selected, you will be prompted to enter a User ID (you can usually choose from your Windows Login name, or create a custom one, which can be as simple as your first name) and a numeric password for your locked print jobs. Remember this User ID and password, as you'll need them at the printer.
After confirming these settings and printing, your document is sent to the printer's memory but held until you go to the physical printer, access the locked jobs menu (usually via the control panel), and enter the User ID and password you set.
What is Locked Print?
Locked Print is a printer feature designed to improve security and privacy for sensitive documents. Instead of printing immediately, the print data is stored securely on the printer's internal storage. It only gets released and printed when the authorized user physically goes to the printer and authenticates themselves using a pre-defined ID and password.
Benefits of Using Locked Print:
- Enhanced Security: Prevents unauthorized viewing or retrieval of confidential documents left in the output tray.
- Increased Privacy: Ensures your personal printouts are not accessible to others.
- Reduced Waste: Documents aren't accidentally printed and forgotten if the user doesn't pick them up immediately.
Remember that this feature relies on support from your specific printer hardware and the installed printer driver software. If you don't see the "Job Type" or "Locked Print" option in your printer's preferences, your printer might not support this functionality, or the required driver might not be installed correctly.
