What does print queue mean?
A print queue is the operating system's logical destination for print jobs. It holds jobs for a selected printer and provides status and controls while they wait or are sent. A computer may have several queues, even for the same physical printer, using different connections or support settings.
A queue connects the application-side print request to an actual output route. It can be paused, point to an old network address, or use a printer that is no longer available. The driver helps prepare device-specific output, but queue state and connectivity are separate variables. A job leaving one queue is not proof the printer produced a page.
Example in context
An office printer is replaced but the document editor still selects the old queue as default. Jobs accumulate there while the replacement printer works for another employee. Changing the graphics or printer driver on the working queue would not address the wrong destination. Check the selected queue and where its connection points.
A common misunderstanding
'Offline' in a queue is not a confirmed hardware fault or proof that the driver is outdated. It may reflect an unavailable host, a paused setting, a changed address, or a disconnected cable. Clearing every job without checking its owner can also discard work; shared or managed printers may require permission and coordination.
How to use this term
A print queue can refer to a USB connection, network address, or shared printer hosted by another computer. The same physical printer might therefore accept jobs through one queue and fail through another. Ask which queue the application selected and whether the destination is still available. When a shared queue contains other people's jobs, do not clear it indiscriminately; coordinate with its owner or administrator.
Related terms are [peripheral](/glossary/peripheral) and [device driver](/glossary/device-driver). Use [stuck print job](/types/printer/printer-queue-troubleshooting/stuck-print-job) when a job blocks the queue, [wrong printer or port](/types/printer/printer-queue-troubleshooting/wrong-printer-or-port) for routing, and [offline status](/types/printer/printer-connectivity/offline-status) for connectivity.