- The Microsoft GameInput service is an API that allows games to access and interact with gaming input devices, such as gamepads, keyboards, and mice.
- Installing pending updates and scanning your PC for corrupt system files may help resolve any issues.
- If the problem persists, consider uninstalling the Microsoft GameInput service and clearing its data to fix the problem.
Fix 1: Uninstall Microsoft GameInput
One of the most effective ways to stop Microsoft GameInput from crashing your Windows 10 or 11 PC is to remove it. Several users on a Reddit thread reported fixing the issue with this trick. Hence, it’s the first thing you should try.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Installed apps from the list.
Step 2: Use the search tool or scroll through the list to locate Microsoft GameInput . Click the three-dot icon next to it and select Uninstall .
Step 3: Select Uninstall to confirm.
Fix 2: Rename or Delete the GameInput Folder
In addition to uninstalling Microsoft GameInput, you should also delete the associated files from your system. Here are the steps for the same.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type C:\Program Files (x86)\ in the box and press Enter .
Step 2: Locate and select the Microsoft GameInput folder. Then, click the trash icon at the top. If you don’t wish to delete the folder, you can also rename it.
Completing the above steps should help you get rid of Microsoft GameInput for good. As such, Windows should now be able to create a new GameInput folder, fixing any issues.
Fix 3: Configure the GameInput Service
The Services app on Windows makes it simple to manage background services on your system. You can use it to disable the GameInput service, preventing it from running on your PC or reinstalling itself.
To configure the GameInput service, use these steps:
Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type services in the box, and press Enter .
Step 2: In the Services window, double-click the GameInput Service to open its properties.
Step 3: Use the drop-down menu next to Startup type to select Disabled . Then, hit Apply followed by OK .
Restart your PC after this and check if your Windows PC still crashes.
Fix 4: Run SFC and DISM Scans
Your Windows PC relies on system files to perform most tasks. If some of these files are damaged or missing, Windows might crash. SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) are built-in tools that can help you repair any problematic system files on your PC. Here’s how to run them.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon to select Terminal (Admin) from the list.
Step 2: In the console, type the following command and press Enter .
SFC /scannow
Step 3: Run the following commands one by one and press Enter after each one to run the DISM scan.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This might take a while, so be patient. Restart your PC after the scan is complete and check if the issue is still there.
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- Running the printer troubleshooter in Windows is an effective method for fixing such issues.
- Temporarily stopping the Print Spooler service can help you remove printers without encountering errors.
- If the printer still won’t remove, try uninstalling the printer driver and software.
Fix 1: Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Start by running Windows’ built-in printer troubleshooter to see if it can detect and resolve any pending printing errors.
Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar, type printers & scanners , and press Enter .
Step 2: Select your printer.
Step 3: Click on Run the troubleshooter .
Windows should automatically detect any issues with the printer and fix them. Following that, you should be able to get rid of the printer.
Fix 2: Remove the Printer From the Print Server Properties
There are several ways to remove a printer in Windows 11. So, if you can’t remove the printer from the Settings app or Control Panel, remove it from the Print Server Properties in Windows.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + S to open the search menu. Type printers & scanners and press Enter .
Step 2: Under Related settings, click on Print server properties .
Step 3: Go to the Drivers tab, select your printer, and click Remove .
Step 4: Select Remove driver and driver package and hit OK to confirm.
Fix 3: Stop Print Spooler Service
Print Spooler is a critical service that handles printer interactions on Windows. If that service interferes with the removal process, disable it temporarily to see if it helps.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type services.msc in the box next to the Open field and press Enter .
Step 2: In the Services window, scroll down to locate Print Spooler . Right-click on it and select Stop .
After stopping the Print Spooler service, remove the printer again.
Fix 4: Uninstall Printer Driver
Device Manager is a useful tool that lets you manage and troubleshoot all your hardware devices from one place. You can also use it to delete an old printer from your PC. Here’s how.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Device Manager from the menu.
Step 2: Open the View menu at the top and select Show hidden devices .
Step 3: Double-click on Print queues to expand it. Right-click on your printer and select Uninstall device .
Fix 5: Remove Printer Software
If you’ve installed a dedicated app or software for your printer, it could also obstruct the removal process. To avoid this, first uninstall that app or software before trying again.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon and select Installed apps from the list.
Step 2: Locate the printer app on the list. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Uninstall .
After removing the app, you can remove the printer from the Settings app or Device Manager.
Fix 6: Use the Registry Editor
Windows may not remove the printer due to corrupt registry keys associated with it. To fix it, remove those corrupted registry keys by following the steps below.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog. Type regedit and press Enter .
Step 2: Paste the following path in the address bar at the top and press Enter .
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Printers
Step 3: Locate the printer you wish to remove and click on Delete . Then, select Yes to confirm.
Restart your PC after this, and you should be able to remove your printer without a problem.
