How to fix printer spooler problems on Windows 10

When your printer refuses to print, it could be a problem preventing the print spooler from running correctly — here's how to fix the problem.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak

UPDATED 4/10/2023: On Windows 10 , trying to print and getting the document stuck in the queue can be frustrating. Also, if you try to cancel the job, it could stay stuck deleting forever. 

Although there could be many reasons you cannot print, including connection problems or physical issues with the printer, it’s usually an issue with the Windows 10 “print spooler.” This service spools print jobs and handles the interactions with the printer, and sometimes it will stop working, even after restarting your device and printer.

If you experience this problem, you can fix this printer issue by resetting the print spooler on the computer using the Services console or Command Prompt .

This guide will teach you how to fix the print spooler on Windows 10 to fix a printer. (See also this video tutorial to complete this task.)

Fix print spooler from Services

Fix print spooler from command prompt.

To fix the print spooler service to continue printing on Windows 10, use these steps:

Open Start on Windows 10.

Search for services.msc and click the top result to open the  Services console.

Right-click the Print Spooler service and select the Properties option.

Print Spooler in Services console for Windows 10

Click the General tab.

Click the Stop button.

Stop Print Spooler on Windows 10

Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

Type the following path to the printers folder and press Enter :

  • C:\Windows\System32\spool\printers

Click the Continue button (if applicable).

Select everything in the “ printers” folder ( “Ctrl + A” ) and hit the Delete button to remove the contents.

On the “Printer Spooler Properties” page, click the General tab.

Click the Start button to restart the service.

Start Print Spooler on Windows 10

Click the  OK button.

Once you complete the steps, you can try to print a document one more time, and the printer should work as expected.

To fix print spooler problems from Command Prompt, use these steps:

Open Start .

Search for Command Prompt , right-click the top result, and select the Run as Administrator option.

Type the following commands (one line at a time) to stop the print spooler, delete the printers folder content, restart the printer spooler, and press Enter :

Fix Print Spooler using Command Prompt

After you complete the steps, you should be able to send a print job to the printer, and this time the printer should work.

While this guide focuses on Windows 10, the ability to reset the “Print Spooler” has been around for a long time, so you should be able to use the same steps on Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and older versions.

Update April 4, 2023: This guide has been revised to ensure that the steps are still accurate.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter) , YouTube , LinkedIn and About.me .

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4 Easy Ways to Fix a Print Spooler Error

Last Updated: November 13, 2023 Fact Checked

  • Reset Print Spooler
  • Print Spooler Settings
  • Update Drivers

If Print Spooler is Missing

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA . Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,490,858 times. Learn more...

Have you run into an error that says "Printer Spooler error" or "The local print spooler service is not running?" on your Windows PC? The print spooler helps Windows interact with the printer and orders the print jobs in your queue. If you see any error message about the print spooler, this tool has been corrupted or is failing to interact correctly with other software. This wikiHow article will teach you how to troubleshoot and fix your print spooler on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Things You Should Know

  • Most errors can be fixed using the Printer troubleshooter or resetting the spooler.
  • You can stop, restart, or modify your Print Spooler settings by opening Services.msc and double-clicking "Print Spooler."
  • If you continue having problems, uninstall your printer, run the manufacturer's software installer, and re-add the printer.

Clearing & Resetting the Print Spooler

Step 1 Run the printer troubleshooter.

  • Windows 11: Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and click Run next to "Printer." Follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Windows 10: Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot , select Printer , and follow the on-screen instructions. [1] X Trustworthy Source Microsoft Support Technical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source

Step 2 Open the Services window.

  • If you don't see Print Spooler in services.msc, see this troubleshooting method .

Step 4 Click Stop to stop the print spooler.

  • If the service was already stopped, click Start to see if that fixes your problem.
  • Don't close this window since you'll need to start this service later.

Step 5 Open the printer spool folder.

  • Press Windows key + S to activate search.
  • Type or paste %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers into the search bar.
  • Click %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS in the search results. [2] X Research source

Step 6 Delete all contents inside the folder.

  • This will remove all current print jobs, so make sure no one on your network is using the printer.

Step 7 Return to the

  • Next to "Startup type," you should see "Automatic." If you see a different option, click the menu, select Automatic now, and save your changes. The print spooler will now launch automatically in the future.

Changing Print Spooler Properties

Step 1 Open your printer spooler properties.

  • Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue.
  • Type services.msc and press Enter .
  • Double-click "Print Spooler" in the Services window.

Step 2 Stop and start the spooler.

  • First failure: Restart the Service
  • Second failure: Restart the Service
  • Subsequent failures: Take No Action
  • Reset fail count after: 1 days
  • Restart service after: 1 minutes
  • When you're finished, click Apply .

Step 5 Click OK and restart your PC.

  • Return to the Services window. If you closed it, open it again as described in the first step of this method.
  • Find the name of one of the services you saw in the upper Dependencies pane, listed under the Name column.
  • Confirm that the word "Started" is in the Status column for that file.
  • Confirm that the word "Automatic" is in the Startup Type column for that file.
  • If one of the services you looked up does not have these values, Stop and Start that service. You can do this with the icons in the Services window or by double-clicking the service name and using the buttons in its Properties window.
  • If the Stop and Start icons are greyed out, or if stopping and starting does not change the values to "Started" and "Automatic," try reinstalling the drivers as described.

Updating Printer Drivers and Software

Step 1 Run a Windows update.

  • To update, go to Settings > Windows Update (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update (Windows 10) and click Check for updates .
  • If Windows Update couldn't update your printer driver automatically, View optional updates , click Driver updates , and look for your printer's drivers. If you see them, click Download and install.

Step 2 Download the latest drivers for your printer.

  • Press Windows key + S to activate search, then type printers .
  • Click Printers & scanners .
  • Select your printer and click Remove device . Leave this window open for now, as you'll need to return here soon.

Step 4 Run the manufacturer's software installer.

  • Return to Printers & Scanners .
  • Scroll down and click Print server properties .
  • On the driver's tab, look for your printer. If you see it, you don't need to do anything more.
  • If you don't see your printer, click Add , click Next , select your computer's architecture , and then choose your printer.
  • Click Next , Finish , and then follow the on-screen instructions to install your printer.

Step 5 Re-add your printer.

  • To open Command Prompt as an administrator , type cmd into the Windows Search bar, right-click "Command Prompt," and then select Run as administrator .

Step 2 Type net start spooler and press ↵ Enter.

  • On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery . On Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > System Recovery .
  • Click Reset this PC (Windows 10) or Reset PC (Windows 11).
  • Click Keep my files and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Once your PC is reset, the files that control the Print Spooler will be reinstalled, and you'll find Print Spooler in your services panel.

Expert Q&A

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  • ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-a-fix-it-tool-with-windows-10-cc3cb85b-91d7-7e56-8ce1-db50b4d18d0b
  • ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/printing/third-party-print-driver-print-spooler-error
  • ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-download-and-install-the-latest-printer-drivers-4ff66446-a2ab-b77f-46f4-a6d3fe4bf661
  • ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/recovery-options-in-windows-31ce2444-7de3-818c-d626-e3b5a3024da5

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How to fix a printer spooler error message in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Printer errors can be some of the most baffling around – so here's how to solve spooler issues

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Most people have printers at home, especially if they work from home regularly, and we're pretty confident that everyone who has a printer has raged at the device when it's not behaving properly.

Imagine the scene: you're rushing to get a document printed or scanned, up against a deadline, and the printer has been working fine for months – but right when you need it, the unit will clam up, refuse to print and throw its toys out of the pram.

More often than not the issue is impossible to detect and, even if you do get an error message, it's usually pretty cryptic. That only adds to the frustration and means you cannot solve the problem quickly.

Thankfully, though, we're here to help. Many printer errors are caused by the spooler rather than the printer itself, and they can be remedied if you know some basic tricks.

Once you've had a look at those – and got your printer working properly – take a peek at our password security tips or the best ways to choose antivirus for your business . 

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What's a printer spooler?

If you come across a broken printer then more often than not it's going to have gone wrong because of the spooler. And while you might assume this is an obscure component inside the printer itself, that's not actually the case.

The printer spooler is a little bit of software included with Windows 10 and Windows 11 – and with older versions of Windows, too. It transfers print requests from your computer to the printer, and allows them to be queued up for printing in sequence. If this service isn't working properly, your PC can't send print instructions to the printer, and you won't get very far.

Indeed, anyone who's done lots of printing will be familiar with error messages that say "the local print spooler service is not running" or "print spooler error" or "printer connection failed".

While that's frustrating, there are some simple steps you can take to get your hardware working properly again. With a bit of luck you won't have to get too technical, either, and the methods we've explained here work on Windows 10 and Windows 11, so you don't have to look up different methods for different operating systems.

Starting strong

The first thing you should try if you have a printer spooler error? Reboot your PC. Seriously. It's uncanny how often that simple step will resolve a computing issue.

If that's not done the trick, hit the Windows button and type "windows update". Load the Windows Update app, click the Check for Updates button, and apply all of the available updates for your operating system.

It's important to keep your printer drivers, software and firmware up to date because that software forms a crucial link between the spooler and the printer. If you've got an app from your printer manufacturer installed on your PC or laptop, open it up and you'll probably find options for updating your drivers, software and firmware.

If not, find out your printer's model name and head to the manufacturer's website. Once there you should be able to find the latest printer software and drivers in their support or download sections. Download the relevant files, install them, and you'll be updated to the latest version of the software. The installer should provide instructions for how to do all of this.

If you'd like to be thorough about this process, press the Windows key and search for "apps". Load the resulting Apps and Features menu and uninstall your printer software. Once that's done, search Windows for "printers" and use the Remove Device button on your malfunctioning unit to make the operating system forget about it, too.

This should remove the printer from your operating system and allow you to start again from scratch with the latest version of the software. As before, the printer software's installation software should provide instructions for setting the printer up correctly if you've uninstalled everything from your system.

If none of these basic steps get your printer working, tap your PC's Windows key and type "troubleshoot". Click the Troubleshoot Settings option that appears, head into the Other Troubleshooters section, and run the Printer troubleshooter.

This will scan your printing system for common printing errors. If it finds any problems, the troubleshooter will let you know – simply click the Apply this Fix button to solve the issues. This is a great step if you haven't solved spooler issues by updating drivers and your operating system and it doesn't require huge amounts of technical knowledge.

Getting specific

Sadly, if those options don't work, you'll probably have to get a bit technical. And while that's certainly daunting, if you take things slowly, you'll be fine.

Your first step should be clearing the printer's queue of documents and then restarting the printer spooler. Tap the Windows key and search for "services.msc". You'll see an app called Services – open it.

In there, you'll see a huge list of modules that keep your PC running smoothly. Scroll down until you find Print Spooler, right-click, and click Properties.

A panel will open – stay in the General tab. Click the Stop button to halt the Printer Spooler service. Once that's done, press the Windows and R keys simultaneously to open the Run command. Type the following into the little box that appears:

“C:\Windows\System32\spool\printers”

Remember to change the letter C if that's not your operating system's main hard drive. Once that's typed, hit OK, and Windows should open a folder. And if you don't want to deal with the Windows + R shortcut and the Run window, you can open the File Explorer and navigate to the folder manually.

This folder is where your spooler keeps all the temporary files that are created during the printing process, and one of these is probably holding up your printer. Select everything in the folder and delete it. You might get a message asking you for permission to complete that action – that's normal, and that's fine. And don't delete the folder itself.

After you've emptied the folder, head back to the Services app, right-click on Printer Spooler, and select Properties. Press the Start button to reactivate the Printer Spooler service. Now that you've cleared out the dodgy queue of documents, you should try to print again, and it'll probably work.

While you're in the Services app, also locate the DCOM Server Process Launcher, Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and RPC Endpoint Mapper modules. These three tools are also needed for printers to function smoothly. Make sure they're running, and ensure that they're set to start automatically with your PC or laptop. Just right-click each service, head into the Properties menu and change the setting if it's incorrect.

Spool Intentions

If none of these fixes have solved your spooler situation, it's worth staying in the Services app and making sure the Printer Spooler tool is using the correct settings.

Open the Services app, right-click on Printer Spooler, and click Properties. In the General tab, ensure that Startup type is set to Automatic so the spooler loads whenever you boot your computer. Press Apply to save any changes.

Click the Recovery tab. You'll see five options here – First Failure, Second Failure, Subsequent Failures, Reset Fail Count and Reset Service. These options govern how the spooler behaves if it detects its own errors. The first three options should say Restart the Service, and those two text boxes should both be set to zero. If you have to change those, click Apply to save the alterations.

Finally, head to the Log On tab. There's a box labeled Allow Service to Interact With Desktop – make sure it's unticked.

Security scares

You may also find that your security software prevents signals from getting to your printer properly.

If you use Windows 10 or 11's own security tools, click the Windows key and type in "security" to get a link to the Windows Security app. Once that's loaded, open the Firewall and Network Protection module, and use the Allow an App Through the Firewall section to add exceptions for your spooler service and the software provided by your printer manufacturer.

This principle applies if you use third-party security software, too. Open your security app of choice, head to the firewall section, and add exceptions for your printer software. This method isn't ideal if you want to keep your PC as secure as possible, but it's worth trying at least temporarily so you can see if firewalls are tripping up your printer's communications.

If you're willing to wade through firewall exceptions, the Services app, spooler settings changes and software updates then you'll probably be able to solve your printer's error messages – and your day will likely get a little less frustrating. And when you're dealing with a dodgy printer, that's about all that any of us can ask.  

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Mike has worked as a technology journalist for more than a decade and has written for most of the UK’s big technology titles alongside numerous global outlets. He loves PCs, laptops and any new hardware, and covers everything from the latest business trends to high-end gaming gear.

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how to solve printer spooler problem in windows 10

Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows

If you’re trying to use your printer and run into problems, here are some steps for common printer problems to try to get things working again.

Before you begin

Start by running the automated printer troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Get Help automatically runs diagnostics and takes the correct steps to fix most printer issues.

Open Get Help

If the Get Help app is unable to resolve your printer issue, try the possible solutions listed: 

Step 1. Unplug and restart your printer

Sometimes power cycling your printer can resolve the issue. Turn off your printer and unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug your printer back in, and then turn the printer back on.

If your printer still doesn’t work, continue to step 2.

Step 2. Check cables or wireless connection

Check the cables (for wired printers).  Make sure that the printer's USB cable is properly connected from the printer to your PC. If your USB isn’t recognized, see  Automatically diagnose and fix Windows USB problems .

Check the wireless connection (for wireless printers) . Do one of the following:

Make sure the printer’s wireless option is turned on and available. Many printers have a button that displays a blue wireless icon when a wireless connection option for the printer is available. To learn where this button is located on your printer and to find instructions about how to turn it on, see the instructions that came with the printer or check the manufacturer's website for instructions.

Run the printer’s wireless connectivity test. Many printers have a menu option to test the printer’s wireless connectivity. Read the instructions that came with the printer or check the printer manufacturer’s website for instructions about how to do this.

If those check out and you’re still having problems, your PC may not be connecting to your wireless network. To learn more, see Why can't I get online? For more advanced help, see Fix network connection issues in Windows .

If you're having trouble connecting to a Bluetooth printer, see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows .

If you use wireless access points, extenders, or multiple wireless routers with separate SSIDs, make sure you're connected to the same network as the printer for your PC.

If your printer's status displays "Printer in error state," there may be a problem with the printer itself.  If these first two steps did not resolve the error, check the printer for low paper or ink, and be sure the cover isn't open and the paper isn't jammed.

If your printer still doesn’t work, continue to step 3.

Step 3. Uninstall and reinstall your printer

Try removing and reinstalling the printer.

Remove your printer

Select the Start   button, then select  Settings   > Bluetooth & Devices  > Printers & scanners  . Open Printers & scanners settings

Select the printer you want to uninstall.

Select the Remove button. Then confirm you're sure you want to remove this device by selecting Yes .

Reinstall your printer

If your printer is turned on and connected to the network, Windows should find it easily. Available printers can include all printers on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless printers, or printers that are plugged into another computer and shared on the network. You might need permission to install some printers. To reinstall your printer, follow these steps:

Make sure your printer is turned on and connected.  Then select the Add device (or Refresh ) button.

Please wait a moment while Windows searches for the printers that are connected to the device (locally or wirelessly).  Windows will then display a list of printers connected to your device.  If you see your printer listed, select the Add device button for your printer.  If you don't see your device listed, select Add manually .

If you use wireless access points, extenders, or multiple wireless routers with separate SSIDs, make sure you're connected to the same network as the printer for your PC to find and install it.

If you have a new wireless printer that hasn’t been added to your home network, read the instructions that came with the printer and check the printer manufacturer’s website to learn more and to get up-to-date software for your printer.

Tip:  You can print a test page to make sure the printer is working correctly. If you've installed the printer but it doesn't work, check the manufacturer's website for troubleshooting information or driver updates.

Reinstall your printer manually

If the system cannot install the printer automatically, you can reinstall it manually. When you select Add manually , you will then see five options to Find a printer by other options .  Select the option that applies best for your situation and then follow the steps provided.  All of the options can apply for a printer that is connected wirelessly or through your network.  However, if your printer is connected directly to your computer locally, select Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings and then select  Next .  

Reinstall a local printer manually

After selecting Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings , follow these steps:

Select Use an existing port and then select the port the printer is connected to.  Then select  Next.  If the printer is connected via USB, select it from the list. There are also options for parallel (LPT) and serial (COM) ports.

You will now see options to install the printer driver. If the printer came with a disc that includes the driver, select  Have Disk . Otherwise, select Windows Update .

Please wait while Windows updates the list of printers.  Then select the printer manufacturer from the left column, and the printer model from the right column. Then select  Next .

Note:  If there are multiple versions of a driver for your device, you might be asked which version of the driver to use.  In most cases, you should select  Replace the current driver . However, if you're confident the installed driver is correct, select Use the driver that is currently installed .

Type a name for your printer, and then select  Next . This name is only for your personal reference, so you can choose any name you prefer. 

Select Do not share this printer.  (If you want to share your printer with other devices on your network, select  Share this printer  and enter the name and location.) Select Next .

Select Print a test page  to confirm that the printer is working and then select Finish .

If your printer still doesn’t work, continue to step 4.

Step 4. Install the latest driver for your printer

Most printers require the latest driver to work well. To learn more, read  How to download and install the latest printer drivers .

If your printer still doesn’t work after you install the latest driver for your printer, continue to step 5.

Step 5. Clear and reset the print spooler

If the previous troubleshooting step is not successful, you may need to clear spooler files and restart the spooler service. The print spooler is a file that manages the printing process. To clear and reset the print spooler:

In the search box on the taskbar, type services , and then select Services  in the list of results.

Select the Standards tab, and then double-click Print Spooler in the list of services.

Select Stop , and then select  OK .

In the search box on the taskbar, enter %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers , select %WINDIR%\system32\spool\PRINTERS  in the list of results, and then delete all files in the folder.

In the search box on the taskbar, search for services , and then select Services  in the list of results.

Select the Standards tab, and the double-click Print Spooler in the list of services.

Select Start , select  Automatic in the  Startup Type box, and then select OK .

If your printer still doesn’t work, continue on to step 6.

Step 6. Change a printer's status to "online"

If your printer displays an "offline" status, check out  Troubleshooting offline printer problems .

If you need help installing your printer in Windows 10, see  Install a printer in Windows 10 .

If your PC is running Windows 10 S, some printers might not work with it, or they might have limited functionality. For more info, see  Device support on Windows 10 S .

If a USB printer port is missing, see USB printer port missing after disconnecting printer while Windows 10 (version 1903 or later) is shut down .

If you're looking for help with a scanner, see Install and use a scanner in Windows 10 .

If you're having trouble connecting to a Bluetooth printer, see Fix Bluetooth problems in Windows 10: FAQ .

Select the Start   button, then select  Settings   > Devices  > Printers & scanners  . Open Printers & scanners settings

Under  Printers & scanners , find the printer, select it, and then select  Remove device .

You'll need to follow different steps to reinstall or add a wireless or local printer. Here's how.

Reinstall a wireless printer

Select  Add a printer or scanner . Wait for your device to find nearby printers, choose the one you want, and then select  Add device .

If your printer is turned on and connected to the network, Windows should find it easily. Available printers can include all printers on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless printers, or printers that are plugged into another computer and shared on the network. You might need permission to install some printers.

Reinstall a local printer

If you want to reinstall or add a local printer, plug the USB cable from your printer into an available USB port on your PC, and then turn on the printer.

Under  Printers & scanners , look for your printer.

If you see your printer listed, you'll know it's installed.

If you don't see your printer listed, select Add a printer or scanner . Wait for your device to find available printers, choose the one you want, and then select Add device .

Tip:  You can confirm the printer is working by printing a test page. If you've installed the printer but it doesn't work, check the manufacturer's website for troubleshooting information or driver updates.

Connecting your printer

When you connect a printer to your PC  or add a new printer to your home network, you can usually start printing right away. Windows supports most printers, and you probably won't have to go out of your way to install special printer software. If you're using Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, additional printer support and drivers are available through Windows Update.

To install a printer

In most cases, all you have to do to set up a printer is to connect it to your PC. Simply plug the USB cable from your printer into an available USB port on your PC, and turn the printer on.

For wireless printers with Windows 8.1:

Note:  If you have a new wireless printer that hasn’t been added to your home network, read the instructions that came with the printer to learn how to add it. Check the printer manufacturer’s website to learn more and to get up-to-date software for your printer.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings , and then tap Change PC settings . (If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, select  Settings , and then select  Change PC settings .)

Tap or click PC and devices , and then tap or click Devices . If your printer is installed, it should appear under Printers .

If your printer isn’t listed, tap or click Add a device , and then select your printer to install it.

To install (add) a local printer

Click the Start   button, and then, on the Start menu, click Devices and Printers .

Click Add a printer .

In the Add Printer wizard, click Add a local printer .

On the Choose a printer port page, make sure that the Use an existing port button and the recommended printer port are selected, and then click Next .

On the Install the printer driver page, select the printer manufacturer and model, and then click Next .

If your printer isn't listed, click Windows Update , and then wait while Windows checks for additional drivers.

If none are available and you have the installation CD, click Have Disk , and then browse to the folder where the printer driver is located. (For additional help, consult the printer manual.)

Complete the additional steps in the wizard, and then click Finish .

To install a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer

If you're trying to add a network printer at the office, you'll usually need the name of the printer. If you can't find it, contact your network administrator.

Click the Start  button, and then, on the Start menu, click Devices and Printers .

In the Add Printer wizard, click Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer .

In the list of available printers, select the one you want to use, and then click Next . (If your computer is connected to a network, only printers listed in Active Directory for your domain are displayed in the list.)

Administrator permission required

Tip:  Available printers can include all printers on a network, such as Bluetooth and wireless printers or printers that are plugged into another computer and shared on the network. You might need permission to install some printers. You can confirm the printer is working by printing a test page.

Note:  After your printer is installed, you can keep it up to date with automatic Windows 7 driver updates.

Troubleshoot printer problems

Start by checking your hardware.

Make sure that the printer's electrical cord is plugged into an electrical outlet and that the power switch is turned on. If you're printing to a shared printer or a printer on a network, make sure that all necessary computers and routers are turned on too. If your printer or other equipment is plugged in to a surge protector or a backup power supply, make sure that hardware is plugged in and turned on as well.

If you’re using a wired printer, make sure that the printer cable is properly connected from the printer to your PC.

For wireless printers, check the wireless connection. Make sure the printer’s wireless option is turned on and available. Many printers have a button that displays a blue wireless icon when wireless is available.

Next, run the printer’s wireless connectivity test. Read the instructions that came with the printer or check the printer manufacturer’s website for instructions about how to do this.

If your printer's status displays "Printer in error state," there may be a problem with the printer itself.  If the previous steps did not resolve the error, check the printer for low paper or ink, and be sure the cover isn't open and the paper isn't jammed.

Use a troubleshooter

A troubleshooter is an automated tool that can find and automatically fix some problems with your PC. The printing troubleshooter can fix problems with installing and connecting to a printer.

Update drivers

Most printers require driver software to work properly. If you recently upgraded from one version of Windows to another, it's possible that the current printer driver is for the previous version of Windows. If you've had recent power outages, viruses, or other computer problems, it's possible that the drivers have become damaged. Downloading and installing the latest driver for your printer can resolve these types of problems.

Three ways to find and install a driver:

Use Windows Update. Windows Update might have an updated version of your printer driver.

Install software from the printer manufacturer. If your printer came with a disc, that disc might contain software that installs a driver for the printer.

Download and install the driver yourself . You can search for a driver on the manufacturer's website. Try this if Windows Update can't find a driver for your printer, and the printer didn't come with software that installs a driver.

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020.  Technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC are no longer available for Windows 7.  Microsoft strongly recommends that you move to Windows 11.  

Click here to get more info and learn what it means for you.

Related topics

Find out how to  install a printer in Windows.

Find out how to  How to download and install the latest printer drivers .

Find out how to  set up a default printer in Windows.

Find out how to  view a printer queue in Windows.

If you are having a problem changing your printer "offline" status, go to  Troubleshooting offline printer problems .

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FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10

Get back to printing your manifesto stat

Author avatar

The Print Spooler is a service that handles printers and print jobs in Windows 10. But multiple things—such as corrupt files, obsolete drivers, and insufficient permissions—can stop it from functioning correctly.

So if the Print Spooler crashes, fails to start, or keeps stopping as you perform a printer-related action on your PC, the fixes and suggestions below should let you get it working again.

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 1

Run Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically sort printer issues on your computer. So it’s best to kick things off by running it. 

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings .

2. Select Update & Security . 

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 2

3. Switch to the Troubleshoot tab and select the option labeled Additional troubleshooters .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 3

4. Select Printer > Run the troubleshooter . 

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 4

5. Follow all prompts on the Printer troubleshooter to find and fix problems with printing.

Check Print Spooler Configuration

If running the Printer troubleshooter didn’t help, follow up by double-checking the configuration of the Print Spooler. Then, make any changes to match the steps that follow.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.

2. Type services.msc and select OK . The Services app should load momentarily.

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 5

3. Double-click the service labeled Print Spooler .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 6

4. Set Startup type to Automatic .

5. Select Start to set Service status to Running .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 7

6. Select Apply , then OK .

Check the Print Spooler Recovery Response

Should the issue recur, you must follow by tweaking the Print Spooler’s recovery response in a way that restarts the service even after it fails.

1. Re-open the Services app.

2. Double-click the Print Spooler service.

3. Switch to the Recovery tab.

4. Select Restart the Service on the drop-down menus next to First failure , Second failure , and Subsequent failures .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 8

5. Select Apply , then OK .

Delete the Print Spooler Cache

An obsolete or corrupt Print Spooler cache can cause it to crash repeatedly. Try deleting them to check if that helps. However, before you do that, you must manually stop the service from running.

1. Open the Services app.

2. Right-click Print Spooler and select Stop .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 9

3. Open File Explorer and go to Local Disk (C:) > Windows > System32 > spool > PRINTERS .

4. Delete all files inside the directory. However, leave folders (if you see any) intact.

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 10

5. Restart your computer.

Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10

Temporary files that belong to applications and the operating system can also create conflicts and prevent the Print Spooler from working correctly. Try deleting them.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box. 

2. Type %temp% and select OK .

3. Delete all files within the folder.

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 11

4. Open another Run box, type temp , and select OK .

5. Delete all files within that folder as well.

6. Restart your computer.

For additional instructions, check out this guide to deleting temporary files in Windows 10 .

Reinstall Printer Drivers

Corrupt or broken printer drivers can also cause the print spooler to keep stopping. If the service stops working while interacting with a specific printer, try reinstalling it.

1. Open the Start menu and go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners .

2. Select a printer under the Printers & scanners section.

3. Select Remove device .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 12

4. Select Home and go to Apps > Apps & features .

5. Select and remove any printer-related support software.

7. Re-open the Settings app and go to Devices > Printers & scanners . Then, choose the Add a printer or scanner option and select Add device .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 13

8. Select the printer and follow all on-screen prompts to reinstall it.

9. Reinstall any support software for the printer. 

If you run into issues while following the steps above, you may want to learn about additional ways to remove printer drivers in Windows 10 .

Update Printer Drivers

Newer printer drivers contain fixes that resolve bugs and compatibility issues with the operating system. So it’s always a good idea to download and install the latest drivers or support software from your printer manufacturer’s website. Also, consider using a driver updater tool if you have any trouble procuring drivers manually.

Update Windows 10

Updating Windows 10 helps fix any persistent bugs and glitches preventing the Print Spooler from working correctly. Check for any pending updates and apply them now.

1. Open the Start menu and go to Settings > Update & Security .

2. Select Check for updates .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 14

3. Select Download and install to apply all pending updates.

If you see the View optional updates option within the Windows Update screen, select it and apply any Microsoft-verified driver updates for your printer.

Fix Broken Registry Keys

Broken registry keys in Windows 10 can also result in Print Spooler-related issues. A free registry cleaning application such as Wise Registry Cleaner should help you both scan and fix errors automatically.

Scan for Malware

Computer viruses and malicious programs often cause essential functions in Windows 10 to stop working. However, you can use Windows Security to rule that out by performing a comprehensive scan for malware. 

1. Select the Windows Security icon on the system tray.

2. Select Virus & threat protection .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 15

3. Select Scan options .

4. Select the radio button next to Full scan .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 16

5. Select Scan now .

Run the System File Checker

The System File Checker is a command-line tool that can help you fix file corruption and stability issues in Windows 10. You can run it via an elevated Windows PowerShell console.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 17

2. Type the following command:

sfc/ scannow

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 18

3. Press Enter .

Take Ownership of Spoolsv

Taking ownership of the executable file that runs the Print Spooler can also help stop crashes and other issues with the service.

1. Open File Explorer and go to Local Disk (C:) > Windows > System32 .

2. Right-click the file labeled spoolsv and select Properties .

3. Switch to the Security tab and select Advanced .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 19

4. Select Change .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 20

5. Type in your Windows username and select Check Names . If you typed it correctly, you should see the path to your user account listed automatically.

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 21

6. Select OK .

7. Confirm that you see your username next to Owner . Then, select Apply , then OK .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 22

8. Restart your computer.

Perform a System Restore

If your print spooler still keeps stopping, you can choose to revert your computer to an earlier state when the Print Spooler worked without problems. However, you can only do that if you took the time to activate the System Restore functionality in Windows 10 previously.

1. Open the Run box.

2. Type sysdm.cpl and select OK .

3. Switch to the System Protection tab.

4. Select System Restore .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 23

5. Select Recommended restore or Choose a different restore point and select Next .

FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10 image 24

6. Follow all on-screen instructions to reset your computer.

Print Spooler Working Non-Stop

Any of the fixes above should’ve helped get the Print Spooler up and running correctly. But if none of them worked and you keep receiving errors frequently, you must consider restoring Windows 10 to factory settings . You might be dealing with a severe underlying issue that only setting up the operating system from scratch can fix.

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Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn't hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube. Read Dilum's Full Bio

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How to Restart the Print Spooler in Windows 10

Stop and restart the spooler to resume your print jobs again.

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What to Know

  • Open the Services app and select Print Spooler . Right-click and select Stop , then right-click and select Start to restart the service. 
  • Or, open Task Manager, go to the Services tab and select Spooler . Right-click and choose Start , Stop or Restart .
  • To check the print queue, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners . Select the printer from the list and click Open queue . 

This article shows you how to restart the print spooler in Windows 10 with a few easy steps.

How Do I Restart the Print Spooler in Windows 10?

A simple reboot of both your PC and printer can solve many printer problems. You will need to dive into Local Services and check the Print Spooler service if the problem persists. Start the Print Spooler if it’s not running or reset it by stopping and starting it. Log in as an Administrator before you begin troubleshooting. 

Open the Start Menu . 

Type Services in the search field and select the Services app in the result. 

Alternatively, select Windows + R to open the Run box. Type services.msc and press Enter . 

Go down the list of services arranged alphabetically and select Print Spooler . 

Right-click on the Print Spooler service and select Stop from the menu.

Wait for a few seconds for the Print Spooler to terminate. Windows displays a Service Control window for a few seconds to show the stoppage.

Right-click on the Print Spooler and select Start from the menu to restart the service again. 

You can also double-click on the Print Spooler service and use the General Tab on the Properties window to stop and start the Print Spooler. 

How Do I Restart the Print Spooler From the Task Manager?

The spooler program (spoolsv.exe) isn’t resource-hungry. But an error in the Windows printing system can cause the Print Spooler to consume memory. For such rare cases, use the Task Manager to stop and restart the spooler and see if that resolves the problem. 

Select Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Windows Task Manager . 

Select the Services tab and scroll down to Spooler on the list.

Check the Status . If the status is Running , right-click on it again and select Restart . Use the options on the right-click menu to Start or Stop the service when required. 

Now re-open the document you want to print and send it again to the printer. 

Check the print queue at Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners > Select printer from the list > Open queue . 

More About the Print Spooler in Windows 10

The Print Spooler is the culprit behind many common printing errors on Windows. A “spooler” is a software program that organizes data in the correct order and sends it to any peripheral device with low memory, such as a printer. Thanks to this buffer, the printer doesn’t have to pause in between successive print jobs. The Print Spooler is a local service on Windows that manages the print queue seamlessly.  

When it fails, print jobs can get stuck in the queue; the print data doesn’t get to the printer, or the spooler crashes. You can reset your spooler to solve these problems, which cancels the print job and allows you to begin again.

In WIndows, open the Services app and select Print Spooler . In the General tab, select Stop under Service status. You will be unable to print remotely and locally, but you will be protected from Print Spooler vulnerabilities like PrintNightmare. Select Start to turn Print Spooler back on.

Install Windows 10 updates as soon as they become available, and only allow your system to install printers from servers you personally authorize. Microsoft recommends disabling the Print Spooler service when you don't need it.

Go to Settings > Devices > Printer & scanners > select your printer > Open queue . Next, select the document, then select Document > Cancel . To cancel all print jobs, select Printer > Cancel All Documents .

Go to  Settings  >  Devices > Printers & scanners > choose your printer, then select Manage >  Set as default . Alternatively, go to  Control Panel  >  View Devices and Printers > right-click your printer > Set as default printer .

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Technology Simplified.

How to Start, Stop, Restart Print Spooler in Windows 10/11

By: Waseem Patwegar | December 17, 2023

If you find the need to Stop, Start or Restart Print Spooler Service, you can find below 3 different ways to Stop, Start, Restart Print Spooler in Windows 10/11.

Start, Stop, Restart Print Spooler Windows

Start, Stop, Restart Print Spooler in Windows 10/11

When you issue print commands from the computer, the sequencing and queing the print jobs is handled by the Print Spooler Service, as available in Windows 10/11.

The Print Spooler Service is basically a software program in Windows operating system, specifically designed to manage printers and print jobs issued from the computer.

Sometimes, the Print Spooler service stops working, in which case you will have to manually Start or Restart the Print Spooler Service on your computer.

Depending on your preferenace, you can Start, Stop and Restart Print Spooler Service using the Task Manager, Command Prompt, and Services.

1. Start, Stop, Restart Print Spooler Using Task Manager

Perhaps the easiest way to Start, Stop or Restart the Print Spooler Service in Windows 10/11 is by using Task Manager.

Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager . On Task Manager screen, switch to Services tab, right-click on Spooler entry and click on Start .

Start Print Spooler Using Task Manager

Similarly, you can Restart Print Spooler by right-clicking on the Spooler entry and selecting the Restart option.

Restart Print Spooler Using Task Manager

Note: The Restart option may not be available if the Spooler is not working.

At any time, you can Stop the Print Spooler Service by right-clicking on the Spooler entry and selecting the Stop option.

Stop Print Spooler Using Task Manager

2. Start, Stop, Restart Print Spooler Service Using Services

Right-click on the Start button and click on Run . In the Run command window, type services.msc and click on OK .

Open Windows Services Using Run Command

On the Services screen, right-click on Print Spooler and click on the Restart option.

Restart Print Spooler Service

Also, make sure that Print Spooler service is set to Start Automatically. If it is not, double-click on the Print Spooler entry. On the next screen, change the startup type to Automatic .

Set Print Spooler Service to Start Automatically

Click on Apply and OK to save this change to the Print Spooler service on your computer. After this, restart the computer and you should be able to Print.

3. Stop, Start, Restart Print Spooler Using Command Prompt

Type CMD in the Search bar > right-click on Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as Administrator option.

Open Command Prompt As Admin

In Command Prompt window, type input net stop spooler and press the Enter key to Stop Printer Spooler on your computer.

Stop Print Spooler Using Command Prompt

If the problem is being caused by a corrupted Print Queue, open the File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printers and delete all contents in the Printers folder.

Go back to Command Prompt, type net start spooler and press the Enter key to start print spooler.

Start Print Spooler Using Command Prompt

After this, you should be able to Print from the computer, without encountering any error codes.

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How to Fix “The Print Spooler Service Is Not Running” Error in Windows

Printers give people enough problems without their software issues on top of that. Here's how to fix a print spooler error in Windows.

The Print Spooler is a little application built into your operating system. It allows you to send multiple print jobs to a queue without waiting for the initial print job to complete. If the print spooler service stops working, you’ll encounter the print spooler service is not running error on Windows.

It is a common error associated with print jobs. However, the reasons for the error can vary. You may encounter this error when setting up a new printer, after installing an update, or upgrading your router. In any case, here are a few troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this error in Windows.

How "The Print Spooler Service Is Not Running” Error Message Appears

Here are the different types of print spooler errors you can encounter:

  • "Windows cannot connect to the printer. The local print spooler service is not running."
  • "Operation could not be completed. The print spooler service is not running."

Whichever error you encounter, the solutions for fixing them are the same.

1. Run the Printer Troubleshooter

The built-in Printer troubleshooter in Windows 10 and 11 lets you find and fix printing problems . The troubleshooter scans the system for common print problems and automatically resolves them. It can check and restart the print spooler service if stopped.

  • Press Win + I to open Settings .
  • Open the System tab in the left pane.

windows 11 troubleshoot

  • Next, click on Other troubleshooters.

windows 11 printer troubleshooter

  • Select the printer you want to troubleshoot and click Next .
  • Wait for the scan to complete and check if it finds any problem. Then, apply the recommended fixes if available.

2. Restart Print Spooler Service

print spooler service restart

You can check and rerun the print spooler service in the Services snap-in to fix the print spooler service is not running error. Here's how to do it:

  • Press the Win key and type services .
  • Click on Services to open the snap-in.
  • Next, locate the Print Spooler service from the list of services.
  • Right-click on the service, select Restart and wait for the process to complete.
  • Give a new print job and check if the error is resolved.

3. Set the Print Spooler Service Startup Type to Automatic

By default, the print spooler service is set to start automatically when the system reboots. However, if you have set it to start manually, the service can stop working. You can change the startup type for the print spooler service using the Services snap-in.

To change startup type for print spooler service:

  • Press Win + R to open Run .
  • Type services.msc and click OK to open the Services snap-in.

print spooler service properties services

  • Right-click on Print Spooler and select Properties .

print spooler service properties services startup type automatic

  • Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
  • If it is already set to Automatic , then select Disabled . Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
  • Now open the Print Spooler service properties and set the Startup type to Automatic .
  • Click OK and Apply to save the changes.
  • Close the Services snap-in and restart your PC. Next, create a print job and check if the error printer spooler service is not running is resolved.

4. Clear the Print Spooler Files

Too many pending or corrupted print jobs can trigger the print spooler service not running error. To resolve this, you can delete the print spooler files manually and restart the service. Here’s how to do it.

  • Type services.msc and click OK .
  • Locate and select the Print Spooler service in the Services snap-in.

print spooler service stop

  • Next, press Win + E to open File Explorer.
  • Navigate to the following location. You can copy and paste the following path in the File Explorer address bar for quick navigation: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

delete printer spooler service files

  • Select and right-click on the Print Spooler service and select Start .

Now create a new print job and check if the error is resolved. If not, disconnect and reconnect the printer to see if that helps.

5. Check Windows Defender Firewall

If your printer is connected to a network, it is possible that Windows Defender Firewall is preventing the connection resulting in the error. You can confirm this case by temporarily disabling Windows Defender Firewall and creating a new print job.

To disable Windows Defender Firewall:

  • Open the Privacy & security tab in the left pane.

Open Windows Security Windows 11 Settings 1

  • Finally, click on Open Windows Security.

firewall and network protection windows defender

  • Click on your currently active network (Public / Private).

turn off Microsoft defender firewall

  • With the Firewall disabled, create a new print job, and see if it completes successfully.
  • Once done, enable the Windows Defender Firewall protection.

If you use your printer frequently, disabling Windows Defender Firewall is not a feasible solution. You’ll need to investigate the issue further to allow the connection through the Firewall.

6. Update Your Printer Driver

update drive printer device manager

Outdated or corrupted computer drivers can cause your connected device to malfunction. Try updating your printer driver to see if that helps resolve the error. You can update the generic printer driver using the Device Manager. Here’s how to do it.

  • Press Win + I to open Run .
  • Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open Device Manager.
  • In Device Manager, expand the Print queues section.
  • Right-click on your printer and select Update driver.
  • Next, select Search automatically for drivers . Windows will scan for a new driver update and download and install it if available.

If no new updates are available, use your printer manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver for your printer model.

7. Uninstall and Reinstall the Printer Driver

You can also uninstall the printer driver to perform a clean install of your printer. To remove a printer, first, you need to remove the device from the Settings and then remove the driver.

To uninstall a printer:

bluetooth and devices printers scanners

  • Next, click on Printers & scanners.

uninstall printer settings

  • Click the Remove button in the top right corner and click Yes to confirm the action.

Once done, restart your PC. After the restart, download the latest drivers for your printer from the manufacturer's website and complete the setup.

Fixing the "Print Spooler Service Is Not Running" Error

Often you can fix issues with the print spooler service by restarting the service or deleting the print queue files. However, if the issue persists, investigate your system for new changes, such as Windows updates or system file corruption.

A complete Guideline to Tech Things

How to Fix Print Spooler Service issues on Windows 10

Soni Aryan

  • September 22, 2020

Nothing feels more frustrating than being stuck to print a single paper or more. The situation becomes even more complex when you try canceling the ongoing job. The printer displays “ deleting the queued file “, however, never completes the deletion. Did you encounter this problem recently and wondering what possibly could have gone wrong?

Well, this issue may arise owing to different reasons including “connection problems”, or issues in the printer itself. However, such troubles mostly occur on account of the printer-related service not working properly. Print Spooler is one such service that processes the printing command and should execute it effectively. If this doesn’t handle the user’s request properly, the Printer simply stops working and takes forever to print the documents. 

In this post, we are going to discuss four different ways to fix the print spooler service on the computer. They are –

  • Using Command Prompt
  • Through Services Console
  • Copy the spool folder from a working PC
  • Modify printer-related keys on Registry

Ways to Fix Printer Spooler problems in Windows 10

To solve the Printer Spooler issues on Windows 10 device, try the below workarounds –

1] Using Command Prompt

You may fix the print spooler service simply by executing a few codes on the Command Prompt. All you require is to follow these easy steps –

  • Launch the Windows Console as an Administrator .
  • On the elevated prompt, run the below codes followed by the Enter separately. 

net stop spooler del /Q /F /S "%systemroot%\System32\Spool\Printers\*.*" net start spooler

Fix Print Spooler Service issues on Windows 10 - CMD

  • The above cmdlet will stop the print spooler service first, clean the printers folder then restart the spooler service. 
  • Once over, Restart Windows to incorporate the above changes. 

2] Via Services Console

Alternatively, you may also fix the printer spooler problems by stopping then restarting related services. Here’s how to perform this task –

  • Use Winkey + R to launch the Run dialog.
  • Type “services.msc” and hit OK to enter the Services wizard.
  • Scroll down and locate the Print spooler service .
  • Once found, make a right-click and choose the “ Properties ” option.

Services Window

  • Go to the General tab and hit Stop .

Fix Print Spooler Service issues on Windows 10 - Properties Window

Now that you have stopped this service, delete whatever present inside the printers folder. To do so, use these easy steps –

  • Launch Windows Explorer using Win + E shortcut key.
  • Copy/paste the path “C:\Windows\System32\spool\printers” at its address bar and press Enter .
  • Click Continue to permanently get access to this folder.
  • Use Ctrl + A to select all the inner contents and press the Delete key.
  • Re-visit the General tab on the Services window and click Start . Doing this will restart the spooler service. 
  • Lastly, hit OK and come out of the services wizard. 
  • Do Restart your computer so that changes made come into effect from the next logon.

3] Copy the spool folder from a working PC

If the print spooler service is still not functioning properly, copy the spool folder from a working PC. Since the same service is working fine on another device, this should fix the printing issues on your computer as well. Here’s how to do this task –

  • Open the File Explorer on a normal device and reach out to the path  – C:\Windows\System32 .
  • Copy all the contents and paste it to a USB drive.
  • Plugin this USB to the problematic PC and browse to the above path again (on the affected device). 
  • Since you have already wiped this folder, move the copied contents here. If not, move all the internal files and sub-folders first to a different location.

4] Modify Registry to fix Print Spooler Service

An incorrectly configured registry may also prevent the print spooler service from functioning properly. If that’s the case, you should modify the registry correctly. However, make sure to create a registry backup. You may use this backup in case something goes wrong while configuring the registry.

Here’s how to modify the Print spooler registry –

  • Make a right-click on the Windows icon and select Run .
  • Type “ regedit ” in the text field and press Enter to start the Registry Editor . 
  • Click Yes if User account control comes into the display. 
  • Next, navigate to the below path –

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows NT x86\Print Processors

Note : If you are using a 64-bit PC, browse to this path instead –

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows x64 \Print Processors

  • Delete all the keys available here except the winprint key . To do so, make a right-click and hit Delete .

Fix Print Spooler Service issues on Windows 10

  • After performing the above steps successfully, close the Registry Editor, and Reboot your PC .

From the next sign-in, the Printer should work effectively while printing any files or documents. If you still have any queries or suggestions, let us know in the below comment section. 

Read Next :

  • How to Fix PDF Printer Error invalid font
  • How to properly remove or uninstall a printer driver on Windows 10
  • Fix: Printer not working after the latest Windows 10 update

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FIX: Print Spooler Service is not running in Windows 10/11.

If you cannot print in Windows 10/11 because the Print Spooler service is not running, continue reading below to fix the problem.

Imagine that you have a lot of documents to print and the printer is not doing the only job it is supposed to do – that is, printing documents. This could be due to a number of reasons, including a faulty print spooler.

One of the common printing errors reported is that "The Printer Spooler service is not running." The Print Spooler is a component in Windows 10/11 that transfers print requests from the computer to the printer. Once the print spooler service is corrupted or disabled, the printer won’t be able to print.

This guide contains several methods to fix the "Printer Spooler service is not running" & "Printer Spooler service cannot start" problems in Windows 10.

FIX: Print Spooler service Cannot Start / Print Spooler not running in Windows 11/10.

  • Run Printer troubleshooter.
  • Start or Restart the Print Spooler service.
  • Delete Print Spooler jobs.
  • Uninstall & re-Install Printer.
  • FIX Print Spooler problem in Registry.
  • Restore Print Spooler service from another computer.

Method 1: Run the Printer troubleshooter.

Windows 10/11 offers an advanced print troubleshooting tool that can help you solve the "Print Spooler Service no running" problem immediately.

1. Search for Troubleshoot settings and click Open.

Troubleshoot settings

2. Select Additional troubleshooters.

image

3. Locate and click the Printer item and click Run the troubleshooter.

Printer troubleshooter

4. Let the troubleshooter to run and select Apply this fix if prompted to fix the problem.

print spooler not running - fix

5. Once completed, check if the printer now works.

Method 2: Start/Restart the Print Spooler service.

If the print spooler service stopped, documents accumulate in the print queue and the printer does not print. So, proceed and start (or restart) the print spooler service.

1a. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run widget. 1b. Type: services.msc and press Enter.

image

2. Locate the Print Spooler service and then double click on it.

fix print spooler service is not running

3a. Ensure that the Startup Type is Automatic and click Start button to start the service. If it's already running, click Stop and then click Start to restart the service.

3b. Finally ensure that the Service status is Running and click OK.

fix print spooler service not running

4a. The print service also depends on the following three (3) services to work properly:

  • DCOM Server Process Launcher
  • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
  • RPC Endpoint Mapper

4b. if the print spooler service cannot start, check if the Status of the above services is Running, and if not apply the steps 3a & 3b above to start the service(s).

print spooler service cannot start

5. When done, try to print a document and see if the problem is solved.

Method 3. Delete Print Spooler pending jobs.

1. Follow the step 1-3 on method 2 above and STOP the Print Spooler service.

image

  • %systemroot%\System32\Spool\Printers

delete print spooler jobs

3. Press CTR L + A to select the files in the 'Printers' folder and Delete all of them.

4. Start the Print Spooler service and try to print.

Method 4: Uninstall the Printer.

Another effective way to deal with the printer spooler error's is to uninstall the printer driver and other printer's related software and to reinstall the printer. This method often solves printing problems, especially if the printer's driver is corrupted. To uninstall the printer:

device manager

2a. in the Device Manager window, expand Printers. 2b. Right-click on the Printer and select select Uninstall device. (At warning prompt, select Uninstall to proceed.)

uninstall printer

2c. When done, close Device Manager.

clip_image011[1]

4. Check if there is any printer software installed and if so Uninstall it.

fix printer spooler service not running

3. Once completed, reboot the PC and let Windows to install the printer drivers. If Windows doesn't install the printer driver navigate to printer's manufacturer support site and download and install the latest driver for the printer.

4. After printer installation, try to print.

Method 5: FIX Print Spooler not running issue in Registry.

regedit

2. In registry navigate to this location:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows x64\Print Processors

3a. Right click at Print Processors and select Export to backup the registry key.

fix printer spooler registry

3b . Type a filename for the registration file (e.g. "PrintProcessors.reg") and save the file to your desktop. *

* Note: If something goes wrong, double-click the saved registration file on your desktop to restore the registry.

print processors reg key

4. Now expand the 'Print Processors' key and delete any other folder under it except the winprint folder. ( Basically, right-click on each other folder and select Delete ). *

* Note: If there are not other folders other than the winprint folder skip to next method.

fix print spooler service registry

5. When done restart your computer and then try to print.

Method 6. Restore Damaged Print Spooler service from another PC.

If the after following the above methods the printer spooler service is not running, this indicates that the executable file of the service (spoolsv.exe), or the Print Spooler service registry key is corrupted or damaged.

At such a case if you have another working machine running the same OS, apply the below steps:

1. On the working machine:

a. Follow the steps 1-3 to export and save the 'Print Processors' registry key to a USB disk. b. Copy the "spoolsv.exe" file from "C:\Windows\System32" folder to the USB disk.

2. On the machine with the print spooler problem:

a. Plug the USB disk with the files copied from the working machine. b. Double-click at "Print Processors.reg" and import the key to the registry. c. Copy the "spoolsv.exe" file from the USB to "C:\Windows\System32" folder (choose yes to replace the file). d. Finally restart the PC and try to print.

That's it! Which method worked for you? Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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Fixed: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping on Windows 10

Even though Windows 10 makes it easy to print documents, you may sometimes come across various issues. One of the issues is Print Spooler Keeps on Stopping on Windows 10. 

If you’re on Windows 10, and you’re seeing the error message ‘print spooler isn’t running, or ‘printer Spooler keeps stopping - cannot print from applications’ you’re not alone. Many Windows users are reporting this issue. 

Here’s the good news: it can be fixed. 

This article gives you a few solutions to fix Printer Spooler that keeps stopping - Cannot print from Applications. Follow these steps and find the proper solution to fix it.

Print Spooler keeps stopping

  • Reminder! 

You may need this article again later if the print spooler stops working on Windows 10; bookmark it in case you need it later. 

What is Print Spooler in Windows 10

What to do if print spooler keeps stopping on windows 10, solution #1 run printer troubleshooter, solution #2: make sure print spooler service is set to automatic , solution #3: delete print spooler files , solution #4: restart the print spooler service, solution #5: uninstall other (unnecessary) printers , solution #6: remove duplicate printer drivers , solution #7: uninstall and reinstall the printer drivers , solution #8: install device drivers in compatibility mode, solution #9: modify your registries , solution #10: install windows updates , solution #11: scan your pc with antimalware , wrapping up .

A printer spooler is an executable file. A printer spooler is used by a printer to store multiple print jobs within a print queue where the print server retrieves it. Without it, you may not be able to print anything.

The print spooler manages the print jobs currently queue to be printed. It also allows a user to delete a print job being processed.

If the print spooler keeps on stopping, or if the service isn’t running or is hung, your printer won’t work. 

This is what may happen. When you try to print with any application ( Word , Excel, Adobe Acrobat, QuickBooks, Internet Explorer, Chrome, etc.) you get an error message that you need to install a printer first or the print spooler isn't running. You don't need to panic when this happens.

All you need to do is fix the print spooler to continue printing.

If you don't fix the print spooler service, it may become very frustrating trying to print documents on all apps, or even create PDF documents!

If the printer spooler keeps stopping or is on hang, here are 11 possible solutions to the problem;

  • Run the printer troubleshooter.
  • Make sure the print spooler service is set to automatic
  • Delete Print Spooler files.
  • Restart the print spooler service.
  • Uninstall other (unnecessary) printers.
  • Uninstall and reinstall the printer drivers (from the manufacturer's website).
  • Remove (delete) duplicate drivers.
  • Install Printer Drivers in Compatibility Mode
  • Modify your registry
  • Install Windows updates 
  • Scan your harddisk for malware

Before you do anything else, run the troubleshooter. Windows 10 has a built-in Printer Troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix most of the incorrect settings and errors that could cause issues while printing. 

To run the troubleshooter:

  • Press the  Windows key+  X  and select Settings .
  • Type Troubleshoot on the search box and click on Troubleshooting Settings .
  • Locate and click on the Printer troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

Run printer troubleshooter

  • Restart your PC (Windows) after the process is complete.
  • Check the problem is resolved.

This method is also called “ Check if Remote Procedure Call services are running .”

Many users have reported that Remote Procedure Call (RPC) services can also cause problems with the Print Spooler. You need to ensure that these services are running properly. If the print spooler RPC service isn’t set to automatic, it won’t turn on when Windows starts. Your printer won’t work until you manually start the service.

All you need to do is to set the print spooler service to start automatically on Windows startup. Do the following:

Open services window

  • See if you’re able to Fix Print Spooler Keeps Stopping on Windows 10 issue and if the printer now works.
  • If not then continue to the next method.

Sometimes Print Spooler service can keep stopping because of Print Spooler files - too many, pending, or corrupt files. Deleting your print spooler files can clear pending print jobs, or the too many files or solve the corrupt files to resolve the problem.

To delete Print Spooler Files:

open services

  • Minimize the Services window.
  • Open Windows File Explorers (press Windows key + E) and go to the C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS folder (you’ll need administrator privileges to run this folder). Follow the same process for C:\Windows\System64\spool\PRINTERS.

open PRINTERS

  • Go back to Services (The windows you minimized), and start the Print Spooler services (The one you stopped).
  • After deleting these files, disconnect your printers from your PC and connect them again after a while;
  • Now check if the print function works or runs normally.

This is a very simple but effective method. If the print spooler service is not running or is hung, you can restart the Print Spooler Services. Use the following steps:

Open Services

  • Check if the process has fixed the print spooler problem and if the printer now functions normally.

Note: Once the Print Spooler service is restarted, try printing a document or picture to see if the computer can send the print job to the printer.

Having more than one printer installed in your OS (Windows 10) can sometimes cause issues with the Print Spooler and printing in general.

If you see that Print Spooler keeps stopping on Windows 10 PC, you might need to uninstall all the printers that you don’t use or need.

  • Click your Windows 10 start menu (Windows Key).
  • Locate Settings and click on it

Remove/delete printer

  • After removing all printers you don't use or don't need, restart your PC, then check to see if the printer now functions well.

Note: Note that this solution might only work if you had more than one printer installed on your PC. Sometimes different printer drivers can cause the Print Spooler service to keep stopping problems. Ensure you remove all the printers you’re not using or those you do not need.

Other users have reported that you can fix the Print Spooler problem simply by deleting the duplicate drivers. To remove the duplicate drivers you will use the Print Management tool.

  • Press Windows Key + S

Print Management

  • On the list of all printer drivers on the window, notice the duplicated drivers, then right-click and choose Remove Driver Package . 
  • Remove the duplicate drivers and check if the issue has been fixed.

This print spooler keeps stopping on Windows 10 error may also occur when the printer drivers are not updated. 

You’ll need to update your printer driver manually or uninstall and reinstall the printer drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

  • Press Windows Key + X and click Device Manager .
  • Expand the ‘Printer drivers’.
  • Right-click on the printer drivers and click on uninstall.
  • Now install the latest printer drivers for Windows 10 from the manufacturer's website.

Still on the Device Manager 

  • Expand Printer Queues.

Open Print Queues

  • After updating both, restart your computer then reconnect the printer and check it if functions normally.

Check if the Print Spooler Keep stopping issue is caused by Printer’s driver incompatibility with Windows 10. In this case, try to install the drivers in compatibility mode and check if it helps.

  • Right-click on the printer driver that you have downloaded from the manufacturer's website.
  • Click/tap on Properties .
  • Check the Run this program in Compatibility mode under the Compatibilit y tab
  • Select Windows 8.1/8 from the drop-down under Compatibility mode
  • Click on Apply and Ok.
  • Install the drivers, restart the PC, and check if the issue is resolved.

Registry fix can help solve the print spooler keeps stopping problems. Modify registry keys or delete unnecessary registry keys from the registry or check and correct Print Spooler Registry keys

Note: Before you start this process, make sure to back up your Registry just in case something goes wrong. We also recommend this solution for Experts! 

Windows Registry Editor

For Windows 32 Bit: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlPrintEnvironmentsWindows NT x86PPrint Processors

For Windows 64 Bit: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlPrintEnvironmentsWindows NT x64Print Processors

delete registry keys

  • Close the Registry Editor and Restart Windows then restart the print spooler service.  

Additionally, you can delete non-default providers:

  • In Registry Editor go to the registry keys as above (for both 32Bit and 64Bit)
  • In the Registry Editor go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlPrintProviders key in the left pane.

delete non-default providers

  • Again, close Registry Editor & Restart Print Spooler service.

Your computer needs to be up to date all the time. Installing Windows Update helps keep your computer up to date with the latest system updates and drivers which can resolve the Print Spooler Keep Stopping Windows 10 issue. 

You can check Windows Update manually to help ensure you have the latest updates.

  • In search type Windows Updates
  • Click on Windows Updates
  • Click on Check for updates and install the latest windows updates.

Malware can cause tremendous trouble in a computer including printing services. 

It can corrupt system files or may change any values in the registry. The possibilities of creating issues by malware are endless. 

So, we recommend that once you realize that your computer has any errors, including when the Print spooler Keeps stopping, install a professional anti-malware such as Malwarebytes or other anti-malware applications

Then conduct a complete system scan to flash out any malware in your system to fix the Print Spooler Keep stopping issue.

Android Spooler: How to Fix

  • On your Android device, tap the  Settings  icon. 
  • In the Settings, select  Apps  or  Applications .
  • Locate and select  Show System Apps .
  • Scroll down the list to locate  Print Spooler  (Depending on your specific Android device, tap Storage, and then select Print Spooler.)
  • Select  Clear Cache  and  Clear Data  (this should free up the memory).
  • Open the document (item) you want to print, tap the menu icon, and then tap Print (or choose depending on your Android device).
  • Notice the print preview screen that displays on your screen.
  • Choose the  Printer  you want to use (Next to  Select a printer , tap the down arrow to view the printer list, and then select your  Printer ).

Why clear cache and data? Android devices often store up (cache) information on your previous access as cached data. Such stored information can include documents, text, scripts, images, contacts, access dates, etc. The purpose of storing such information is to speed up the next visit’s loading process. Clearing cache and data frees up the memory and any queued up items.

We have given you 9 solutions to help you Fix the Print Spooler Keep stopping on Windows 10 problem. One solution or a combination of more than one solution could help you. We’ve added two solutions that can help solve the whole system’s problem - installing Windows updates and using anti-malware. 

We believe these solutions will help solve the Print Spooler Keeps Stopping on Windows 10 Issue. 

We also recommend the following reads for more PC tips and Tricks:

> How to Recover an Unsaved Word Document > How to Make a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word > 7 Steps to Become More Productive While Working From Home > How to Avoid Software Scams > How to Manage Your Finances With Microsoft Excel

MiniTool

How to Fix Printer Spooler Error in Windows 11/10 (10 Ways)

Windows 11/10 Printer Spooler error is a common print problem you may encounter. If you run into this issue, you cannot finish a printing task. How can you get rid of the frustrating situation from your Windows 11/10 PC? Go to read this post and you can find some useful methods given by MiniTool to fix the error.

Printer Spooler Not Working Windows 11/10

Printer Spooler is a program that is built in Windows operating system and it is used to temporarily store print jobs in the memory of the computer. After the print is ready to print the next job, this app retrieves pending print jobs from the queue until all documents are printed.

However, Printer Spooler doesn’t always work well. Sometimes you may encounter some print problems, for example, printer not responding , Printer Spooler keeps stopping , Print Spooler service not running , etc.

Besides, you can encounter Printer Spooler errors. If this software is overloaded with tasks or conflicting with other things in Windows OS, or there is a glitch or bug caused by an outdated app, driver, or version of the system, Printer Spooler errors appear.

If you meet a Printer Spooler problem/error in Windows 11 or Windows 10, what should you do to help you out? Refer to the following part and you can find some useful solutions.

How to Fix Windows 10/Windows 11 Printer Spooler Errors

Restart your pc.

Many times, random and temporary bugs on the system may cause some issues including Printer Spooler not working with an error. A simple restart is a common solution. So, you can also have a try. If this cannot work, try other fixes below.

Update Windows

If there is something wrong with the Windows 11/10 system, Printer Spooler errors or problems may happen. To get rid of the trouble, you can try to update Windows to the latest version. Press Win + I to get the Windows Settings app, go to Windows Update , and check for updates. If there are available updates, download and install them.

Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Windows has multiple troubleshooters to help fix some issues related to the Internet connection, playing audio, Windows Update, Bluetooth, printer, and more. To fix Windows 11 Printer Spooler error, you can run Windows Printer Troubleshooter.

Step 1: Launch Windows Settings.

Step 2: Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters .

Step 3: Click the Run button next to Printer to scan your printer for any problem and fix it.

Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Reset/Restart Windows Printer Spooler

If the Windows 11 printer problem still appears, you can try this way by following the steps below.

Step 1: Press Win + R to open Run, type services.msc and click OK .

Step 2: Go to the Print Spooler service, double-click it to open the Properties window.

Step 3: Under the General tab, click Stop to stop this service.

Printer Spooler service

Step 4: Open the Run window, type C:\Windows\System32\spool\printers and press Enter .

Step 5: Delete all the contents in the printers folder.

Step 6: Go back to the Print Spooler Properties window and click Start to start this service again.

Then, you can try to print documents without the Printer Spooler error in Windows 11/10.

Remove a Printer and Add It Back in

To fix Windows 10/Windows 11 Printer Spooler, you can remove your printer and then install it again.

Step 1: Open Control Panel and view all the items by Category .

Step 2: Click the View devices and printers link.

remove printer

Step 3: Right-click on the printer and choose Remove device .

Update Printer Drivers

Printer Spooler not working with an error is sometimes caused by outdated drivers. To fix this issue in Windows 11/10, you should update these drivers to the latest version.

Step 1: Press Win + X and click Device Manager .

Step 2: Expand Printer queues , right-click on each printer and choose Update driver .

Step 3: Choose the first option to let Windows automatically search for updated software and install it.

Clear The Printer Queue

Printer Spooler may be overloaded with too many printing jobs, leading to the Windows 11/10 printer problem. To fix your issue, you can remove all the printing jobs and then try to print documents again.

Other Fixes for Printer Spooler Error Windows 11/10

In addition, there are some other solutions you can try to fix the Windows printer problem/error.

  • Use Windows Compatibility Mode: When you use an old printer, run the associated app in Windows Compatibility Mode.
  • Try another printing app: You may encounter a Windows 11/10 Printer Spooler error due to some bug in the app you are using. To fix this issue, use another app for printing.
  • Remove all other printers from your PC: Multiple printers connected to the PC can cause conflicts, leading to the Printer Spooler problem.

Final Words

These are possible ways to fix Windows 10/Windows 11 Printer Spooler error. If you have any other useful methods, let us know in the Comment below. Thanks in advance.

About The Author

Vera

Position: Columnist

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Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10

Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10:  Isn’t frustrating that you give your printer command to print some important documents and it got stuck? Yes, it is a problem.  If your printer is denying to print something, most probably it is printer spooler error. Most of the times when the printer resists printing on Windows 10, it is print spooler service error. Many of us may be not aware of this term. So let’s start with understanding what exactly printer spooler is all about.

Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10

Print spooler is a Windows service that manages and handles all printer interactions that you send to your printer. Problems in this service is that it will stop printing operation on your device. If you have tried restarting your device and printer but the problem still persists, you do not have to worry because we have the solutions to fix printer spooler errors on Windows 10.

Table of Contents

Make sure to  create a restore point  just in case something goes wrong.

Method 1 – Restart the Print Pooler service

Let’s start with restarting the printer spooler service to fix this problem.

1.Press Windows +R and type services.msc and hit Enter or Press OK button.

Press Windows + R and type services.msc and hit Enter

2.Once the services window open, you need to locate Print Spooler and restart it.  To do so, right-click on Print Spooler service and select Restart from the context menu.

Need to locate Printer Spooler and restart it | Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10

Now give the print command to your printer again and check if you’re able to F ix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10.  Your printer will start working again. If the problem still persists, move to the next method.

Method 2 – Ensure Print Spooler service is set to Automatic start

If print spooler service is not set to automatic, then it would not automatically start when Windows boots up. It means your printer will not work. This could be one of the causes of printer spooler error on your device. You have to manually set it to automatic if it is not already set.

1.Press Windows Key + R then type services.msc and hit Enter.

2.Locate Print Spooler service  then right-click on it and choose Properties.

Locate Printer Spooler and right click on it to choose properties section | Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10

3.From Startup type drop-down select Automatic and then click Apply followed by OK.

Set to automatic and save the settings

Now check if your printer is started working or not. If not then continue with the next method.

Method 3 – Change the Recovery options for Print Spooler

Any incorrect recovery settings configuration of the print spooler service may also cause the issue with your device.  Therefore, you need to make sure that recovery settings are correct otherwise Printer spooler will not start automatically.

1.Press Windows + R and type services.msc and hit Enter.

2.Locate Print Spooler then right-click on it and select Properties.

Locate Printer Spooler and right click on it to choose properties section

3.Switch to the Recovery tab and ensure that three failure tabs are set to Restart the Service.

Switch to Recovery tab and ensure that three failure tabs are set to Restart the Service and Apply the settings and press OK

4. Click Apply followed by OK to save the settings.

Now see if you’re able to  Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10.

Method 4 – Delete Print Spooler Files

If there are several pending printing jobs then this may cause trouble for your printer to run printing command. Thus, deleting print spooler files may solve the error.

2.Right-click on the Print Spooler service then select Properties.

Locate the Print Spooler and Click on the Stop button

3.Click on Stop in order to stop the Print Spooler service  then minimize this window.

Make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic for print spooler

4.Press Windows + E to open Windows File Explorer.

Open Windows File Explorer | Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10

5.Navigate to the following location under the address bar:

C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS:

If Windows prompts you Permission, you need to click on Continue.

6.You need to delete all files in the PRINTER folder. Next, check if this folder is completely empty or not.

7.Now open Control Panel on your device. Press Windows + R and type Control and hit Enter.

Open Control Panel

8.Locate the View Devices and Printers.

9.Right-click on the Printer and select Remove Printer option to remove the printer from your device.

Right Click on the Printer and select Remove Printer option

10.Now open the Services window again from the taskbar.

11.Right-click on the Print Spooler  service and choose Start.

Right-click on Print Spooler service and select Start | Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10

12.Return back t o Device and Printer section inside the control panel.

13.Right-click on the blank area under the above window and select Add a Printer option. 

Select Add a Printer option

14. Now follow the on-screen instructions carefully to add a printer on your device.

Now you can check if your printer has started working again or not. Hopefully, this will  Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10.

Method 5 – Update Printer Driver

One of the most common and forgetful areas of this cause is an obsolete or older version of the printer driver. Most of the people forget to update the Printer driver. To do this, you need to open Device manager on your device

1.Press Windows + R and Type devmgmt.msc to open device manager window.

devmgmt.msc device manager

2.Here you need to locate the printers section and right-click on it to select Update Driver option.

Right click on it to select Update Driver option

Windows will automatically find the downloadable files for the driver and update the driver.

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Hopefully, above mentioned all methods will Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10 . If you still experience any trouble regarding this guide then feel free to ask any questions in the comment’s section.

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Excellent help on the spooler. That fixed my printer problem. Thank you!!

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how to solve printer spooler problem in windows 10

Top Contributors in Windows 10: Ramesh Srinivasan  -  neilpzz  -  Horace Wiggins  -  franco d'esaro  -  _AW_   ✅

February 14, 2024

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Print spooler problem in Windows 10

I have windows 10. Version 1511 Build 11082.1000 and the print spooler service refuses to run. My printer, Canon Pixma MG5350, which was working fine, is no longer being recognised. It shows up in Printers and Devices but I can do nothing with it - I cannot make it the default printer and I cannot remove it in order to reinstall. The Canon web-site is no help - thought I might try re-downloading the drivers but the screen greys out when I click on download. Any help please. 

Original Title: Printer problem

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Hello Karen,  

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Please follow the steps below and try starting the printer spooler service.

1. Type cmd in the search bar

2. Right click on the search result and run it as administrator .

3. Type net start spooler with space and hit enter.

Also refer to the link and see the troubleshooting steps to fix printer problems.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/fix-printer-problems

Hope this information helps. Reply to the post with updated status of the issue so that we can assist you further.

3 people found this reply helpful

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Thanks for your feedback.

This advice does not work. I start the spooler service but then it immediately stops again. I have the drivers file in my download folder but it will not run because the spooler service needs to be restarted. I start the spooler service again and it just repeats that vicious circle. I tried the troubleshooter before but thought I'd better give it another go just in case. However, my printer isn't found. Clicking on Add printer brings up the message that the local spooler service isn't running! Restart that and then get the message that Windows can't open Add Printer. The remote call procedure failed.

This printer was fine with the previous build of Windows 10. It is just since the recent update to 11082 that I have the problem. I want to completely remove the printer and start again to reinstall it, but don't know how to remove it as the Remove Device option fails.

6 people found this reply helpful

Any fix to this yet is an absolute pain

100% Helpful.

1 person found this reply helpful

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6 Ways To Fix Print Spooler High Cpu Usage In Windows 10

The service, designed to store the print jobs for a while until the printer is ready, can often lead to issues. But these are easy to fix and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes of your time.

What causes Print Spooler’s high CPU usage? #

The Spooler service is by no means a resource-hungry process that should overwhelm your computer, and if that’s the case, it’s usually due to one of these issues:

Minor system glitches – If the completed tasks are still stored, the queue may get overwhelmed and lead to high CPU usage due to Print Spooler. Also, inevitable glitches cause it to create logs in the spooler.xml, which, too, could be the underlying cause. Outdated or incompatible drivers – Most users reported corrupt, inconsistent, or outdated drivers that led to spoolsv.exe high CPU usage. Third-party app conflicts – In a few cases, third-party apps responsible for printing jobs or managing the printer can trigger conflicts and lead the problem. Here, it’s best to uninstall the app.

Our solutions would also work for the following related issues:

Print Filter Pipeline host high CPU – Several users reported Print Filter Pipeline to be the reason behind the high CPU usage on the PC. Spooler SubSystem app high CPU – For many, Spooler SubSystem consumed the maximum CPU, close to 30% or even more, in the Task Manager.

How can I fix the Printer Spooler’s high CPU usage? #

Before we head to the relatively complex solutions, here are a few quick ones to try:

Restart the computer. Please install the latest version of Windows 10 since it could be a bug in the current one, and a patch may be bundled with the next update. Scan your computer for malware using Windows Security. If it doesn’t find an issue, we recommend using an effective third-party antivirus to be sure.

If these didn’t work, head to the ones listed next.

1. Disable the Print Spooler service #

First, if you don’t use a printer, the Print Spooler service need not be running. And disabling it will automatically fix the Print Spooler high CPU.

2. Update the printer drivers #

In most cases, an incompatible printer driver led to the Print Spooler high CPU problem, and updating it did the trick. When you update the driver, it fixes all three issues: incompatibility, file corruption, or running an outdated version. Also, some users reported that installing just the driver package from the manufacturer’s website, without any supporting applications, for instance, HP Smart App, did the trick. Another easy way to update your drivers is by using a dedicated tool, like DriverFix, to scan your device and instantly choose the right driver directly from its database. SPONSORED

3. Clear the printing queue #

4. pause printing for individual printers #.

A simple way to fix high CPU usage by Print Spooler is to pause printing for all the old printers. Often, a printer you may have used in the past remains saved and consumes resources. However, increase the number of printers, and you will have a high CPU usage issue.

5. Uninstall third-party applications #

Often, third-party apps installed on the PC may lead to high CPU usage by Print Spooler. Some users found DYMO Connect to be the problem, so if you have the app, uninstall it right away. Also, look for other programs installed around the same time the problem first appeared and remove them.

6. Uninstall the latest Windows update #

A few late updates have been reported to cause the problem. So here, you have two options: installing the next available version or heading to the previous stable one. If another update has not been released yet or doesn’t carry a patch, you can quickly revert to the version that worked. By now, you should have fixed the high CPU by Print Spooler, and the PC’s performance should have improved considerably. And while you are at it, learn how to make Windows 10 faster than ever. If you have any other queries regarding the information listed here, drop a comment below.

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Digital Trends

Common printer problems and how to fix them

A printer is a wonderful thing when it works, making your life easier by providing lightweight, foldable documents you can tuck in a folder or jam into a pocket. Unfortunately, even the best printers can run into trouble sometimes.

The worst part is the way printer problems interrupt your day. You have to diagnose the issue and fix it before printing can continue. If you own a printer from one of the best printer brands , it should be very reliable, and when trouble arises, the solution is usually easy.

The most popular printers from HP, Epson, Canon, and Brother use similar technology, so this guide should help you get any printer working again. Let’s take a look at the most common printer problems and how to fix them so you can get your labels, documents, or print projects rolling again.

Printer is offline

If you see a warning that your printer is offline when you try to print, there might be an easy solution. Printers try to save energy by sleeping, just like your laptop and phone do. Even though a printer doesn’t run on a battery, sleeping reduces your electricity bill and helps minimize greenhouse gases.

Ideally, your printer should wake up when you send a new print job over Wi-Fi. If it has been a while since you’ve used it, it could be in a deep sleep. Try pressing the Ready  button or Home button to wake up a sleeping printer. If you don’t have those buttons, press the P ower button.

If your printer is on and awake, you should be able to see the screen showing printing options or settings. If there’s an error message, pay attention to what it says. That could be a great clue to solving the problem.

If your printer doesn’t have a screen, watch for the LEDs to change color or light up. Errors might be indicated with a red or orange LED. Most manufacturers use color coding, so green generally means you’re good to go, while yellow, orange, or red could suggest trouble. Since there’s no screen, check the mobile app for more information.

If you can’t get the printer working quickly, you can find more help in our guide to troubleshooting an offline printer .

Printer won’t connect to Wi-Fi

It should be easy to connect a printer to Wi-Fi, yet this is a very common complaint. Often, the trouble isn’t caused by the printer, but by your network. Troubleshoot your Wi-Fi first to find out if the issue lies there.

Even if your phone can connect, that doesn’t mean your printer can. Modern routers broadcast on more than one band, but printers are often limited to the 2.4 GHz frequency. Smart home devices often use this bandwidth, so check if your smart speaker or smart light works.

If you are having trouble with your internet connection or router, we have an article dedicated to solving the most common Wi-Fi problems .

Printer queue and spooling errors

If you run into printer queue or spooling errors, you might be confused about what those even mean. These obscure terms sound weird because they are programmer speak.

A queue is just a waiting line for documents you are trying to print. If something goes wrong on your computer when you try to print, you might need to clear the queue to tell the computer to stop trying to print. Then, you can try again with a fresh start.

We have an article that provides step-by-step instructions on how to clear the print queue for Windows PCs and Mac computers .

Printer spooling is a related concept that refers to the system app that is in charge of putting documents into the printer queue. If you clear the queue and you still get a queue error, or if you see a warning about a spooler error, you need to restart that app.

Don’t worry because it’s easy to do with our guide to printer spooling and how to fix it on Windows and Mac .

Low-quality prints

Occasionally, a print quality issue will arise in an otherwise great printer. If you start seeing lines, gaps, overlaps, or a tilt in text, graphics, and photos, it could mean some components have become misaligned. That sounds like a serious problem, but there’s an easy fix.

Look in your printer’s mobile app or use the screen on your printer to look in the maintenance section. Most printers have an alignment feature.

For inkjets, it’s called printhead alignment. For laser printers, it’s color plane alignment. For either printer type, alignment is a way to solve many quality issues.

The best photo printers show accurate colors, but pictures can look odd if ink or toner runs low. We’ll cover that next.

Printer supplies

Printer supplies are probably the easiest detail to overlook, but it happens. Does your printer have paper and ink or toner?

Laser printers use large toner cartridges and typically last for hundreds of pages. A cartridge-based inkjet printer can use all of the ink in a hurry. Inkjet tank printers keep rolling out pictures and documents in the thousands, but eventually, they run out.

If you completely run out of paper, ink, or toner, your printer will stop printing. You need at least three colors to print a photo. If you run low, the colors might look wrong even if your printer accepts the print job.

The solution is obvious in this case. Resupply your printer with paper, ink, or toner to get it working again.

Paper problems

When you change paper, you might need to choose the matching paper type in the printer settings or the app you’re printing from. Make sure you pick the right tray if your printer has more than one.

If you have paper in the printer, but it jams, gets wrinkled, or is misaligned, that’s a tougher problem to solve. Sometimes, the issue is actually the paper.

If you try to print on paper that’s too thick or incompatible with your printer, it could get jammed, wrinkled, or simply result in a poor-quality printout. Check your printer manual or visit the manufacturer’s support page to find out what types of paper are compatible.

If you’re using plain letter-size paper, it should work in almost every printer. However, if you don’t print very often, paper can become damp in humid areas, collect static in a dry climate, or curl if it’s left in a vertical tray that lacks complete support. When in doubt, try fresh paper to check if that’s the problem.

Printer jams can cause headaches. Try to gently pull the paper through, if possible. That isn’t always easy. If you need help, check your manual and read our printer jam troubleshooting guide .

Printer hardware trouble

Printers are usually robust machines. Even cheap printers can be reliable and save you money . Unfortunately, mechanical parts can fail, and that’s a fact of life. Components might wear out, and any printer can suffer from a rare manufacturing defect that prevents printing.

Some hardware errors might show an error message. It’s a good idea to take a photo or make a note in case you need to get technical support from the manufacturer or send your printer in for repair.

Check your warranty as well. Most printers come with a one-year warranty, but more expensive printers often have two years of coverage. Always reach out even if you’re out of warranty since manufacturers want to protect their brand name and keep a good reputation. If a printer has a known problem, you might get support even after the warranty has expired.

Common printer problems and how to fix them

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  1. FIX!!!! printer spooler problems on Windows 10

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  5. How to Fix Printer Spooler Errors in Windows 10

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  6. How to fix problems with Print Spooler in Windows 10 (Solved: 3 Simple Steps)

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VIDEO

  1. Windows printer spooler service has been stopped || Windows 7/8/10

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  6. Fix All Printer problems In Windows 10 with these steps 1

COMMENTS

  1. How to Fix Printer Spooler Errors in Windows 10

    Jon Fisher Print spooler errors can occur in Windows 10, regardless of the application you're printing from, and may appear in many ways: Print spooler keeps stopping Printing service stops running Print jobs get hung up in the print queue Deleted Print jobs don't disappear The printer doesn't work at all

  2. How to fix printer spooler problems on Windows 10

    Open Start. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as Administrator option. Type the following commands (one line at a time) to stop the print spooler, delete the printers folder content, restart the printer spooler, and press Enter:

  3. Printer Spooler Error Troubleshooting and Solutions for Windows Users

    Figure 1: Typing command in the Run window Figure 2: Command Prompt In the Command Prompt, type net stop spooler and then press Enter to stop the Print Spooler. In the Command Prompt, type net start spooler and then press Enter to start the Print Spooler. How to Manually Delete Files from the Spool Folder

  4. How to Fix a Printer Spooler Error: A Simple Guide

    Windows 10: Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, select Printer, and follow the on-screen instructions. [1] 2 Open the Services window.

  5. How to repair Print Spooler in Windows 11/10

    1] Enable or turn on Print Spooler If the Print Spooler service is not running at all, then it might be possible that the service is disabled or turned off, or stopped. So, first, you need to...

  6. How to fix a printer spooler error message in Windows 10 ...

    Safe & Easy. Supports all PC devices! For Windows 7/8/10 and even XP. Fixes Crashes, Prevents Errors, Boosts PC Performance. Money Back Guarantee. Fixes PC Problems Fast. 24/7 Support. Now...

  7. Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows

    Step 1. Unplug and restart your printer Step 2. Check cables or wireless connection Step 3. Uninstall and reinstall your printer Step 4. Install the latest driver for your printer Step 5. Clear and reset the print spooler Step 6. Change a printer's status to "online" Related topics Find out how to Find out how to

  8. Reset and Clear Print Spooler in Windows 10

    How to Reset and Clear Print Spooler in Windows 10 The primary component of the printing interface is the print spooler.The print spooler is an executable file that manages the printing process. Management of printing involves retrieving the location of the correct printer driver, loading that driver, spooling high-level function calls into a print job, scheduling the print job for printing ...

  9. FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10

    1. Open the Start menu and select Settings. 2. Select Update & Security . 3. Switch to the Troubleshoot tab and select the option labeled Additional troubleshooters. 4. Select Printer > Run the troubleshooter . 5. Follow all prompts on the Printer troubleshooter to find and fix problems with printing. Check Print Spooler Configuration

  10. How to Restart the Print Spooler in Windows 10

    Jon Fisher What to Know Open the Services app and select Print Spooler. Right-click and select Stop, then right-click and select Start to restart the service. Or, open Task Manager, go to the Services tab and select Spooler. Right-click and choose Start, Stop or Restart. To check the print queue, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.

  11. How to Start, Stop, Restart Print Spooler in Windows 10/11

    2. Start, Stop, Restart Print Spooler Service Using Services. Right-click on the Start button and click on Run. In the Run command window, type services.msc and click on OK. On the Services screen, right-click on Print Spooler and click on the Restart option. Also, make sure that Print Spooler service is set to Start Automatically.

  12. Windows 10: fix print spooler problems

    Windows 10: fix print spooler when trying to print and getting documents stuck in the queue and canceling the job will stay deleting forever. In this video, ...

  13. How to Fix "The Print Spooler Service Is Not Running" Error in Windows

    1. Run the Printer Troubleshooter The built-in Printer troubleshooter in Windows 10 and 11 lets you find and fix printing problems. The troubleshooter scans the system for common print problems and automatically resolves them. It can check and restart the print spooler service if stopped. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  14. How to Fix Print Spooler Service issues on Windows 10

    Use Winkey + R to launch the Run dialog. Type "services.msc" and hit OK to enter the Services wizard. Scroll down and locate the Print spooler service. Once found, make a right-click and choose the " Properties " option. Go to the General tab and hit Stop.

  15. FIX: Print Spooler Service is not running in Windows 10/11

    1. Search for Troubleshoot settings and click Open. 2. Select Additional troubleshooters. 3. Locate and click the Printer item and click Run the troubleshooter. 4. Let the troubleshooter to run and select Apply this fix if prompted to fix the problem. 5. Once completed, check if the printer now works.

  16. How to fix problems with Print Spooler in Windows 10 (Solved ...

    Having problems with print spooler and print spooler services in Windows 10? Try these threee simple steps and let's know if it works for you. Go to services and set these three services...

  17. Fixed: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping on Windows 10

    Solution #1 Run printer troubleshooter A printer spooler is an executable file. A printer spooler is used by a printer to store multiple print jobs within a print queue where the print server retrieves it. Without it, you may not be able to print anything. The print spooler manages the print jobs currently queue to be printed.

  18. What Is Print Spooler and How to Reset It on Windows 10?

    Way 1: Use Task Manager The easiest way to reset or restart the print spooler is using Task Manager. The steps are listed below:

  19. How to Fix Printer Spooler Error in Windows 11/10 (10 Ways)

    Step 1: Launch Windows Settings. Step 2: Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Step 3: Click the Run button next to Printer to scan your printer for any problem and fix it.

  20. Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10

    Let's start with restarting the printer spooler service to fix this problem. 1.Press Windows +R and type services.msc and hit Enter or Press OK button. 2.Once the services window open, you need to locate Print Spooler and restart it. To do so, right-click on Print Spooler service and select Restart from the context menu.

  21. Print Spooler turning off constantly Windows 10 22H2, can't print to

    1. Press the Windows key+ X and select Settings. 2. Type Troubleshoot on the search box and click on Troubleshooting Settings. 3. Locate and click on the Printer troubleshooter and follow the prompts. 4. Wait for the process to detect the problems that cause the printer spooler to keep stopping, and try to fix them.

  22. How to Clear Print Spooler and Fix Forever Printing Problem in Windows 10

    1.1K 240K views 6 years ago ...more ...more How to Clear Print Spooler and Fix Forever Printing Problem in Windows 10.Commands used in this tutorial:Net Stop Spoolerdel...

  23. Print spooler problem in Windows 10

    1. Type cmd in the search bar 2. Right click on the search result and run it as administrator. 3. Type net start spooler with space and hit enter. Also refer to the link and see the troubleshooting steps to fix printer problems. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/fix-printer-problems Hope this information helps.

  24. Fix 0x000006d9 Printer Sharing Error on Windows PC

    First, open Run using Win+R, type "control panel" in the Open box, and press the Enter button to quickly launch the Control Panel window. Now, click on the Network & Internet category and then ...

  25. 6 Ways To Fix Print Spooler High Cpu Usage In Windows 10

    First, if you don't use a printer, the Print Spooler service need not be running. And disabling it will automatically fix the Print Spooler high CPU. 2. Update the printer drivers# In most cases, an incompatible printer driver led to the Print Spooler high CPU problem, and updating it did the trick.

  26. Common printer problems and how to fix them

    Let's take a look at the most common printer problems and how to fix them so you can get your labels, documents, or print projects rolling again. ... or if you see a warning about a spooler ...

  27. 5 Ways to Fix Error Printing on Epson Printer

    Most of the time, these two things solve errors with the Epson printer. If your troubleshooter did not solve the problem, I recommend you manually clear the queue and set the Epson printer to default. Right-click the Epson printer and choose Set as default printer option. Then click See what's printing. Click Printer > Cancel All Documents > Yes.