How to Fix Printer Spooler Problems on Windows 10?

Fix Printer Spooler Problems on Windows 10:

Sometimes it’s very annoying when trying to print and the document stucks in queue, and if you try to stop the task, it’ll keep deleting forever.

Whereas, there could be many reasons why you can’t print, as well as connection problems or issues with the printer itself, typically, it’s a problem with the “print spooler” on Windows 10.

This is a service that spools print task and handles interactions with the printer, and sometimes it’ll stop working, even after restarting your device and printer.

If you’re suffering from this problem, you could fix this single printer issue by resetting the print spooler on your computer through the Services console or Command Prompt.

Here, you’ll know the steps to fix printer spooler problems on Windows 10.

How to Fix Print Spooler Using Services:

To fix printer spooler problems on Windows 10 to continue printing on Windows 10, use these steps:

Step 1 : Open Start on Windows 10.

Step 2 : Find for services.msc and tap on the top result to open the Services console.

Step 3 : Click on the Right, Print Spooler service and choose the Properties option.

Step 4 : Tap on the General tab.

Step 5 : Tap on the Stop button.

Step 6 : Take the help of the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

Step 7 : Enter the following path and press Enter:

Step 8 : C:\Windows\System32\spool\printers

Step 9 : Click the Continue button (if applicable).

Step 10 : Choose all from the printer's folder (Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut) and tap on the Delete button to remove all its content.

Step 11 : Click the General tab.

Step 12 : Click the Start button to restart the spooler.

Step 13 : Click the OK button.

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

Most of the users get a “print spooler service” error when trying to install a printer in Windows that says:

‘Operation could not be completed. The print spooler service is not running.’

To solve this error, try the following steps.

  • Push ‘Window key’ + ‘R to open the Run dialog
  • Type ‘services.msc’, then select ‘OK’.

  • Double-click the ‘Printer Spooler’ service, and after that change the startup type to ‘Automatic’. This sets the Spooler service to start automatically when you reboot the computer. Select ‘OK’.
  • Reboot the computer and try again to install the printer.

In case, the Print Spooler service still stops after you reboot it, the problem is most probably related to corrupted printer drivers that are installed on the computer. Try uninstalling all printers and printer software from the computer and start from the mark.

It may contain PDF writer or faxing software as well. Some Things listed in the Control Panel inside Printers & Faxes I would do away with. In case, there is any software installed for other printers in Add/Remove Programs I would uninstall it all. Get updated software from your printer manufacturers and reinstall only the items you need.

How to Fix Print Spooler Using Command Prompt?

To fix printer spooler problems on Windows 10 using Command Prompt, follow these steps:

  • Open Start.
  • Take a look for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and choose the Run as Administrator option.

Enter the following commands to stop the print spooler, delete the printers folder content, and restart the printer spooler, and press Enter (on each line):

Once you finish the steps, you should be able to print a document one more time, and your printer should work now.

Whereas, this guide focuses on Windows 10, the ability to reset the “Print Spooler” has been around for a long time, which means that you can use the steps on Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and older versions.

That would be all, I hope these solutions helped you to fix printer spooler problems on Windows 10 with Print Spooler service, if you have any questions, or comments, just reach for the comment section below. If the Print Spooler service is not working on Windows even after these steps, let us know in the comments and we’ll try and help you.

 Sam

 Brand: Other

 Last Update: Mar 20, 2024