How to fix 'Printer Spooler' errors and clear stuck print queues

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix 'Printer Spooler' errors and clear stuck print queues. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

If your documents are stuck in the print queue and refusing to print, or if you are receiving an error stating that the "Print Spooler service is not running," it is usually due to a corrupted print job that has crashed the Windows printing subsystem. This guide will walk you through how to manually clear the spooler cache and restart the service to restore functionality.

Quick Fix: Restarting the Print Spooler

Before attempting to delete files manually, try restarting the service. This often resolves temporary glitches without needing to clear your entire queue.

1. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialogue box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. In the Services window, scroll down to find Print Spooler.
4. Right-click Print Spooler and select Restart.
5. Check your printer queue to see if the documents begin printing.

Detailed Instructions: Clearing a Stuck Print Queue

If restarting the service did not work, a corrupted file is likely blocking the queue. You will need to manually purge the spooler folder to clear the "stuck" jobs.

Step 1: Stop the Spooler Service

1. Open the Run box again (Windows Key + R).
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Right-click Print Spooler and select Stop.
   Note: Keep this window open, as you will need to return to it shortly.

Step 2: Delete Corrupted Print Files

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the following file path: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
3. If prompted that you do not have permission to access this folder, click Continue to gain permanent access.
4. Select all files within this folder (Ctrl + A) and press the Delete key.
   Warning: Do not delete the folder itself; only delete the files inside the folder.

Step 3: Restart the Spooler Service

1. Return to the Services window.
2. Right-click Print Spooler and select Start.
3. Close the Services window and attempt to print your document again.

Troubleshooting Persistent Issues

If the Print Spooler continues to stop automatically or the queue remains frozen, consider the following steps:

• Check Connection: Ensure the printer is not showing as offline.
• Driver Update: Outdated drivers can cause the spooler to crash. Visit the manufacturer's website to download the latest Australian-region drivers for your specific model.
• Check Disk Space: Ensure your C: drive has sufficient free space, as the spooler requires temporary disk space to create print files.

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