Is your printer suddenly refusing to print, showing errors, or acting like it’s invisible to your computer? If you’ve encountered the frustrating “Spooler Service Not Working” message, you’re not alone—and you’ve come to the right place.
Your print spooler is the behind-the-scenes service that manages your print jobs, and when it stops working, everything grinds to a halt. But don’t worry—this article will guide you step-by-step to quickly fix the spooler service and get your printer back in action.
Keep reading, because understanding and solving this issue is easier than you think, and it could save you hours of wasted time and stress.
Print Spooler Basics
The print spooler is a key service in Windows. It manages all print jobs sent to the printer. Without it, printing tasks would not process correctly. Understanding its basics helps in troubleshooting common issues quickly.
The spooler works by temporarily storing print jobs in a queue. This allows the printer to handle multiple requests in order. It also frees your computer from waiting until the entire document prints. This improves efficiency and user experience.
Role In Printing
The print spooler acts as a middleman between your computer and printer. It receives the print job from software applications. Then, it organizes and sends the data to the printer one by one. This prevents printer overload and keeps print jobs in order.
It also handles job priority and manages multiple printers if connected. The spooler keeps track of job status and can pause, restart, or cancel jobs. This control helps users manage their printing tasks easily.
Common Errors
Print spooler errors occur when the service stops working or crashes. Common errors include “Print Spooler service not running” or “Spooler subsystem app has stopped working.” These errors block printing and cause frustration.
Issues often arise from corrupted spooler files, printer driver conflicts, or system updates. Sometimes, malware or low system resources can also disrupt the spooler. Knowing these errors helps users apply the correct fixes fast.
Restarting The Spooler Service
Restarting the spooler service is a common fix for printer problems. The spooler manages print jobs and keeps the printer working smoothly. Sometimes, it stops working and needs a quick restart. This can clear errors and get your printer back online fast.
There are simple ways to restart the spooler service on Windows. You can use the Services app or the Command Prompt. Both methods work well and only take a few steps.
Using Services App
Press the Windows key and type services. Open the Services app from the list.
Scroll down and find Print Spooler in the list of services. Right-click it.
Click Restart to stop and start the spooler service again. If Restart is not available, click Start.
This refreshes the service and often fixes spooler issues quickly.
Command Prompt Method
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd and press Enter.
In the Command Prompt window, type net stop spooler and press Enter. This stops the spooler service.
Next, type net start spooler and press Enter. This starts the spooler service again.
Close the Command Prompt window. Your printer spooler is now restarted.
Clearing Print Queue
Clearing the print queue can solve many spooler service issues. A stuck print job often blocks the entire queue. Removing these jobs allows the spooler to work normally again. This process is simple and can be done in a few steps.
Canceling Pending Jobs
Open the Control Panel on your computer. Select “Devices and Printers.” Find your printer and right-click it. Choose “See what’s printing” from the menu. A window will open showing all pending print jobs.
Right-click each job and select “Cancel.” Wait a moment for the job to disappear. Repeat until all jobs are cleared. This method stops the spooler from processing stuck tasks.
Manual Queue Cleanup
Stop the Print Spooler service first. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Scroll down and find “Print Spooler.” Right-click it and select “Stop.”
Next, open File Explorer and go to C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS. Delete all files in this folder. These files represent stuck print jobs.
Return to the Services window. Right-click “Print Spooler” and select “Start.” This restarts the service with a clean queue. Your printer should now work without errors.
Setting Spooler To Automatic
Setting the Spooler service to automatic ensures your printer is ready when you need it. This setting makes Windows start the Spooler service each time your PC boots. Without this, the printer may not work until you start the service manually. Automating this process reduces print errors and saves time.
Changing Startup Type
Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Find Print Spooler in the list. Right-click it and select Properties. In the General tab, find the Startup type dropdown menu. Change it to Automatic. Click Apply and then OK. This change makes the Spooler start on system boot.
Configuring Recovery Options
Open the Print Spooler Properties window again. Click the Recovery tab. Set the First failure to Restart the Service. Do the same for the Second failure and Subsequent failures. This setting helps keep the Spooler running by restarting it after errors. Click Apply and OK to save changes.
Checking Dependencies
Checking the dependencies of the Spooler Service helps find the root cause of issues. Some services must run for the Spooler to work properly. When these dependencies fail, the Spooler stops too. Understanding which services depend on each other makes troubleshooting easier.
Remote Procedure Call
The Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is crucial for the Spooler Service. RPC allows communication between programs on the same or different computers. If RPC is not running, the Spooler cannot start or function correctly. To check this service, open the Services app, find Remote Procedure Call, and confirm it is running and set to automatic.
Other Related Services
Other services also support the Spooler Service. These include the HTTP service and the DCOM Server Process Launcher. Each must be running for the Spooler to work well. Check these services in the Services app. Make sure their startup type is set to automatic and that they are running. Stopping or disabling them may cause the Spooler to fail.
Fixing Spooler Service Errors
Fixing spooler service errors can solve many printing problems quickly. The spooler manages print jobs and sends them to the printer. If it stops working, printing will fail or freeze.
Several common fixes work well to restore spooler function. These methods do not need advanced skills. Following simple steps can get your printer back online.
Resetting The Spooler
Resetting the spooler service can clear minor bugs. Open the Run box by pressing Win + R. Type services.msc and hit Enter.
Find Print Spooler in the list. Right-click and choose Stop. Wait a few seconds and right-click again. Select Start to restart the service.
This action refreshes the spooler. It often fixes stuck or frozen print jobs. Check if printing works after this reset.
Deleting Corrupt Files
Corrupt files in the spooler folder cause errors. Open File Explorer and go to C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS. You may need administrator rights.
Delete all files inside this folder. These are temporary print jobs that might be stuck. Clearing them allows the spooler to start fresh.
After deleting, restart the spooler service again. This removes corrupted jobs causing the problem. Try printing to see if the issue is resolved.
Advanced Troubleshooting
Advanced troubleshooting steps help fix persistent spooler service problems. These methods go beyond basic fixes. They target underlying issues that stop the spooler from working properly.
Follow these steps carefully to avoid further issues. They often resolve problems linked to software and driver conflicts.
Updating Printer Drivers
Outdated drivers often cause spooler errors. Updating drivers can restore normal function. Visit the printer manufacturer’s website for the latest driver version. Download and install the correct driver for your printer model. Restart your computer after installation. This process ensures compatibility with your operating system.
Reinstalling Printer Software
Corrupted printer software can block the spooler service. Uninstall the printer software completely from your system. Use the Control Panel or Settings app to remove it. After uninstalling, restart your computer to clear any remaining files. Download the latest printer software from the official site. Install it fresh and follow the setup instructions. This can fix hidden errors affecting the spooler service.
Preventing Future Issues
Preventing future issues with the spooler service keeps your printer working smoothly. Taking simple steps reduces downtime and frustration. Regular care and quick checks help avoid common errors. Let’s explore practical ways to protect your spooler service.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Clear the print queue often to stop blockages. Remove old or stuck print jobs regularly. Restart the spooler service after clearing jobs to refresh it. Keep your printer drivers updated for better compatibility. Run system updates to fix bugs affecting the spooler. Scan your computer for malware that may disrupt services. Avoid turning off the spooler service manually unless needed.
Monitoring Service Status
Check the spooler service status in the Services app regularly. Set the spooler startup type to Automatic to ensure it runs at boot. Use Task Manager or Services.msc to see if the spooler is running. Watch for error messages related to the spooler service. Configure recovery options to restart the service after failures. Monitoring helps catch problems early before they cause print failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Fix Spooler Service Not Running?
Open Run (Win + R), type services. msc, and press Enter. Find “Print Spooler,” right-click it, then select Start or Restart. Set its startup type to Automatic in Properties. Check dependencies and configure recovery options to auto-restart on failure. This fixes the spooler service not running issue.
How Do I Clean My Printer Spooler?
Open the Run dialog (Win + R), type services. msc, and press Enter. Find and right-click “Print Spooler,” then select “Stop. ” Clear all files in C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS. Return to Services, right-click “Print Spooler,” and click “Start” to restart the service.
How Do I Unblock A Print Spooler?
To unblock a print spooler, open Run (Win + R), type services. msc, press Enter. Find “Print Spooler,” right-click it, and select “Restart. ” Wait a moment for the service to restart. This clears the blockage and resumes printing tasks.
How To Activate Print Spooler Service?
Press Win + R, type services. msc, and press Enter. Find “Print Spooler,” right-click it, then select “Start” or “Restart. ” Set startup type to “Automatic” in its Properties to activate the service automatically.
What Causes The Spooler Service To Stop Working?
The spooler service may stop due to corrupted files, outdated drivers, or software conflicts. Virus infections and improper shutdowns can also cause issues.
Conclusion
Troubles with the spooler service can stop your printing tasks. Restarting the service often solves the issue quickly. Setting the spooler to start automatically prevents future problems. Checking related services ensures the spooler works smoothly. Clearing stuck print jobs helps keep the queue clean.
These simple steps keep your printer ready and reliable. A working spooler means less stress and more productivity. Keep this guide handy for easy troubleshooting anytime.