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 in 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.
Here are the different types of print spooler errors you can encounter:
Whichever error you encounter, the solutions for fixing them are the same.
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. Here’s how to use it.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Outdated or corrupted computer drivers can cause your connected device to malfunction.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.
If no new updates are available, use your printer manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver for your printer model.
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.
Once done, restart your PC. After the restart, download the latest drivers for your printer from the manufacturer's website and complete the setup.
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.
Tashreef is a developer and works as a technical writer at MakeUseOf. With a bachelor's degree in Computer Applications, he has over 5 years of experience and covers Microsoft Windows and everything around it. When not looking for a missing semicolon or churning out text, you can find him trying FPS titles or looking for new animated shows and movies.
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