To fix a printer spooler error, cancel stuck print jobs and restart the Print Spooler service. If the queue still will not clear, stop the service and delete the queued spool files. On Windows 11, Microsoft recommends starting with the automated printer troubleshooter in Get Help.
What a printer spooler error means
The Print Spooler manages print jobs in Windows. When it stops working, documents can remain stuck in the queue and the printer may become unresponsive. The steps below follow Microsoft guidance for Windows 10 and Windows 11; labels and settings paths can differ slightly by version. Microsoft’s spooler troubleshooting guide covers queue clearing, service restart, and printer-driver checks.
Try these fixes in order
1. Run the Windows 11 printer troubleshooter
If you use Windows 11, open the Get Help app and run its printer troubleshooter. It checks for common printer problems and attempts repairs. If it does not resolve the error, continue with the manual steps below. See Microsoft’s printer troubleshooting guidance and its Get Help troubleshooter instructions.
2. Cancel stuck jobs in the printer queue
- Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
- Select your printer, then open its queue.
- Cancel the jobs that are stuck or no longer needed.
Clearing pending jobs can let the spooler restart cleanly. In Windows versions where the path differs, find the printer under Settings and open its queue.
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3. Restart Print Spooler
- Press Windows key + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - In Services, find Print Spooler.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
Try printing again. If jobs remain stuck or the service will not restart, continue to the spool-folder reset.
4. Reset the spool folder if the queue remains stuck
This step deletes queued print files, so any pending jobs will be cleared. Do not delete the files while Print Spooler is running.
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- Open
services.mscand stop Print Spooler. - In File Explorer’s address bar, enter
%WINDIR%system32spoolprinters. - Delete the files inside the
printersfolder. Do not delete the folder itself. - Return to Services and start Print Spooler.
- Open the service’s properties and set Startup type to Automatic.
Microsoft includes this reset among its printer connection and printing problem fixes.
If the spooler error returns
Check for old or conflicting printer drivers
In Device Manager, expand Print queues or Printers. Remove unnecessary, obsolete, or duplicate entries, then install the latest driver for your exact printer model from the printer manufacturer’s support site. Avoid generic driver downloads: a driver must match the model.
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Check that the printer itself is ready
- Confirm the printer is powered on and has paper and ink or toner.
- Check for an open cover or paper jam.
- Verify the USB cable or wireless connection.
- If Windows marks it offline, follow Microsoft’s offline printer troubleshooting steps, which include checking the queue, restarting the spooler, and reinstalling the printer if needed.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft’s cited spooler guidance applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11, but support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date. Check the current lifecycle details on Microsoft’s spooler support page.
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