How to Fix Print Spooler Not Running on Windows 11 and 10

If your printer isn’t working on Windows 11 or Windows 10 because the print spooler isn’t running, this guide will help you troubleshoot and fix the issue. The print spooler manages print jobs, and if it stops or doesn’t start automatically, printing becomes impossible. By following these steps, you’ll restore printing functionality, ensuring your print jobs are processed smoothly. Before starting, ensure you have administrator access to your PC, as some steps require admin privileges.

What You’ll Need

• Administrator access to your Windows PC
• Basic understanding of Windows Settings and Services
• Optional: Your printer’s driver software (if reinstalling)

Step-by-Step

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This opens the Services window where Windows manages background services.
3. Scroll down to find Print Spooler in the list of services.
4. Right-click on Print Spooler and select Properties.
5. In the Properties window, check the Startup type. If it’s set to Manual or Disabled, change it to Automatic.
6. Click the Stop button to halt the service if it’s running, then click Start to restart it.
7. Click Apply, then OK to save changes.
8. Close the Services window and restart your computer to ensure changes take effect.
9. After reboot, try printing a test page. If the spooler still isn’t running, proceed to restart the spooler manually via Command Prompt:
10. Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
11. Type net stop spooler and press Enter. Wait for the message confirming the service has stopped.
12. Next, type net start spooler and press Enter to restart the spooler service.
13. Try printing again. If issues persist, consider clearing the print queue or reinstalling printer drivers.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to run the Services window as an administrator, which prevents changes to service settings.
• Setting the Startup type to Manual or Disabled instead of Automatic, causing the spooler not to start automatically.
• Not restarting the computer after changing service settings, which can prevent changes from taking effect.
• Attempting to restart the spooler without stopping it first, leading to errors.
• Ignoring error messages in the Services window or Command Prompt that indicate underlying issues.

Tips

• If the print spooler still won’t start, try running the Windows Troubleshooter for printers: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Printer.
• Clear the print queue by stopping the spooler, deleting all files in C:\\Windows\\System32\\spool\\PRINTERS, then restarting the spooler.
• Update or reinstall your printer drivers if the issue persists after fixing the spooler service.
• Disable any third-party security software temporarily, as it might interfere with the spooler service.
• Check for Windows updates, as patches often resolve underlying service issues.

Troubleshooting

If the print spooler still doesn’t run after following the steps above, try these additional troubleshooting methods:

1. Run the System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter. This scans for corrupted system files that may affect services.
2. Check for malware: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software, as malware can interfere with Windows services.
3. Manually delete print jobs: Stop the spooler, navigate to C:\\Windows\\System32\\spool\\PRINTERS, and delete all files. Then restart the spooler.
4. Reinstall printer drivers: Uninstall your current printer driver, restart your PC, and reinstall the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.
5. If problems persist, consider performing a Windows repair install or resetting Windows to factory settings as a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my print spooler not starting automatically?

It can be caused by incorrect service settings, corrupted system files, malware, or conflicts with other software. Setting the spooler to start automatically and repairing system files usually fixes the issue.

2. How do I know if my printer driver is causing the problem?

If the spooler runs but printing still fails, update or reinstall your printer driver. Check for driver updates on the manufacturer’s website or through Windows Update.

3. Can I fix the print spooler without administrator rights?

Most fixes require administrator access, especially changing service settings or deleting system files. Contact your system administrator if you lack permissions.

4. What should I do if clearing the print queue doesn’t work?

Try restarting the spooler service via Command Prompt, updating printer drivers, or reinstalling the printer. If issues persist, check for Windows updates or system errors.

5. Is it safe to delete files from the spooler folder?

Yes, deleting print jobs from C:\\Windows\\System32\\spool\\PRINTERS is safe and often necessary to resolve stuck print jobs that prevent spooler operation.

6. How often should I check my print spooler?

If you print frequently, check periodically to ensure the service runs smoothly and update drivers as needed to prevent issues.

This comprehensive guide ensures you can troubleshoot and fix the print spooler not running problem on Windows 11 and 10, restoring your ability to print efficiently and without frustration. Remember, patience and careful execution of each step are key to resolving these common printing issues effectively.

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