FIX: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping On Windows 10

Get back to printing your manifesto stat

The Print Spooler is a service that handles printers and print jobs in Windows 10. But multiple things—such as corrupt files, obsolete drivers, and insufficient permissions—can stop it from functioning correctly.

So if the Print Spooler crashes, fails to start, or keeps stopping as you perform a printer-related action on your PC, the fixes and suggestions below should let you get it working again.

Run Printer Troubleshooter

Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically sort printer issues on your computer. So it’s best to kick things off by running it.

  1. Open theStartmenu and selectSettings.

  2. SelectUpdate & Security.

  3. Switch to theTroubleshoottab and select the option labeledAdditional troubleshooters.

  4. SelectPrinter>Run the troubleshooter.

  5. Follow all prompts on the Printer troubleshooter to find and fix problems with printing.

Check Print Spooler Configuration

If running the Printer troubleshooter didn’t help, follow up by double-checking the configuration of the Print Spooler. Then, make any changes to match the steps that follow.

  1. PressWindows+Rto open the Run box.

  2. Typeservices.mscand selectOK. The Services app should load momentarily.

  3. Double-click the service labeledPrint Spooler.

  4. SetStartup typetoAutomatic.

  5. SelectStartto setService statustoRunning.

  6. SelectApply, thenOK.

Check the Print Spooler Recovery Response

Should the issue recur, you must follow by tweaking the Print Spooler’s recovery response in a way that restarts the service even after it fails.

  1. Re-open theServicesapp.

  2. Double-click thePrint Spoolerservice.

  3. Switch to theRecoverytab.

  4. SelectRestart the Serviceon the drop-down menus next toFirst failure,Second failure, andSubsequent failures.

  5. SelectApply, thenOK.

Delete the Print Spooler Cache

An obsolete or corrupt Print Spooler cache can cause it to crash repeatedly. Try deleting them to check if that helps. However, before you do that, you must manually stop the service from running.

  1. Open theServicesapp.

  2. Right-clickPrint Spoolerand selectStop.

  3. OpenFile Explorerand go toLocal Disk (C:)>Windows>System32>spool>PRINTERS.

  4. Delete all files inside the directory. However, leave folders (if you see any) intact.

  5. Restart your computer.

Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10

Temporary files that belong to applications and the operating system can also create conflicts and prevent the Print Spooler from working correctly. Try deleting them.

  1. PressWindows+Rto open theRunbox.

  2. Type%temp%and selectOK.

  3. Delete all files within the folder.

  4. Open anotherRunbox, typetemp, and selectOK.

  5. Delete all files within that folder as well.

  6. Restart your computer.

For additional instructions, check out this guide todeleting temporary files in Windows 10.

Reinstall Printer Drivers

Corrupt or broken printer drivers can also cause the print spooler to keep stopping. If the service stops working while interacting with a specific printer, try reinstalling it.

  1. Open theStartmenu and go toSettings>Devices>Printers & scanners.

  2. Select a printer under thePrinters & scannerssection.

  3. SelectRemove device.

  4. SelectHomeand go toApps>Apps & features.

  5. Select and remove any printer-related support software.

  6. Restart your computer.

  7. Re-open theSettingsapp and go toDevices>Printers & scanners. Then, choose theAdd a printer or scanneroption and selectAdd device.

  8. Select the printer and follow all on-screen prompts to reinstall it.

  9. Reinstall any support software for the printer.

If you run into issues while following the steps above, you may want to learn aboutadditional ways to remove printer drivers in Windows 10.

Update Printer Drivers

Newer printer drivers contain fixes that resolve bugs and compatibility issues with the operating system. So it’s always a good idea to download and install the latest drivers or support software from your printer manufacturer’s website. Also, consider using a driver updater tool if you have any trouble procuring drivers manually.

Update Windows 10

Updating Windows 10 helps fix any persistent bugs and glitches preventing the Print Spooler from working correctly. Check for any pending updates and apply them now.

  1. Open theStartmenu and go toSettings>Update & Security.

  2. SelectCheck for updates.

  3. SelectDownload and installto apply all pending updates.

If you see theView optional updatesoption within the Windows Update screen, select it and apply any Microsoft-verified driver updates for your printer.

Fix Broken Registry Keys

Broken registry keys in Windows 10 can also result in Print Spooler-related issues. Afree registry cleaning applicationsuch asWise Registry Cleanershould help you both scan and fix errors automatically.

Scan for Malware

Computer viruses and malicious programs often cause essential functions in Windows 10 to stop working. However, you can use Windows Security to rule that out by performing a comprehensive scan for malware.

  1. Select theWindows Securityicon on the system tray.

  2. SelectVirus & threat protection.

  3. SelectScan options.

  4. Select the radio button next toFull scan.

  5. SelectScan now.

Run the System File Checker

The System File Checker is a command-line tool that can help youfix file corruption and stability issuesin Windows 10. You can run it via an elevated Windows PowerShell console.

  1. Right-click theStartbutton and selectWindows PowerShell (Admin).

  2. Type the following command:

sfc/ scannow

  1. PressEnter.

Take Ownership of Spoolsv

Taking ownership of the executable file that runs the Print Spooler can also help stop crashes and other issues with the service.

  1. OpenFile Explorerand go toLocal Disk (C:)>Windows>System32.

  2. Right-click the file labeledspoolsvand selectProperties.

  3. Switch to theSecuritytab and selectAdvanced.

  4. SelectChange.

  5. Type in your Windows username and selectCheck Names. If you typed it correctly, you should see the path to your user account listed automatically.

  6. SelectOK.

  7. Confirm that you see your username next toOwner. Then, selectApply, thenOK.

  8. Restart your computer.

Perform a System Restore

If your print spooler still keeps stopping, you can choose to revert your computer to an earlier state when the Print Spooler worked without problems. However, you can only do that if you took the time toactivate the System Restore functionality in Windows 10previously.

  1. Open theRunbox.

  2. Typesysdm.cpland selectOK.

  3. Switch to theSystem Protectiontab.

  4. SelectSystem Restore.

  5. SelectRecommended restoreorChoose a different restore pointand selectNext.

  6. Follow all on-screen instructions to reset your computer.

Any of the fixes above should’ve helped get the Print Spooler up and running correctly. But if none of them worked and you keep receiving errors frequently, you must considerrestoring Windows 10 to factory settings. You might be dealing with a severe underlying issue that only setting up the operating system from scratch can fix.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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