Print spooler service not running

Print Spooler is a software program running on the Microsoft Windows operating system. This program works with different files present in the system’s hard drive for printing. Print spooler helps to manage the printing jobs sent to the server connected to the printer or the network. There are chances when Print spooler service not running and causes trouble to the users. This creates a problem in the printing functions and hampers the user experience. This software program is liable for managing the printing jobs from your computer and when this service is hampered, your printer stops printing the document as the computer is unable to communicate with the printer. So, if your print spooler service not running and causing you troubles, read the guide below. The mentioned fixes can help you to troubleshoot the problem and continue with the normal printing process.In this guide, we are going to use the most common fixtures that can help you to troubleshoot the print Spooler error. Before we proceed further, check for the following errors as they are responsible for creating troubles in your printer. 

  • Local print spooler is not running or working. Print spooler service not running
  • Unable to start the print spooler service., 
  • Getting error message in print spooler while trying to print the documents. 

Troubleshooting guidelines for Printer Spooler Fix

Restart the Print Spooler 

  •  Click the ‘Windows + R’ key from your key
  • board to open the ‘Run’. Type ‘service.msc’ in the provided field and hit the Enter button. 
  • Scroll to the bottom and find out the ‘Print Spooler’  service. 
  • Right-click on the Print Spooler, choose the ‘Properties’ option. 
  • Click on the ‘Recovery’ tab and choose the given option to Restart the service for three Drop-Down menus. 
  • Make sure that two values or text boxes are set to the one. 
  • Click the Save button to save the modifications. 
  • Get back to the ‘General’ tab and hit the Start. Your print Spooler service will immediately start. 

Delete Print Spooler Files

  •  Click on the ‘Start’ menu and type ‘services.msc’. 
  • In the services list, find print spooler. Click on services two times. 
  • Hit the Stop button and tap on the Ok. 
  • Press and hold the ‘Windows + R’ key and type “ %WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers’. Hit the Enter button. 
  • Delete the files from this folder. 
  • Now, repeat steps one and two. 
  • Hit ‘start’ button and make sure that you have set the ‘Startup’ type to automatic.
  • Tap on Ok. 

Take Ownership

  • Check if your Print Spooler is working. For this,  open the ‘Command Prompt or Powershell’ and enter ‘sc query spooler’. If this service is not turned on, you have to turn it on and type ‘Net Start Spooler’. 
  • If this service gets turned off automatically, you can take the file ownership by typing ‘takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\spoolsv.exe’ in the command prompt. 
  • Proceed with Print Spooler fix by Closing all the windows, and restart the service. 
  • Open ‘Command Prompt’ and run the command prompt as admin. 
  • Write command ‘ del /Q C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\PRINTERS\*.*’ in the command prompt and hit the enter button 

Check the Dependencies

  • Go to the Print Spooler service. 
  • Go to the ‘Dependencies’. In the first box, you can see the services and component which must run so that print Spooler service run smoothly. 
  • Check the all and make a note. 
  • Get back to your service window and go through all the services mentioned in the box, check if the service starts. If not, right-click on the service and choose the Properties option. You have to make sure that you have set the Startup type to Automatic.

Hopefully, these guidelines will fix the Print Spooler Error. If your print spooler is still not working, we recommend you to take expert advice to troubleshoot the problem.