How Do I Restart Print Spooler In Windows 10?
Restarting the Print Spooler in Windows 10 can often resolve printer-related issues; you can do this through the Services application, Command Prompt, or Task Manager, effectively clearing the print queue and restoring printing functionality.
Understanding the Print Spooler
The Print Spooler service is a crucial component of the Windows 10 operating system that manages all print jobs sent to your printer. Think of it as a traffic controller for your printing tasks. When you send a document to print, the Print Spooler stores the job temporarily on your hard drive, then sends it to the printer in the correct order and format. Without the Print Spooler, you wouldn’t be able to print anything from your computer.
Why Restart the Print Spooler?
There are several reasons why you might need to restart the Print Spooler. These include:
- Printer errors: Error messages like “Printer is not responding” or “Document failed to print” are common indicators.
- Print job stuck in queue: A print job that remains perpetually in the queue, preventing subsequent documents from printing.
- Printer driver issues: Problems with the printer driver can sometimes corrupt the Print Spooler.
- General printer malfunction: Sometimes a simple restart of the Print Spooler can resolve unexplained printing problems.
By restarting the service, you effectively clear the print queue, refresh the system’s connection to the printer, and potentially resolve underlying issues. Restarting can be considered a first-line troubleshooting step for most printing problems.
Methods to Restart the Print Spooler
There are multiple ways to restart the Print Spooler service in Windows 10. We will explore three of the most common and reliable methods.
Method 1: Using the Services Application
This is often considered the most user-friendly method.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. This will open the Services application. - Scroll down the list and locate the “Print Spooler” service.
- Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Restart”.
If the “Restart” option is grayed out, select “Stop” first, wait a few seconds, and then select “Start.”
Method 2: Using Command Prompt
This method is slightly more technical but very effective.
-
Press the Windows key, type
cmd, right-click on “Command Prompt”, and select “Run as administrator”. -
In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
net stop spooler net start spoolerThe
net stop spoolercommand stops the Print Spooler service, and thenet start spoolercommand restarts it.
Method 3: Using Task Manager
This method provides a quick way to restart the service if you already have Task Manager open.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on the “Services” tab.
- Locate the “Spooler” service in the list.
- Right-click on “Spooler” and select “Restart”.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When restarting the Print Spooler, it’s important to avoid a few common mistakes:
- Not running Command Prompt as administrator: The Command Prompt method requires administrator privileges. Make sure you right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator” before entering the commands.
- Stopping and starting too quickly: When using the Services application, give the service a few seconds to completely stop before starting it again.
- Ignoring error messages: If you encounter error messages while trying to restart the Print Spooler, take note of them. These messages can provide clues about the underlying problem.
- Not checking printer connections: Ensure your printer is properly connected (both physically and wirelessly) to your computer before and after restarting the Print Spooler.
- Assuming a restart always fixes the problem: While often effective, a Print Spooler restart isn’t a magic bullet. Further troubleshooting might be required for more complex issues.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If simply restarting the Print Spooler doesn’t resolve your printing issues, you might need to consider more advanced troubleshooting steps. These include:
- Clearing the Print Spooler folder: Sometimes, corrupted print jobs can get stuck in the Print Spooler folder.
- Updating or reinstalling printer drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause problems.
- Running the Printer Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix many common printing issues.
- Checking for malware: In rare cases, malware can interfere with the Print Spooler service.
Comparing Restart Methods
Here’s a table summarizing the three methods for restarting the Print Spooler:
| Method | Description | Difficulty | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Services | Uses the Services application to stop and start the service. | Easy | User-friendly, graphical interface. | Can be slower than other methods. |
| Command Prompt | Uses command-line commands to stop and start the service. | Medium | Fast, efficient, can be scripted. | Requires knowledge of command-line syntax. Requires admin privileges. |
| Task Manager | Uses Task Manager to restart the service. | Easy | Quick access if Task Manager is already open. | Less control over the process than other methods. |
Why Clear the Print Spooler Folder?
Sometimes files can become corrupted and become stuck in the print queue which a simple service restart will not fix. This can be resolved by clearing the files from the spooler folder. Follow these steps to clear the spooler files:
- Follow the steps to stop the print spooler service from any of the methods above.
- Navigate to
C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERSin File Explorer. - Delete all files in the Printers folder. (You may need administrator privileges).
- Restart the Print Spooler using one of the above methods.
- Retry Printing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my printer still not working after restarting the Print Spooler?
The Print Spooler is one piece of the printing process. If the print Spooler restart isn’t resolving your issue there could be a number of reasons as to why your printer is still not working. Issues may include a connection problem, hardware malfunction, incorrect driver, outdated driver, or even a lack of ink or paper. Review and troubleshoot other aspects of the printing process. Driver issues are a common source of persistent printer problems.
How do I know if the Print Spooler is running?
You can check the status of the Print Spooler in the Services application. Open the Services application (Windows key + R, then type services.msc) and locate the “Print Spooler” service. The “Status” column should display “Running.” If it doesn’t, right-click on the service and select “Start”. A stopped print spooler will prevent any printing whatsoever.
Can a virus affect the Print Spooler?
Yes, it’s possible for malware to interfere with the Print Spooler service. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to check for any threats. Malware can corrupt system files and processes, impacting printing functionality.
What are printer drivers, and why are they important?
Printer drivers are software programs that allow your computer to communicate with your printer. They translate the print commands from your computer into a language that your printer can understand. Keeping your printer drivers up to date is essential for optimal printing performance. Outdated or corrupted drivers are a major cause of printing problems.
How often should I restart the Print Spooler?
You only need to restart the Print Spooler when you encounter printing problems. There’s no need to restart it regularly as part of routine maintenance. Restarting it unnecessarily won’t improve performance.
What is the Print Spooler folder, and what does it contain?
The Print Spooler folder (C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS) stores temporary print job files. Sometimes, these files can become corrupted and cause printing issues. Clearing this folder can resolve persistent printing problems.
What is the Printer Troubleshooter, and how do I use it?
The Printer Troubleshooter is a built-in Windows tool that can automatically diagnose and fix many common printing problems. You can access it by searching for “Troubleshooting” in the Windows search bar and selecting “Troubleshooting”. Then, click on “Use a printer”. The troubleshooter is a convenient first step in diagnosing printer issues.
Does restarting the Print Spooler delete my print jobs?
Yes, restarting the Print Spooler clears the print queue, so any pending print jobs will be cancelled. You’ll need to resend them after the service is restarted. Be sure to save any important documents before restarting the spooler.
Will restarting the Print Spooler affect other programs?
No, restarting the Print Spooler only affects the printing process. It won’t impact other programs running on your computer. The Print Spooler is an isolated service.
I get an “Access Denied” error when trying to restart the Print Spooler. What should I do?
This usually indicates that you don’t have administrator privileges. Make sure you’re logged in with an administrator account and that you’re running Command Prompt as administrator (right-click and select “Run as administrator”). Administrator rights are required to modify system services.
Why is my Print Spooler service constantly stopping?
If the Print Spooler service is repeatedly stopping on its own, it could indicate a deeper problem, such as a corrupted driver, conflicting software, or a hardware issue. Try updating or reinstalling your printer driver, running a system file check (SFC scan), or checking for hardware errors. Frequent crashes indicate a more serious underlying problem.
What is a System File Check (SFC) Scan and how can it help?
A System File Check or SFC, is a utility in Windows that allows users to scan for and restore corruption in Windows system files. If you think you have corruption from bad software installation, drivers, or faulty hardware, running this tool can help find and repair corruptions.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. - Wait for the process to complete (this may take some time).
- Restart your computer. The SFC scan can repair corrupted system files that may be causing Print Spooler issues.