Fix print spooler service not running errors in Windows
Applies To
If printing suddenly stops working, jobs freeze, or apps hang when you press Ctrl + P, the Print Spooler service may have crashed. The spooler manages all print jobs in Windows 11, and when it fails, documents stay stuck in the queue and the printer becomes unresponsive. The steps below help you quickly clear the queue, reset the spooler, remove conflicting drivers, and restore normal printing.
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Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
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Select your printer and choose Open print queue.
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Right‑click each print job and select Cancel until all jobs are removed.
Clearing stuck jobs helps the spooler restart cleanly.
Conflicting drivers are a common cause of spooler crashes.
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Select Start and type Device Manager and select it from results.
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Expand Print queues or Printers.
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Uninstall unnecessary, old, or duplicate printer drivers.
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Install the latest driver for your printer model from the manufacturer’s website.
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Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
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Scroll down and locate Print Spooler.
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Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
If printing suddenly stops working, jobs freeze, or apps hang when you press Ctrl + P, the Print Spooler service may have crashed. The spooler manages all print jobs in Windows 10, and when it fails, documents stay stuck in the queue and the printer becomes unresponsive. The steps below help you quickly clear the queue, reset the spooler, remove conflicting drivers, and restore normal printing.
-
Select Start > Settings >Devices > Printers & scanners.
-
Select your printer and choose Open queue.
-
Right‑click each print job and select Cancel until all jobs are removed.
Clearing stuck jobs helps the spooler restart cleanly.
Conflicting drivers are a common cause of spooler crashes.
-
Select Start and type Device Manager and select it from results.
-
Expand Print queues or Printers.
-
Uninstall unnecessary, old, or duplicate printer drivers.
-
Install the latest driver for your printer model from the manufacturer’s website.
-
Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
-
Scroll down and locate Print Spooler.
-
Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.
If you're facing a different printer issue, see Fix printer connection and printing problems in Windows.
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