Ever tried to print a document only to be met with an error message saying “Local Printer Spooler Service Is Not Running”? This can be frustrating, especially when you need to print something urgently. But don’t worry! This guide will explain what the print spooler service is, why it might not be running, and how to fix it.
Understanding the Print Spooler Service
Imagine you’re at a busy restaurant. When you order food, the kitchen doesn’t cook everything at once. Instead, your order gets added to a queue, and the cooks prepare the meals one by one. The print spooler service works similarly for your computer and printer.
When you hit “print,” the spooler service temporarily stores the print job on your computer. It then feeds the data to your printer in manageable chunks, ensuring smooth printing even if your computer is slow or multitasking.
Importance of the Service
The print spooler service keeps things running smoothly. Without it, your computer might try to send the entire print job to the printer at once, which could overload the printer or cause errors. It also allows you to cancel print jobs or manage multiple printing tasks.
Possible Causes of Errors
There are several reasons why the print spooler service might not be running:
- Accidental stoppage: Sometimes, the service might be stopped unintentionally during troubleshooting or due to software conflicts.
- Corrupted files: Damaged files in the print spooler folder can disrupt the service’s operation.
- Outdated drivers: Printer drivers are like translators between your computer and printer. Outdated drivers can lead to communication issues and hinder the spooler service.
How Can You Resolve the Error “Print Spooler Service Is Not Running”?
Here are some steps you can try to get your printer spooler service back up and running:
Launch the Troubleshooter for Printers
A built-in troubleshooter in Windows may identify and resolve printing issues automatically. Look for “troubleshoot” in the Start menu, choose “Troubleshoot printer,” and adhere to the prompts displayed on the screen.
Restart Print Spooler Service
Open the Services window by searching for “services.msc” in the Start menu. Locate “Print Spooler” in the list, right-click it, and select “Start” if it’s stopped. You can also choose “Restart” if it’s already running.
Select Automatic for the Print Spooler Service Startup Type
In the Services window, right-click on “Print Spooler,” select “Properties,” and then select “Automatic” under “Startup type.” This guarantees that the service launches on its own whenever your machine boots up.
Clear the Print Spooler Files
After stopping the Print Spooler service (see step 2), use File Explorer and go to “%systemroot%\System32\spool\printers.” Delete every file contained in this folder; do not remove the folder itself. Then, restart the Print Spooler service.
Update/Reinstall Printer Drivers
Issues can arise with outdated drivers. Download the most recent drivers for the particular printer model you own by going to the manufacturer’s website. Reinstall or update the drivers in accordance with the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Common Questions and Solutions
Let’s have a look at the common questions and solutions:
How to Fix Print Spooler Errors on Windows 10?
The solutions mentioned above work for Windows 10 as well. If the issue persists, you might need to check for Windows updates or perform a system restore.
Is There any Solution for Android Printer Spooler Errors?
While Android doesn’t have a dedicated print spooler service, printing problems can still occur. Restart your phone or tablet, and ensure you’re using the latest printing app from the Play Store. If you’re using a cloud printing service, check their troubleshooting guides for specific solutions.
How to Fix the Error Message?
The specific error message might vary depending on your operating system. However, the troubleshooting steps mentioned above should address most “Print Spooler Service Is Not Running” errors.
Conclusion
You should be able to resolve the “Print Spooler Service Is Not Running” issue and restore printer functionality by following these instructions. For more help, get in touch with the printer manufacturer’s support if the issue continues. Recall that you may maintain the flawless operation of your printing jobs with a little troubleshooting!