The printer spooler is a crucial component in Windows 10 that manages print jobs. When it stops unexpectedly, it can disrupt your printing tasks. In this article, we’ll explore common reasons for the print spooler to stop and provide practical troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Understanding the Print Spooler in Windows 10
The Print Spooler is a service responsible for managing print jobs in Windows. It acts as an intermediary between your computer and the printer, ensuring that print requests are processed in the correct order. When the print spooler stops, you won’t be able to print until the issue is resolved.
Common Reasons for Print Spooler Stoppage
Several factors can cause the print spooler to stop unexpectedly:
- Corrupted Print Jobs: Sometimes, a problematic print job can cause the spooler to crash.
- Faulty Printer Drivers: Outdated or incompatible printer drivers may lead to spooler issues.
- Service Conflicts: Other services or applications conflicting with the print spooler can cause it to stop.
- Registry Errors: Incorrect registry settings can disrupt the spooler service.
Troubleshooting Steps for Print Spooler Stopping
Follow these steps to troubleshoot print spooler issues:
Restarting the Print Spooler Service
Open the Services window (press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter). Locate Print Spooler, right-click, and choose Restart.
Checking the Service’s Settings
Ensure that the Startup Type for the print spooler is set to Automatic. Confirm that the service is running.
Changing Recovery Options
Set up the service to restart itself when it fails. Restart the Service is the first failure option.
Eliminating Spooler Print Files
Go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS on your computer. Remove every file from this folder.
Changing Printer Drivers
Download the most recent printer drivers by going to the manufacturer’s website. Restart the spooler service after installing them.
Editing the Registry
Be cautious when editing the registry. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Spooler.
Check the DependOnService value; it should include HTTP and Remote Procedure Call (RPC).
Additional Tips for Stopping Print Spooler Issues
Consider these additional steps to prevent future spooler problems:
Uninstalling Unnecessary Printers
Remove printers you no longer use to reduce potential conflicts.
Removing Duplicate Printer Drivers
Eliminate duplicate or outdated printer drivers.
Installing Device Drivers in Compatibility Mode
Right-click the driver installer, choose Properties, and set compatibility mode to an older Windows version.
Performing Windows Updates
Regularly update your operating system to ensure printer-related patches are applied.
Running an Antimalware Scan
Malware can affect the print spooler. Use a reliable antimalware tool to scan your system.
Troubleshooting for Android Users
If printing from an Android device, ensure the printer app is up to date.
Conclusion
You can effectively debug print spooler issues by using the procedures listed below. To prevent such interruptions, don’t forget to keep your printer drivers updated and to keep your print queue empty. Cheers to your printing endeavors!