How to Clear Print Spooler Windows 10?
If you’re having trouble printing out documents from your Windows 10 device, the problem may be related to the print spooler. This article will walk you through the steps to clear the print spooler, so that you can get back to printing out documents in no time. Follow the instructions carefully and you will soon have the spooler cleared and be ready to get your documents printed.
Steps to clear Print Spooler in Windows 10:
- Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run window.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Look for Print Spooler service, right click on it and select Stop.
- Now, open the printer folder. You can find it by typing Printers in the search box.
- Delete all the files inside the folder. You can also delete the files in C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\PRINTERS.
- Go to Run window, type services.msc and press Enter.
- Look for Print Spooler service, right click on it and select Start.
Clearing Print Spooler to Resolve Issues in Windows 10
Print spooler is a program in Windows 10 that facilitates the communication between your printer and PC. In most cases, this program works without any issues, but problems can arise if the print spooler is not running properly. If you experience any issues with printing, it may be helpful to clear the print spooler. This article will explain how to clear the print spooler in Windows 10.
The first step in clearing the print spooler is to open the Services window. This can be done by pressing the Windows key and typing ‘services’ in the search box. Once the Services window is open, scroll down to locate the Print Spooler service.
Once you have located the Print Spooler service, right-click on it and select ‘Stop’. This will stop the Print Spooler service and any print jobs that are currently in progress will be canceled.
Deleting Printer Queue Files
The next step is to delete the printer queue files. To do this, open the Run window by pressing the Windows key + R and type in ‘%windir%\System32\spool\PRINTERS’. This will open the folder where the printer queue files are stored.
Once in this folder, delete all of the files that are contained within it. It is important to note that you should only delete the files and not the folders. After the files have been deleted, close the window and return to the Services window.
Restarting the Print Spooler Service
The last step is to restart the Print Spooler service. To do this, right-click on the Print Spooler service in the Services window and select ‘Start’. This will restart the Print Spooler service and any print jobs that were queued up will now be processed.
Troubleshooting Print Spooler Issues
If you are still having issues with the Print Spooler, there are a few more steps you can take to try and resolve the problem. The first step is to check the Print Spooler service to make sure it is running. To do this, open the Services window and locate the Print Spooler service.
Once you have located the Print Spooler service, right-click on it and select ‘Properties’. This will open the Properties window for the Print Spooler service. In the Properties window, make sure the ‘Startup Type’ is set to ‘Automatic’.
Checking Printer Status
The next step is to check the status of your printer. To do this, open the Devices and Printers window by pressing the Windows key + R and typing ‘control printers’. This will open the Devices and Printers window.
Once in this window, right-click on the printer you are trying to use and select ‘See What’s Printing’. This will open the Print Queue window. In this window, you can view the status of your printer and any print jobs that are currently in the queue.
Uninstalling and Reinstalling Printer Drivers
If you are still having issues with the Print Spooler, the next step is to uninstall and reinstall the printer drivers. To do this, open the Devices and Printers window and right-click on the printer you are trying to use. Select ‘Remove Device’ and then follow the instructions to uninstall the printer drivers.
Once the drivers have been uninstalled, you can reinstall the drivers by downloading them from the manufacturer’s website or by using the installation CD that came with the printer. After the drivers have been installed, restart the computer and the printer should now be working properly.
Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
What is Print Spooler?
Print Spooler is a service in Windows 10 which is responsible for managing all print jobs sent to the printer. It runs in the background and stores print jobs until they are printed. The Print Spooler is also responsible for managing the various print queues and ensuring that the correct documents are printed in the correct order.
What happens when Print Spooler stops working?
When the Print Spooler stops working, it can cause several problems. These include: Printer not responding, Printer not printing, Printer queue is not visible, Printer driver errors and Printer spooler service not running. This can cause your printer to stop working or cause your documents to not be printed.
How to Clear Print Spooler Windows 10?
Clearing the Print Spooler in Windows 10 can be done in several ways. The easiest way is to use the Windows 10 Settings app. Go to the “Devices” page, select “Printers & scanners”, then click on “Print Spooler”. Select “Stop” and then “Start” to restart the service. You can also use the command line to clear the spooler. Open a Command Prompt window, type “net stop spooler” and hit enter. Then type “net start spooler” and hit enter.
What should I do if the Print Spooler does not clear?
If the Print Spooler does not clear after restarting the service, there may be a problem with the printer driver. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver. If that does not work, you may need to reset the Windows 10 printer spooler manually. To do this, open a Command Prompt window and type “sc stop spooler”, then type “sc start spooler”.
What should I do if I still cannot print?
If you are still unable to print after clearing the Print Spooler, there may be an issue with the printer itself. Check the printer’s manual to troubleshoot any potential hardware issues. You may also need to update the printer’s driver. If the printer is connected to a network, check the network connection and settings.
What other ways can I clear the Print Spooler?
You can also clear the Print Spooler by using a third-party software. There are several utilities available for download which will clear the spooler. These utilities may also have additional features such as removing stuck print jobs, managing printer queues, and managing printer drivers. It is important to note that you should only use third-party software if you are comfortable with it and if it is from a trusted source.
By following the above instructions on how to clear print spooler windows 10, you will be able to successfully clear out the print spooler and help prevent future problems with your printer. With a few simple steps, you can ensure that your printer will work correctly for many years to come. So don’t wait any longer, take action now and clear the print spooler windows 10!
