Print spooler stopping automatically on Windows 10, Windows 8 and 8.1

By | July 5, 2015

Unable to Print and Print spooler service keep stopping automatically on Windows 10, print spooler not running issue might be with the printer driver or if you have installed multiple printer and issue might be with one of the printers that causing print spooler service stop, I would suggest a list of checks and troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue

Also Read: printer offline fix windows 10

If you have to search for Print spooler issue on Windows Server, I have already discussed the same issue on Windows Print Server 2003, 2008, and 2012 with multiple network printer installed

See More: Print spooler stopping automatically on Windows Server 2012, 2008 and 2003

Uninstall unnecessary printers to fix the print spooler service not running windows 10 issue

Only keep the required printer drivers which are in use, uninstall other printer drivers that may conflict with working printers

Clear Printer Spooler Files Windows 10

  • Click Start, type Services.msc in the Search box, or Click WIN+Q, type “Services.msc” in the open box
  • Services can be found under Computer Management on older operation system (Windows XP)
  • Double-click Printer Spooler in the list
  • Click Stop and click OK.
  • Open C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
  • Delete all files in the PRINTERS folder
  • Unplug the printer from the Computer
  • Start Printer Spooler Service
  • Plug the printer back in

Note: PRINTERS folder is hidden so if you are not displaying hidden system folders than you should just copy and paste this path into windows explorer: “C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS”

Also See: Printer showing offline after upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 8 and Windows 7

How to Enable and start the Spooler Service or Start Printer Spooler Service

  • Click Start, type Services.msc in the Search box, or Click WIN+Q, type “Services.msc” in the open box
  • Double-click Printer Spooler in the list
  • Click on Start, In the Startup Type list, make sure that “Automatic” is selected and click OK
  • Check the printer

Proceed with the below steps if still issue not resolved

  • Click Start, type Services.msc in the Search box
  • Double-click Printer Spooler in the list
  • Go to the Recovery tab and select Restart the Service in the Subsequent Failures field.
  • This will restart the print spooler service whenever it fails
  • Go to Dependencies’ tab and check all depending services are started state
  • If require start all dependencies services

Other solution to resolve  the issue

Try to reinstall Printer drivers from CD that comes with the printer or download new updated drivers from the internet and uninstall the old installed driver and install the downloaded driver

18 thoughts on “Print spooler stopping automatically on Windows 10, Windows 8 and 8.1

  1. Ztimster

    I had this problem after upgrading to Windows 10. After much research and no success, I realized that it was McAfee that was causing the problems. It was blocking it in the firewall settings. Once I unblocked it (and several other important services), everything was working great again.

    Reply
  2. Jason

    C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\PRINTERS is no longer on Windows 10. I’m unable to delete .spl files

    Reply
  3. sagari

    i had the same problem.
    but it need to restart every time when the problem is occured although the device ON just only 5min before.

    problem solved after restart but it appear again tomorrow.

    any idea how to solve my problem ?

    thanks in advanced.

    Reply
  4. Stacey

    I have completed all of these steps, have deleted and reinstalled my printer 3 times, and am still having this problem. Suggestions?

    Reply
  5. John Elway

    I am having it specifically with HP4650. My printer was just fine before I set up a new one. Any wisdom on this printer in particular?

    Reply
  6. Pingback: Printing Troubleshooting Steps – Casselberry Tech Support

  7. GL

    Why does this printer just arbitrarily go offline and I’ve spent hours trying to get something to print. It is all so aggravating and there just seems to be no reason that the printer should just stop working or the computer communicating with the printer other than Microsoft purposely causing this problem. Look at all the people with the issue! We are all using the printer and ‘print’ button same as before, but oh, now the stupid appliances aren’t talking to each other. I’m so over it.

    Reply
  8. Alberta

    Why when I click print preview does it only show me a portion of what I want printed??

    Reply
  9. HP Printer Offline Windows 10

    I have using Hp laptop since last 2years. but it can stop there work after update into window 10. Automatically print spooler can be stopped. I do not understand what can happen we can visit the given link that can provide an instant solution in less time.

    Reply
  10. hp printer

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    Reply
  11. Canon Printer Offline Windows 10

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