Printer Spooler Error: How to Fix It in Windows

A print spooler error in Windows stops every printer on the system dead — nothing will print until it’s fixed. This guide explains what the spooler is and exactly how to fix the most common spooler errors, step by step.

What Is the Print Spooler?

The print spooler is a Windows service that manages all print jobs. It sits between your applications and the printer, queuing up jobs and sending them in order. When it crashes or gets corrupted, Windows can’t communicate with any printer at all.

Common Spooler Error Messages

• “The print spooler service is not running”
• “Operation could not be completed. The print spooler service is not running”
• “Print spooler keeps stopping”
• Printer shows as offline even though it’s on and connected

Fix 1: Restart the Print Spooler Service

This resolves most spooler errors immediately.

1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
2. Scroll down to Print Spooler in the list.
3. Check the Status column — if it says Stopped, that’s your problem.
4. Right-click Print Spooler and select Start.
5. Try printing again.

If it’s already running but still causing problems, right-click and select Restart instead.

Fix 2: Set the Spooler to Start Automatically

If the spooler keeps stopping every time you restart your PC, it may not be set to start automatically.

1. In the Services window, double-click Print Spooler.
2. In the Properties window, change Startup type to Automatic.
3. Click Start if the service isn’t running.
4. Click OK to save.

Fix 3: Clear the Spooler Queue

Corrupted print jobs in the queue can crash the spooler every time it starts. Clear them with this process:

1. Stop the Print Spooler service (right-click > Stop in Services).
2. Open File Explorer and go to: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
3. Delete all files inside the folder (but not the folder itself).
4. Go back to Services, right-click Print Spooler and click Start.

Fix 4: Check Spooler Dependencies

The print spooler depends on two other services to run. If either is stopped, the spooler won’t start.

1. In Services, find Remote Procedure Call (RPC) — make sure it’s Running and set to Automatic.
2. Also check DCOM Server Process Launcher — same requirements.
3. If either is stopped, start it, then restart the Print Spooler.

Fix 5: Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

A corrupted or incompatible printer driver is one of the most common causes of repeated spooler crashes.

1. Stop the Print Spooler service.
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Click your printer and select Remove.
4. Press Windows key + X and open Device Manager.
5. Under Print queues, right-click any remaining printer entries and select Uninstall device.
6. Restart the spooler, then reinstall the printer using a fresh driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Fix 6: Run System File Checker

If Windows system files have become corrupted, the spooler may fail to start even after all the above fixes.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type the following and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

This scans and repairs corrupted Windows system files. It takes around 10 minutes. Restart your PC when it finishes and check if the spooler now works.

Fix 7: Use the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Click Run next to Printer.
3. Follow the prompts — it will often detect and restart a failed spooler automatically.

Related Guides

• How to Clear a Stuck Print Queue in Windows
• Printer Showing Offline — How to Fix It
• Printer Connected to WiFi But Not Printing