# [phone] How to Fix Printer Spooler Errors on Windows 10 and 11

Printer spooler errors are among the most common and frustrating issues faced by Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. The spooler service acts as an intermediary between your computer and the printer. When it malfunctions, your printer may stop working, documents may get stuck in the print queue, or you might see error messages like *“The print spooler service is not running.”*

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore **how to fix printer spooler errors** using a variety of troubleshooting steps, suitable for both novice and advanced users. Whether you’re using a home inkjet printer or a high-end office laser printer, these solutions apply to all major brands including HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and others.

## **Table of Contents**

1. [Understanding the Print Spooler](#understanding-the-print-spooler)
2. [Common Printer Spooler Error Messages](#common-printer-spooler-error-messages)
3. [Quick Fix: Restart the Print Spooler](#quick-fix-restart-the-print-spooler)
4. [Solution 1: Clear Print Queue Manually](#solution-1-clear-print-queue-manually)
5. [Solution 2: Run the Printer Troubleshooter](#solution-2-run-the-printer-troubleshooter)
6. [Solution 3: Delete Spooler Files](#solution-3-delete-spooler-files)
7. [Solution 4: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers](#solution-4-update-or-reinstall-printer-drivers)
8. [Solution 5: Modify Print Spooler Dependencies](#solution-5-modify-print-spooler-dependencies)
9. [Solution 6: Use Command Prompt (Advanced)](#solution-6-use-command-prompt-advanced)
10. [Solution 7: Check for Windows Updates](#solution-7-check-for-windows-updates)
11. [Solution 8: Use System File Checker (SFC)](#solution-8-use-system-file-checker-sfc)
12. [How to Prevent Spooler Issues in the Future](#how-to-prevent-spooler-issues-in-the-future)
13. [When to Call Tech Support](#when-to-call-tech-support)
14. [Conclusion](#conclusion)

## **Understanding the Print Spooler**

The **Print Spooler** is a built-in Windows service that:

* Receives print jobs from applications.
* Queues them.
* Sends them to the printer in order.

When this service fails or gets corrupted, all printing tasks halt. The issue could be due to:

* Corrupt printer drivers.
* Malware interference.
* Large or stuck print jobs.
* Conflicting third-party applications.

## **Common Printer Spooler Error Messages**

You might encounter the following errors:

* “**Print Spooler service is not running**”
* “**Spooler SubSystem App has encountered a problem**”
* “**Error 0x800706b9: Not enough resources available to complete this operation**”
* “**Operation could not be completed. The Print Spooler service is not running**”

These messages indicate that the **spooler service** is either stopped or malfunctioning.

## **Quick Fix: Restart the Print Spooler**

### Steps:

1. Press `Windows + R`, type **services.msc**, and press **Enter**.
2. Scroll down and locate **Print Spooler**.
3. Right-click it and choose **Restart**.
4. Set the **Startup type** to **Automatic** if it’s not already.

If this quick fix resolves your issue, great! If not, continue with the solutions below.

## **Solution 1: Clear Print Queue Manually**

A stuck print job can halt the entire print queue.

### Steps:

1. Press `Windows + R` and type `services.msc`.
2. Right-click **Print Spooler** → Click **Stop**.
3. Go to:

   C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

4. Delete all files inside this folder.
5. Go back to **Services** and restart **Print Spooler**.

> **Note:** You may need administrator privileges to perform this.

## **Solution 2: Run the Printer Troubleshooter**

Windows comes with a built-in printer troubleshooter.

### Steps:

* **Windows 10**:
Go to **Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Printer → Run the troubleshooter**

* **Windows 11**:
**Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Printer → Run**

This will automatically detect and fix common spooler and printing issues.

## **Solution 3: Delete Spooler Files Using Command Prompt**

If the graphical method fails, use CMD.

### Steps:

1. Open **Command Prompt as Administrator**.
2. Type:

   net stop spooler
   del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\* /Q
   net start spooler

This manually stops the service, deletes queue files, and restarts it.

## **Solution 4: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers**

Corrupt or outdated drivers can lead to spooler crashes.

### Steps:

1. Press `Windows + X` → **Device Manager**.
2. Expand **Printers**.
3. Right-click your printer → **Update driver**.
4. Choose **Search automatically**.

Alternatively, visit your printer manufacturer’s website (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson) and download the latest drivers.

If that fails:

1. Uninstall the printer.
2. Restart your PC.
3. Reinstall with the latest drivers.

## **Solution 5: Modify Print Spooler Dependencies**

The print spooler relies on other services. If they are misconfigured, issues arise.

### Steps:

1. Open **Command Prompt (Admin)**.
2. Type:

   sc config spooler depend= RPCSS

3. Restart your PC.

This resets the spooler to depend only on the **RPCSS** service.

## **Solution 6: Use Command Prompt (Advanced)**

Some advanced users may prefer using PowerShell or CMD for troubleshooting.

### Restarting via CMD:

net stop spooler
net start spooler

### Resetting Spooler Service:

sc stop spooler
sc config spooler start= auto
sc start spooler

This ensures the spooler starts automatically and is currently running.

## **Solution 7: Check for Windows Updates**

Sometimes, Microsoft releases fixes through Windows Updates.

### Steps:

* Go to **Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates**
* Install any pending updates and restart your computer.

This can patch underlying bugs that affect the spooler service.

## **Solution 8: Use System File Checker (SFC)**

Corrupt system files can affect spooler operation.

### Steps:

1. Open **Command Prompt as Administrator**.
2. Type:

   sfc /scannow

3. Wait for the scan to complete.

This will automatically fix or replace damaged system files.

## **How to Prevent Spooler Issues in the Future**

To minimize the chances of spooler errors:

### ✅ Keep Drivers Updated

Always install official printer drivers and avoid third-party driver tools.

### ✅ Don’t Send Large Print Jobs

Break large documents into smaller parts to avoid overloading the spooler.

### ✅ Regularly Clear Print Queue

Avoid accumulating old print jobs that may become corrupt.

### ✅ Use Quality Antivirus

Malware can corrupt system services like the spooler. Use a trusted antivirus and regularly scan your system.

### ✅ Avoid Third-Party Print Tools

Software that manages or modifies the spooler can conflict with Windows.

## **When to Call Tech Support**

If none of the above methods work, or if:

* You’re in a business environment with multiple network printers.
* You repeatedly get the same spooler error even after rebooting.
* You suspect malware or registry damage.

Then it’s time to get **expert help**.

### **USA Toll-Free Printer Support**

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Our certified experts are available **24/7** to assist with:

* Spooler service crashes
* Network printer issues
* Advanced driver conflicts
* Custom configurations
* Business printer setups

No matter the brand—**HP, Epson, Brother, Canon, Zebra, Lexmark**, etc.—we’ve got you covered.

## **Conclusion**

Printer spooler errors can be a major disruption, especially when you need to print something urgently. Fortunately, there are multiple effective methods to fix them on both **Windows 10 and Windows 11**. From restarting the service to clearing the queue, updating drivers, and using command-line tools, these solutions should resolve 95% of common spooler issues.

However, if you're still stuck or not comfortable with the technical steps, **don’t hesitate to call our toll-free number [phone] (USA)** for immediate support. Our printer technicians will get your devices back to normal in no time.