Symptoms
- A print job that never finishes or seems 'stuck'
- Print Spooler process (spoolsv.exe) using high CPU
- Unable to add or remove printers
- General system slowdown that improves after restarting the spooler
Likely causes
- CommonA corrupted print job stuck in the queueA single bad job can jam the spooler until it's manually cleared.
- CommonAn outdated or faulty printer driverBad drivers can cause the spooler to malfunction repeatedly.
- CommonThe Print Spooler service itself needing a restartLike many services, it can occasionally get into a bad state.
- PossibleA network printer that's offline or unreachableThe spooler can keep retrying a connection that isn't there.
- PossibleMultiple printers installed with conflicting or outdated driversThis increases the chance of one causing spooler issues.
What to do
- Open Services (search 'Services' in the Start menu), find Print Spooler, right-click, and choose Stop.
- Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files in that folder to clear stuck jobs.
- Go back to Services, right-click Print Spooler, and choose Start.
- Try printing a simple test page to confirm the spooler is working normally again.
- Update your printer's driver from the manufacturer's website if the issue keeps recurring.
- Remove and re-add the printer in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners if problems persist.
- Check that any network printer is powered on and connected to the same network.
- If the spooler keeps freezing regularly, consider setting it to restart automatically on failure via its Properties > Recovery tab.
Tools and parts
- None required
When to call a pro
If clearing the queue and restarting the service doesn't fix it, a technician can troubleshoot deeper printer driver or Windows configuration issues.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.