Print spooler errors can be troublesome and time-consuming if not resolved properly. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve print spooler errors quickly and efficiently. This guide will step through the necessary steps to help you troubleshoot and fix the most common issues associated with the print spooler service.
First of all, it’s important to understand what the print spooler is and why it’s essential to the printing process. The print spooler is a Windows service that collects, stores and manages print jobs that are sent to the printer. It works by placing print jobs in a queue (also known as the spool) and then releasing them in order. If the spooler stops working, then you will be unable to print anything from your computer.
It’s important to note that print spooler errors can occur for a variety of reasons so the best way to troubleshoot and fix them is to first identify the cause before taking further action. Some causes may include conflicting programs or services running on the computer, outdated printer drivers, or even malware.
Once you have identified the cause of the issue, the next step is to take the appropriate action to resolve it. Below is a list of some of the most common solutions for resolving print spooler errors:
1. Restart the Print Spooler Service
The first and most obvious solution is to try restarting the print spooler service. To do this, type “Services.msc” in the Run box or search box, then locate and right-click on “Print Spooler” in the list of services. Next, select “Restart” from the context menu that appears. Once the service has been restarted, try printing again and see if the issue has been resolved.
2. Disable Printer Redirection
Sometimes, the print spooler errors can be caused by a feature called printer redirection. This feature can cause conflicts between different printers and prevent them from working correctly. To disable printer redirection, open the Printers folder and select the “Devices and Printers” tab. Next, click on the “Printer Properties” button and uncheck the “Enable Printer Redirection” option.
3. Update Printer Drivers
If you’re using an older version of the printer drivers, then it’s likely that the print spooler errors are being caused by outdated drivers. To update them, visit the manufacturer’s website, find the driver you need, download it, and install it on your computer. This should resolve any compatibility issues or outdated drivers that were causing the print spooler errors.
4. Uninstall and Reinstall the Printer
If the above steps don’t work, then try uninstalling and reinstalling the printer. First, open the Devices and Printers folder, right-click on the printer in question, and select “Remove Device.” Then, go to the manufacturer’s website, download the newest driver, and install it on your computer. Once you’ve done this, try using the printer again and see if the print spooler errors have been resolved.
5. Check for Malicious Software
Finally, if none of the above steps work, then it’s possible that malicious software is causing the print spooler errors. To check for this, open your antivirus program and perform a full system scan. If any malicious software is detected, then your antivirus program should be able to remove it for you.
Once you’ve taken all of the above steps, the print spooler errors should be resolved. Remember to always keep your printer’s drivers up to date to ensure that the print spooler runs smoothly. Doing this should help prevent any further issues and keep the printing process running smoothly.