Print spooler keeps stopping

Printers form a vital part of our digital life, whether you’re at home or work. However, the frustrating reality of “print spooler keeps stopping” is a common issue that many users face. This article aims to dissect this recurring problem, the reasons behind it, and simple procedures to fix it.

Understanding Print Spooler Issues

The Print Spooler is a software program that manages all print jobs sent to the printer from your computer. When the print spooler stops, it disrupts printing operations. This can be a big inconvenience if you’re on a tight deadline or if you need to print important documents.

Why Does the Print Spooler Keep Stopping?

Several factors can cause the print spooler to stop. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Corrupt Printer Drivers: If the printer drivers on your computer are corrupted, they can cause your print spooler to stop. Drivers are essential pieces of software that allow your computer to communicate with the printer. When these get damaged or outdated, they may lead to spooler issues.
• Printer Queue Issues: When you send multiple printing commands simultaneously, your print queue can get overloaded. If the commands clash, the print spooler may stop as it struggles to manage the multiple print jobs.
• Corrupt Print Jobs: Sometimes, a single corrupt print job can disrupt the whole print queue, causing the print spooler to stop.

How to Fix the Print Spooler Keeps Stopping Issue?

If you find that your print spooler keeps stopping, here are some troubleshooting steps to follow:

Fix 1: Restart the Print Spooler Service

One of the simplest yet effective methods to resolve the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue is to restart the Print Spooler service. This is akin to giving your Print Spooler a quick break to reset and clear any errors it might be experiencing. Here’s how you can do it:

• Step 1: Open the Run Dialog Box: Press the ‘Windows key + R’ to open the Run dialog box. This handy tool allows you to run system programs from a single command.
• Step 2: Open the Services Application: In the Run dialog box, type ‘services.msc’ and hit ‘Enter’. This command will open the Services application where you can view all the services currently running on your computer.
• Step 3: Locate the Print Spooler Service: Scroll through the list of services until you find the ‘Print Spooler’ service.
• Step 4: Restart the Print Spooler Service: Once you find ‘Print Spooler’, right-click on it and select ‘Restart’ from the dropdown menu. This will stop and then restart the Print Spooler service.
• Step 5: Check Your Printer: After restarting the Print Spooler service, check to see if your printer is working properly now. If the print spooler keeps stopping issue persists, you may need to move onto more advanced troubleshooting steps.

This method gives the Print Spooler a quick refresh and can clear minor errors or glitches that are causing it to stop. However, if the issue is caused by more complex problems like corrupted drivers or a cluttered print queue, this method may not provide a permanent solution. In such cases, it’s recommended to try other fixes such as updating your printer drivers or clearing the print queue.

Fix 2: Update Your Printer Drivers

Another effective method to resolve the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue is by updating your printer drivers. Outdated or corrupted drivers can hinder the communication between your computer and printer, causing the print spooler to stop. Here’s how to update your printer drivers:

• Step 1: Identify Your Printer Model: First, you need to know your printer’s model. You can usually find this information on the printer itself or in its manual.
• Step 2: Visit the Manufacturer’s Website: Go to your printer manufacturer’s website. Look for a ‘Support’ or ‘Downloads’ section on the site. Major manufacturers usually maintain a database of all their product drivers.
• Step 3: Search for Your Printer Model: Enter your printer model into the search bar provided. Be as accurate as possible to ensure you find the right drivers.
• Step 4: Download the Latest Drivers: Once you find your printer model, there should be an option to download the latest drivers. Ensure you download the drivers that correspond to your computer’s operating system (Windows 10, Windows 8, etc.)
• Step 5: Install the Drivers: After the driver file is downloaded, locate it on your computer (usually in the ‘Downloads’ folder) and double-click to install. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
• Step 6: Restart Your Computer: After the installation is complete, restart your computer. This allows your system to load the new drivers.
• Step 7: Test Your Printer: Try printing a document to see if the print spooler keeps stopping issue has been resolved. If not, proceed to other troubleshooting methods.

Updating your printer drivers ensures your printer and computer can communicate effectively, reducing the likelihood of spooler-related issues. This method is especially useful if you’ve recently updated your operating system or haven’t updated your drivers in a while.

Fix 3: Clear the Print Queue

The print queue is a list of documents that have been sent to a printer for printing. Sometimes, a jammed or corrupt print job in the queue can cause the print spooler to stop. Clearing the print queue can help resolve this issue. Here are the steps to do it:

• Step 1: Open the Run Dialog Box: Press the ‘Windows key + R’ to bring up the Run dialog box. This is a shortcut for accessing system applications and features.
• Step 2: Open the Services Application: Type ‘services.msc’ into the Run dialog box and press ‘Enter’. This command opens the Services application.
• Step 3: Stop the Print Spooler Service: Locate the ‘Print Spooler’ service in the list, right-click on it, and select ‘Stop’. This will temporarily halt all printing processes.
• Step 4: Clear the Print Queue: Navigate to ‘C:\Windows\System32\Spool\Printers’. This is the location of your print queue. Delete all files in this folder to clear the print queue.
• Step 5: Restart the Print Spooler Service: Return to the Services application (you can keep it open or reopen it using the ‘services.msc’ command), find the ‘Print Spooler’ service again, right-click, and select ‘Start’. This will restart the print spooler service, and it should now function without the burden of the previously queued print jobs.
• Step 6: Test Your Printer: Try sending a print job to your printer to see if the print spooler keeps stopping issue is resolved. If not, you may need to consider other troubleshooting methods.

Clearing the print queue can often fix problems with the print spooler, especially if there was a corrupt print job in the queue. This fix acts as a clean slate for your print spooler, allowing it to process new print jobs without interference from the previous ones.

Fix 4: Utilize the Printer Troubleshooter

If you’ve tried the previous methods and the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue continues to persist, there’s still hope in resolving the problem. Windows offers a convenient built-in tool called the Printer Troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common printer-related issues. By utilizing this troubleshooter, you can save time and effort in diagnosing and resolving the problem. Here’s how to use the Printer Troubleshooter:

1. Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the “Settings” (gear icon). Alternatively, press the “Windows key + I” to directly access the Settings app.
2. Within the Settings app, locate and click on the “Devices” option. This section allows you to manage your connected devices, including printers.
3. In the left-hand menu of the “Devices” section, select “Printers & scanners”. This will display the printers and scanners connected to your computer.
4. Scroll down to the “Printers & scanners” section, and under the “Related settings” heading, you’ll find the “Run the troubleshooter” button. Click on it to initiate the Printer Troubleshooter.
5. The troubleshooter will now analyze your printer settings and configuration, checking for any common issues. It may take some time to complete the process, so be patient.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter. It will provide steps or prompts to resolve any problems it detects. This may include updating drivers, fixing print queue issues, or resolving connectivity problems.
7. Once the troubleshooter has completed its process and resolved any identified issues, test your printer by attempting to print a document. Check if the “print spooler keeps stopping” problem has been successfully resolved.

If the Printer Troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue, there may be more complex underlying problems that require further investigation. Consider reaching out to a professional technician or contacting your printer manufacturer’s customer support for assistance.

Fix 5: Reinstall or Update the Print Spooler Software

If the previous fixes haven’t resolved the persistent issue of the “print spooler keeps stopping,” it might be worth considering reinstalling or updating the print spooler software itself. This can help address any underlying software conflicts or glitches that may be causing the problem. Here’s how you can proceed:

1. Open the Control Panel on your computer. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu and searching for “Control Panel.”
2. In the Control Panel, navigate to the “Programs” or “Programs and Features” section. This is where you can manage the installed software on your computer.
3. Look for the print spooler software in the list of installed programs. It may be listed as “Print Spooler,” “Printer Spooler,” or something similar. Right-click on it and select “Uninstall” or “Remove” to uninstall the software from your system.
4. Once the print spooler software is uninstalled, restart your computer to ensure any remaining traces of the software are removed.
5. After restarting, open a web browser and visit the official website of your printer’s manufacturer. Look for a “Support” or “Downloads” section on the website.
6. In the support section, search for the latest version of the print spooler software specific to your printer model and operating system. Download the software installation package to your computer.
7. Locate the downloaded software package on your computer and double-click on it to initiate the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. If prompted, choose the recommended installation options.
8. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
9. Test your printer by printing a document to check if the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue has been resolved.

Reinstalling or updating the print spooler software can help eliminate any software-related issues that may be causing the persistent problem. By obtaining the latest version of the software from the manufacturer’s website, you ensure compatibility and address any known bugs or conflicts. Remember to always restart your computer after making any significant software changes to ensure proper implementation.

Fix 6: Check for and Remove Printer Driver Conflicts

Printer driver conflicts can be a common cause of the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue. Conflicting drivers can disrupt the communication between your computer and the printer, leading to spooler problems. By checking for and removing any conflicting printer drivers, you can potentially resolve the issue. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Open the Control Panel on your computer by clicking on the Start menu and searching for “Control Panel.”
2. In the Control Panel, navigate to the “Devices and Printers” or “Printers and Scanners” section. This is where you can manage your connected printers.
3. Locate your printer in the list of installed printers and right-click on it. From the context menu, select “Properties” or “Printer Properties.”
4. In the printer properties window, go to the “Advanced” or “Hardware” tab, depending on your printer model and driver version.
5. Look for a button or option that says “Print Processor” or “Change Print Processor.” Click on it to access the print processor settings.
6. In the print processor settings, you’ll see a list of available print processors. Take note of the currently selected print processor.
7. Change the print processor to a different option from the list. Choose a different print processor that is compatible with your printer and driver.
8. Click “Apply” or “OK” to save the changes.
9. Restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
10. After restarting, test your printer by printing a document to check if the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, you can try removing any additional conflicting printer drivers.
11. To remove conflicting printer drivers, return to the “Devices and Printers” or “Printers and Scanners” section in the Control Panel.
12. Right-click on any other printers listed in the installed printers section and select “Remove” or “Delete” to uninstall them. Only remove printers that are not currently in use or needed.
13. Restart your computer once again to finalize the removal of conflicting printer drivers.
14. Test your printer once more to ensure that the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue has been successfully resolved.

Checking for and removing printer driver conflicts can help eliminate any issues arising from incompatible or conflicting drivers. By adjusting the print processor settings and removing unnecessary printers, you optimize the communication between your computer and the printer, reducing the chances of the print spooler stopping unexpectedly.

Fix 7: Disable Print Spooler Dependencies

Sometimes, the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue can be caused by dependencies that are conflicting with the print spooler service. Disabling these dependencies can help resolve the problem. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Press the ‘Windows key + R’ to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type ‘services.msc’ into the Run dialog box and hit ‘Enter’. This will open the Services application.
3. In the Services window, scroll down and locate the ‘Print Spooler’ service.
4. Right-click on the ‘Print Spooler’ service and select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
5. In the Properties window, navigate to the ‘Dependencies’ tab.
6. You will see a list of services that the Print Spooler depends on. Take note of the dependencies listed.
7. One by one, locate each dependency in the list and right-click on it. Select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
8. In the dependency’s Properties window, change the startup type to ‘Disabled’. This prevents the dependency service from starting automatically.
9. Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ to save the changes.
10. Repeat this process for all the dependencies listed for the Print Spooler service.
11. Once you have disabled all the dependencies, close the Services window.
12. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
13. After restarting, test your printer by printing a document to check if the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue has been resolved.

Disabling print spooler dependencies can help eliminate conflicts between the Print Spooler service and other services running on your computer. By preventing these dependencies from starting automatically, you ensure that the print spooler functions independently, potentially resolving the issue. However, keep in mind that disabling certain dependencies may affect other functionalities on your computer. If you encounter any unexpected issues, you can re-enable the dependencies by following the same steps and setting their startup type back to ‘Automatic’.

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Fix 8: Perform a System File Check

If the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue persists despite trying the previous fixes, there may be system file corruption causing the problem. Performing a System File Check can help identify and repair any corrupted system files that could be impacting the print spooler. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Press the ‘Windows key’ on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Type ‘Command Prompt’ in the search bar. Right-click on ‘Command Prompt’ in the search results and select ‘Run as administrator’. This will open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press ‘Enter’: sfc /scannow
4. Wait for the System File Check utility to scan your system for any corrupted files. This process may take some time.
5. Once the scan is complete, the System File Check utility will attempt to repair any identified issues automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions if prompted.
6. After the repair process is finished, restart your computer.
7. Test your printer by printing a document to check if the “print spooler keeps stopping” issue has been resolved.

Performing a System File Check helps ensure the integrity of your system files. By repairing any corrupted files, you can eliminate potential underlying causes of the print spooler problem. If the issue persists even after running the System File Check, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from a technical professional or consider additional troubleshooting steps.

Conclusion

Dealing with a ‘print spooler keeps stopping’ issue can be frustrating. However, with the right approach and troubleshooting methods, you can resolve this issue effectively. Whether it’s by restarting the print spooler service, updating your printer drivers, or clearing the print queue, there are several ways to address this issue. Remember, if the problem persists, it may be worth reaching out to a professional or your printer’s customer service.

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