The “Print Spooler” service is a crucial component of Windows 10 that manages the printing process. When this service stops unexpectedly, it can lead to printing issues, preventing users from printing documents. If you’re facing the “Print Spooler keeps stopping” error on Windows 10, here are some effective solutions to fix the problem:
- Restart the Print Spooler Service:
The simplest solution is to restart the Print Spooler service, which can often resolve temporary glitches or errors.
a) Open the Services app. b) Locate the “Print Spooler” service. c) Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Restart”.
- Check Print Spooler Configuration:
Ensure the Print Spooler service is set to start automatically and has the correct dependencies.
a) Open the Services app. b) Locate the “Print Spooler” service. c) Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Properties”. d) In the “Startup type” drop-down, select “Automatic”. e) Go to the “Dependencies” tab. f) Ensure all listed dependencies are running.
- Delete Print Spooler Files:
Sometimes, corrupted or outdated Print Spooler files can cause the service to malfunction. Deleting these files can help resolve the issue.
a) Stop the Print Spooler service (refer to step 1a). b) Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location: C:\Windows\System32\Spool\PRINTERS c) Delete all files in this folder. d) Restart the Print Spooler service (refer to step 1c).
- Update Printer Drivers:
Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can also cause Print Spooler issues. Updating to the latest drivers can resolve compatibility problems.
a) Open Device Manager. b) Expand the “Printers” section. c) Right-click on your printer and select “Update driver”. d) Select “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
- Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily:
In some cases, antivirus software or firewall settings may interfere with the Print Spooler service. Disabling them temporarily can help identify if they’re causing the issue.
- Check for Malware:
Malware infections can also disrupt system services, including the Print Spooler. Perform a thorough system scan with your antivirus or anti-malware software to rule out any infections.
- Perform a System Restore:
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, consider performing a System Restore to a point before the problem started occurring. This can revert any recent changes that might have caused the Print Spooler to stop working.
- Reinstall Printer Drivers:
If the issue persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling your printer drivers. This can help ensure you have the latest compatible drivers installed.
- Edit Registry Keys:
As a last resort, you can modify certain registry keys related to the Print Spooler service. However, this should be done with caution as incorrect modifications can cause system instability.
- Contact Printer Manufacturer:
If none of these solutions work, contact your printer manufacturer’s support for further assistance. They may have specific troubleshooting steps or firmware updates for your printer model.
Remember to restart your computer after making any changes to see if the issue has been resolved.