Fix “Windows Can’t Open Add Printer” Error In Windows 10 / 11

The “Windows Can’t Open Add Printer” error prevent installing a new printer on Windows 10 or 11 system? This error usually occur due to various reasons, including driver conflicts, corrupt system files, permission restrictions, or print spooler service failures. But the most common one is problem with print spooler service. Well the print spooler service Manages all the print jobs, and if for some reason the service stopped or not started it may result

• The operation could not be completed. The print spooler service not running.
• Windows can’t open Add Printer. The local print spooler service is not running

Windows Can’t Open Add Printer” Error

Well, If you’re encountering issues opening “Add Printer” in Windows, it could be due to problems with the Print Spooler service, outdated drivers, or corrupted system files.

• Print Spooler Service Not Running – The service that manages print jobs may be stopped or malfunctioning.
• Corrupt Printer Drivers – Incompatible or outdated drivers can prevent the printer from being added.
• Windows Update Issues – Recent updates may cause conflicts with printer installation.
• Incorrect Printer Permissions – Insufficient permissions can block printer installation.
• Corrupt System Files – Damaged Windows system files can interfere with printer setup.
• Third-Party Software Conflicts – Security software or third-party print managers may block the installation.

To fix such problem, Try restarting the Print Spooler service, updating your printer drivers, or running a system file check. 

Restart the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service is essential for handling print jobs and connecting printers. If it’s not running properly, printer installation may fail.

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Locate Print Spooler in the list of services.
• Right-click Print Spooler and select Restart.
• If the service is stopped, right-click it and select Start.

Now try adding the printer again.

Reset Printer Spooler and Clear Print Queue

Clearing the print queue and resetting the print spooler can resolve stuck processes preventing printer installation.

• Open the Windows services console using services.msc
• locate print spooler service, right-click on and select stop,
• Now navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. 
• Here Delete all the files in the PRINTERS folder, You should then see This folder is empty.
• Again move to the Windows service console and start the print spooler service

Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Again Outdated or corrupt printer drivers can prevent the printer from being installed properly.

Also you can visit printer manufacturers’ websites (HP, Canon, Brother, Samsung), here search by your printer model number, and download the latest available driver for your printer.

Note: If you have a local printer, recommend disconnect the printer USB cable while uninstalling the printer driver following steps below.

• Now open Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Devices and Printers
• Then Right-click on the problematic printer and select remove device.
• Follow on screen instructions to uninstall the printer driver and remove the current printer driver from your PC.
• Once done restart your PC to completely remove the printer driver.

Make sure the printer is connected to your computer

Now only need to run the latest printer driver. Run the Setup.exe to Run the Setup and install the printer driver. Note :

Also, you can open Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Devices and Printers. Here click on Add a printer and follow on-screen instructions to install the Printer.

Run printer troubleshooter

Also, run the printer troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes printer problems include the printer spooler stopping.

• Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app
• Click on Update & security then troubleshoot
• Now locate the printer select it, then click Run the troubleshooter.
• This will start to diagnose the process for Windows printer problems that prevent print jobs or cause the print spooler to keep stopping.

This Printer troubleshooter will check if:

1. You have the latest Printer drivers, and fix and or update them
2. If you have connectivity issues
3. If the Print Spooler and required Services are running fine
4. Any other Printer related issues.

Once the diagnosis process completes restart your system and check if it helps resolve the problem.

Modify Printer Permissions

Incorrect permissions may block the ability to add a printer. Granting full control to the correct user account can fix this.

• Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print
• Right-click Print and select Permissions.
• Ensure Administrators and Users have Full Control.
• Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.

Some third-party security software may block printer installation. Temporarily disabling them can help identify the issue. In addition, If corrupt system files are causing the issue, running an SFC and DISM scan can repair Windows components.