The Print Spooler service is responsible for managing all print-related tasks, such as queuing print jobs, communicating with the printer, and ensuring that documents are printed correctly. If for some reason this service encounters problems and stops running, you may receive error messages “Print Spooler Service Is Not Running” or Print Spooler Error 0x800706b9. Also may be unable to print documents, and print jobs may remain stuck in the print queue without being processed. Several factors can contribute to the “Local Print Spooler Service Is Not Running” error, Software Conflicts, Outdated or Corrupted Printer Drivers, incorrect settings or problems with Print Spooler dependency service not running are common. This article explores several troubleshooting steps to help you resolve this issue and get your printer back up and running smoothly.
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What is the print spooler service?
The print spooler service is a program that manages the printing process on your computer. It receives the print jobs from the applications, stores them in a queue, and sends them to the printer when it is available. The print spooler service also allows you to pause, resume, cancel, or reorder the print jobs.
There are several possible reasons why the print spooler service may stop working.
- Third-party printer software or applications may sometimes conflict with the Print Spooler service, disrupting its normal operation.
- Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible printer drivers can often lead to conflicts with the Print Spooler service, causing it to stop functioning.
- Unexpected power outages or system crashes can result in an improper shutdown of services, including the Print Spooler.
- Malware or virus infections can compromise system files, including those related to the Print Spooler service.
- In some cases, users might accidentally delete critical system files or make changes to settings that affect the Print Spooler service.
Sometimes, a simple restart can be all you need to fix the problem. This will clear temporary glitches that may prevent complete print jobs and allow the Print Spooler service to start fresh with a reboot.
Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter designed to fix common problems, including issues with the Print Spooler service. Running the troubleshooter automatically detects and resolves common printing issues, making it an easy and effective solution.
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to System and then Troubleshoot, Click on Other troubleshooters.
- Scroll down to locate and select Printer in the list and click on Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter.
Restart Print Spooler Service
If the Local Print Spooler service is not running or has stopped, you may need to manually check and restart the service. This action clears any temporary issues and ensures that the service is up and running properly.
- Press the Windows key + R type services.msc and click OK.
- Scroll down to locate Print Spooler in the list of services,
- Click on Stop and then Start to restart the service.
Another possible reason for the print spooler service error is that the service is not set to start automatically when your PC boots up.
- Here under the General tab and change the Startup type to Automatic.
In addition Checking its dependencies ensures that all necessary components are running, which is crucial for the service’s proper functioning.
Switch to the Dependencies tab and note down the names of the services that are listed under This service depends.
Now check and ensure all dependencies are Running or restart them.
Clear the Print Spooler Files
Sometimes, the print spooler service error can be caused by corrupted or stuck print jobs in the print queue. clear print spooler files allow the service to start fresh and resolve issues that may be preventing the service from running properly.
- First open services using services.msc, right-click on print spoolder service select stop.
- Now Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, Type “%systemroot%\system32\spool\PRINTERS” and press Enter.
- Alternatively, you can open File Explorer and manually Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
- And Finally, delete all files in the PRINTERS folder, You might need administrative permission to do this.
Go back to Services and start the print spooler service again and check if this help fix the printer problem.
Change Recovery options
If the Print Spooler service keeps stopping, you might be able to fix it by changing the Recovery options.
- Click Start, type Services.msc in the Search box and press the enter key
- Double-click Printer Spooler in the list, Go to the Recovery tab and Select Restart the Service in the Subsequent Failures field.
- This will restart the print spooler service whenever it fails
- Go to the Dependencies tab and check all depending services are started state
- If required start all dependencies services
Update Your Printer Driver
Another possible reason for the print spooler service error is that your printer driver is outdated or incompatible with Windows 11. To fix this, you need to update your printer driver to the latest version that supports Windows 11.
- Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager,
- Expand the Print queues section, Right-click on your printer and select Update driver.
- Next, select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will scan for a new driver update and download and install it if available.
Also, You can do this manually by visiting your printer manufacturer’s website and downloading and installing the driver from there. Alternatively, you can use a driver updater tool that can automatically scan your PC for outdated or missing drivers and install them for you.
Updating your printer driver to the latest version ensures compatibility and resolves issues related to outdated or incompatible drivers, which can cause conflicts with the Print Spooler service.
Uninstall and Reinstall the Printer Driver
If updating your printer driver does not work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling it. This can help fix any corrupted or missing files that might be causing the print spooler service error.
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Printers section, right-click on your printer, and select Uninstall device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the printer driver.Restart your PC and Windows will automatically reinstall your printer driver.
- Also, you can Visit the printer manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver for your printer model.
Uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver removes any corrupted driver files and replaces them with a fresh installation, potentially resolving conflicts with the Print Spooler service.
Check for Windows Updates
Sometimes, the print spooler service error can be caused by a bug or a compatibility issue in Windows 11. To fix this, you need to check for any available Windows updates that might contain patches or fixes for this issue.
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click on Windows Update and then Check for updates.
- If there are any updates available, download and install them.
- Restart your PC and try printing again.
Check Windows Defender Firewall
Finally, another possible reason for the print spooler service error is that your Windows Defender Firewall is blocking the communication between your printer and your PC. To fix this, you need to allow your printer through the firewall.
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection.
- Click on Allow an app through the firewall.
- Ensure that printer-related apps and services are allowed to communicate through the firewall.
Performing these steps should help you troubleshoot and resolve the ” Local Print Spooler Service Is Not Running” error on Windows 11. Don’t forget to share your feedback on the comments below.
Also read
- How To Fix Default Printer Keeps Changing in Windows 10
- How To fix Devices and Printers not Loading on Windows 10
- Fix Windows Cannot Connect to the Printer Error in Windows 10
- How to Fix Printer in Error State on Windows 10
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- Windows 11 computer stuck on restarting loop (7 Solutions)
