Print Spooler Error 0x800706b9 in Windows 11/10? 8 Ways to Fix It

Are you getting a Print Spooler error when trying to print a document in Windows 11 or Windows 10? The Print Spooler is a Windows service that manages print jobs and helps your computer communicate with the printer. If the service stops, becomes corrupted, or gets stuck because of a faulty print job or driver, your printer may stop working. You may also encounter error codes such as 0x800706b9 when Windows cannot start or manage the Print Spooler service. In this guide, I’ll show you the most effective ways to restart the Print Spooler, clear stuck print jobs, repair related Windows files, and get your printer working again.

Why Does the Print Spooler Error Occur in Windows?

The Print Spooler service can stop working for several reasons, so the exact cause may be different from one PC to another. In most cases, the problem is related to a stuck print job, a temporary Windows service issue, or a printer driver problem.

Here are some common reasons why you may encounter a Print Spooler error:

• Print Spooler service has stopped: The service may have been disabled, stopped unexpectedly, or failed to start correctly.
• Stuck or corrupted print jobs: A damaged print job in the spooler queue can prevent new documents from printing.
• Outdated or corrupted printer drivers: A faulty driver can interfere with the Print Spooler service.
• Conflicting printer software: Third-party printer utilities or recently installed printer software can sometimes cause conflicts.
• Corrupted Windows system files: Damaged system files may prevent Windows services from working correctly.
• Recent Windows or driver updates: In some cases, an update can introduce compatibility problems with an existing printer or driver.
• Print Spooler dependencies are not running: The Print Spooler relies on other Windows services, and problems with those services can prevent it from starting.

1. Restart the Print Spooler Service

The first thing to try is restarting the Print Spooler service. If the service has temporarily stopped or is stuck, restarting it can often restore printing without requiring any other changes.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. In the Services window, scroll down and find Print Spooler.
4. Right-click Print Spooler and select Restart.
5. If Restart is unavailable, select Start instead.
6. Double-click Print Spooler and make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic.
7. Click Apply and then OK.

Now try printing a document again.

If the service stops again immediately after restarting it, don’t keep restarting it repeatedly. A stuck print job, corrupted spooler files, or a problematic printer driver may be causing the problem. Move to the next fix to clear the print queue completely.

2. Clear Stuck Print Jobs

A corrupted or stuck print job can prevent the Print Spooler from processing new documents. Clearing the print queue can often fix the problem.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
3. Select your printer and click Open print queue.
4. Cancel any documents that are stuck in the queue.
5. Restart the Print Spooler service and try printing again.

If the print jobs remain stuck or the queue does not open, you can manually clear the spooler folder:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Stop.
3. Press Windows + R again and enter:

%WINDIR%\System32\spool\PRINTERS

4. If Windows asks for administrator permission, click Continue.
5. Delete all files inside the PRINTERS folder. Do not delete the PRINTERS folder itself.
6. Return to the Services window.
7. Right-click Print Spooler and select Start.

Try printing again after the service starts.

3. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and compatibility improvements. If a Windows or printer-related component is outdated, installing the latest available update may resolve the Print Spooler problem.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Windows Update. Click Check for updates.
• Install any available updates and restart your PC.
• Try printing again.

4. Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in printer troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix some common printing problems, including issues with printer settings and related services.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Printer and click Run.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen and allow Windows to apply any recommended fixes.
5. Restart your PC and try printing again.

If the troubleshooter cannot fix the Print Spooler error, move to the next solution.

5. Check the Print Spooler Dependencies

The Print Spooler service depends on other Windows services. If one of these services is stopped, the Print Spooler may fail to start and can trigger errors such as 0x800706b9.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Double-click Print Spooler.
3. Open the Dependencies tab.
4. Check the services listed there and make sure they are running.
5. If a required service is stopped, right-click it and select Start.
6. Restart the Print Spooler service and try printing again.

If the required services are already running, continue to the next fix.

6. Repair Corrupted Windows System Files

Corrupted or missing Windows system files can sometimes prevent the Print Spooler service from starting correctly. You can use Microsoft’s built-in System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools to repair them.

If you are seeing Print Spooler error 0x800706b9, repairing corrupted Windows system files with SFC and DISM may help resolve the underlying problem.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run the following command:

sfc /scannow

3. Wait for the scan to reach 100%.
4. After it finishes, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. After both commands finish, restart your computer and try printing again.

These commands can repair Windows components that may be preventing the Print Spooler from working properly. If you’re still seeing the error, continue with the next solution.

7. Update or Reinstall the Printer Driver

A corrupted, outdated, or incompatible printer driver can cause the Print Spooler service to crash or stop working.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Printers or Print queues.
3. Right-click your printer and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows install any available updates.
5. Restart your PC and test the printer.

If Windows cannot find a newer driver, download the latest driver for your exact printer model from the manufacturer’s official website.

This is particularly worth trying if the Print Spooler keeps stopping when you send a print job.

8. Remove and Re-add the Printer

Sometimes the Print Spooler works correctly, but a corrupted printer installation or configuration prevents Windows from printing. Removing and adding the printer again can resolve the problem.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners.
• Select your printer and click Remove.

• Restart your computer.
• Return to Printers & scanners and click Add device.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to add your printer again.

If Windows cannot find the printer automatically, install the latest driver from the printer manufacturer’s official website and then add the printer again.

How to Prevent Print Spooler Errors in Windows

Once your printer is working again, a few simple steps can help prevent the Print Spooler from failing again.

• Keep Windows updated: Install Windows updates regularly to get the latest bug fixes and compatibility improvements.
• Update your printer driver: Use the latest driver available for your printer model, especially after a major Windows update.
• Remove old printers: If you no longer use a printer, remove it from Windows to avoid unnecessary drivers and configurations.
• Clear failed print jobs: If a document becomes stuck, cancel it instead of repeatedly sending the same document to the printer.
• Avoid unnecessary printer software: Keep only the printer utilities you actually need, as third-party printer software can sometimes interfere with Windows printing services.

If the Print Spooler keeps stopping even after trying all the fixes above, the problem may be due to a specific printer driver, a Windows configuration issue, or a deeper system issue.

Frequently Asked Questions