Local Print Spooler Service Not Running on Windows

Printer problems are somewhat of a universal issue for users, whether they’re technology gurus or totally unfit. If you’re facing printer spooler issues in your Windows PC, laptop, or Microsoft, then we’ve something helpful for the solution for you. Exciting, easy-to-follow solution to the spooler problem. Printers are not only the vital devices of your workplace but also a very crucial part of the small and medium-scale businesses ever since they came into conception. With these intuitive remedies, you’ll be up and printing again in no time – and you won’t have to waste valuable time and effort on the old (affected) computer.

What is Print Spooler Service?

Print Spooler Service in Windows is very important, and it does just that-it keeps the print jobs prior to sending them to the print device. Intermediary working printer jobs into an orderly queue so they are delivered to the printer in the right order from your computer. If you don’t have this service, your printer won’t work, and you’ll continue to receive an error that says, “This service isn’t running.” The main reasons for the issue may be that the related files are corrupted or the settings have become misconfigured, and other reasons that can be the perversion of your system by some harmful software or viruses.

Knowledge of this process is essential to proper printer troubleshooting technique. If the service is not running, or the service stops, then the printer will be near impossible to use in such a state, that is, unless this issue is taken care of. Let’s see how to solve this issue.

How to Resolve Printer Spooler Problems on Windows: 7 Ways to Fix it

Use the steps below to fix printer spooler problems.

Method 1: Reconfigure the Print Spooler service

The Print Spooler Service might be paused or may not be properly set up. Restart it again.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Step 2: Type services.msc and press Enter.

Step 3: Scroll through the list to find “Print Spooler.”

Step 4: Right-click it and select Properties.

Step 5: If the service is stopped, click Start.

Step 6: If it’s running, click Stop, wait a few seconds, then click Start to restart it.

Step 7: Click Apply and OK to save changes.

Step 8: Test your printer to see if the issue is resolved.

Method 2: Put the Print Spooler Service startup option to automatic

To drop the Print Spooler Service so it can not be started as usual at boot. Click on the General tab.

Step 1: Open Services. msc as described above. 

Step 2: On the General tab, select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown list. 

Step 3: Click Apply, then OK. 

Step 4: Reboot your computer and check if you can print.

Method 3: Run the troubleshooter

As we know, Windows has an inner Printer Troubleshooter, so you can only use it to find out the printing errors.

Step 1: Open the Settings app using the Windows + I shortcut. 

Step 2: Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. 

Step 3: Find the Printer troubleshooter and tap Run. 

Step 4: The troubleshooter should fix the spooler issues, try and print a test page.

Method 4: Check Windows Defender Firewall

The Windows Defender Firewall mainly pauses the Print Spooler Service. Verify the firewall allows the service through.

Step 1: Press Windows + S, type Windows Defender Firewall, and select Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.

Step 2: On the left side, click Inbound Rules.

Step 3: Look for rules related to “Print Spooler” or “Spooler.”

Step 4: If the rules are disabled, right-click each and select Enable Rule.

Step 5: If no rules exist, click New Rule on the right side.

Step 6: Select Program, then browse to C:\Windows\System32\spools.exe.

Step 7: Allow the connection, name the rule (e.g., “Print Spooler”), and save it.

Step 8: Restart your PC and try printing again.

Method 5: Reinstall your printer driver

From time to time, Microsoft checks errors that cause trouble, like print spooler bugs.

Step 1: Click or tap on Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners.

Step 2: Tap on your printer and choose Remove device.

Step 3: Go to the official website of your printer manufacturer. Select it (HP, Canon, Epson, etc.) Sign In Using Your Account Credentials. Now go to My Products to see your registered product.

Step 4: Install the latest driver for your printer with Windows.

Step 5: Double-click the downloaded installer and then follow the rules it gives to install the driver.

Step 6: Head to Printers & scanners, then click Add device and follow the instructions.

Step 7: Print a test page to verify that the problem is resolved.

Method 6: Check for corrupted system files

Corrupted system files can harm the Print Spooler. So some inner features, like SFC (System File Checker), scan and renew your system files.

Step 1: In Start, type “cmd.” When you see Command Prompt appear in the results, right-click it and choose “Run as administrator.”

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Hold for the scan to finish – 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3: If any problems are found, it will try to make repairs. Restart afterward.

Step 4: If SFC fails, type “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” for more thorough checks.

Printer Spooler Service Keeps Stopping Windows: Top 3 Reasons

Even after repairing, the Print Spooler may continue to stop over and over. Here are a few of the likely culprits if this occurs in Windows:

1. Print Jobs with File Errors: As incomplete or defective files are printed, they accrue in the spooler queue and eventually cause the service to fail. Keeping these files clean will have a good effect on your system.
2. Bad or Corrupt Printer Drivers: The incorrect, bad, or incompatible printer drivers installed may cause system overheating. Driver incompatibility with Windows update. One particular cause might be an unreliable driver, crashing the system.
3. Service Dependencies/Misconfigurations: The spooler depends on services such as RPC. The service just can’t seem to keep running if the dependencies are broken, or if the permissions on system folders are messed up.

Conclusion

There’s no need to be different when it comes to dealing with the “Local Print Spooler Service Not Running” error in Windows. Understanding the service’s target and applying the 7 ways (rescanning the service, trapping for corrupt files, etc) will permit you to fix your printer up sooner. If the error persists, reach out to Microsoft Support or your printer manufacturer for hardware-related help. With this in mind, we offer updated drivers and a brand new and professional service staff that will assist you with all your printing needs and avoid any future bugs, the top printing services at the office or at home.