If you are experiencing printer spooler errors in Windows 10, do not worry because it is a common problem that can be easily resolved. The printer spooler is a service in your computer that manages all print jobs sent to the printer. When there is an issue with the spooler, your printer will not be able to receive the print jobs, and you may see error messages on your screen. Here are some steps to help you fix printer spooler errors in Windows 10.

Restart the Printer Spooler Service

The first thing you should do when you encounter printer spooler errors is to restart the printer spooler service. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1:

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2:

Type in “services.msc” in the search box and press Enter.

Step 3:

In the Services window, scroll down to find “Print Spooler” and right-click on it.

Step 4:

Select “Stop” from the drop-down menu.

Step 5:

Wait for a few seconds, then right-click on “Print Spooler” again and select “Start.”

Check for Viruses and Malware

Viruses and malware can cause issues with your printer spooler. It is important to keep your computer protected with anti-virus software and run regular scans. If you suspect that a virus or malware is causing the issue, run a full system scan and remove any threats.

Clear the Spooler Folder

If restarting the printer spooler service did not fix the problem, the issue may be with the files in the spooler folder. Clearing the folder can help resolve the issue. Follow these steps to clear the spooler folder:

Step 1:

Open the Services window again by pressing Windows key + R and typing in “services.msc.”

Step 2:

Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Stop.”

Step 3:

Press the Windows key + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.

Step 4:

In the address bar, type in “C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS” and press Enter.

Step 5:

Delete all files in the PRINTERS folder.

Step 6:

Return to the Services window and right-click on “Print Spooler.”

Step 7:

Select “Start” to restart the service.

Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can also cause printer spooler errors. Updating or reinstalling the printer drivers can fix the issue. Here are the steps to update or reinstall the printer drivers:

Step 1:

Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager.”

Step 2:

Expand the “Printers” category and right-click on your printer.

Step 3:

Select “Update driver” from the drop-down menu.

Step 4:

Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.

If updating the driver does not work, you may need to reinstall the driver. To do this, repeat steps 1-2 above, then select “Uninstall device” instead of “Update driver.” After uninstalling the driver, restart your computer and then reinstall the printer driver.

In conclusion, printer spooler errors in Windows 10 can be frustrating, but they can also be easily resolved. Try the steps outlined above to fix the issue and get your printer working again. If these steps do not work, it may be time to reach out to a professional for help.