So if the Print Spooler crashes, fails to start, or keeps stopping as you perform a printer-related action on your PC, the fixes and suggestions below should let you get it working again.
Run Printer Troubleshooter
Run Printer Troubleshooter
Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically sort printer issues on your computer. So it’s best to kick things off by running it.
Check Print Spooler Configuration
Check Print Spooler Configuration
If running the Printer troubleshooter didn’t help, follow up by double-checking the configuration of the Print Spooler. Then, make any changes to match the steps that follow.
Check the Print Spooler Recovery Response
Check the Print Spooler Recovery Response
Should the issue recur, you must follow by tweaking the Print Spooler’s recovery response in a way that restarts the service even after it fails.
Delete the Print Spooler Cache
Delete the Print Spooler Cache
An obsolete or corrupt Print Spooler cache can cause it to crash repeatedly. Try deleting them to check if that helps. However, before you do that, you must manually stop the service from running.
Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10
Delete Temporary Files in Windows 10
Temporary files that belong to applications and the operating system can also create conflicts and prevent the Print Spooler from working correctly. Try deleting them.
Reinstall Printer Drivers
Reinstall Printer Drivers
Corrupt or broken printer drivers can also cause the print spooler to keep stopping. If the service stops working while interacting with a specific printer, try reinstalling it.
Update Printer Drivers
Update Printer Drivers
Newer printer drivers contain fixes that resolve bugs and compatibility issues with the operating system. So it’s always a good idea to download and install the latest drivers or support software from your printer manufacturer’s website. Also, consider using a driver updater tool if you have any trouble procuring drivers manually.
Update Windows 10
Update Windows 10
Updating Windows 10 helps fix any persistent bugs and glitches preventing the Print Spooler from working correctly. Check for any pending updates and apply them now.
Fix Broken Registry Keys
Fix Broken Registry Keys
Broken registry keys in Windows 10 can also result in Print Spooler-related issues. A free registry cleaning application such as Wise Registry Cleaner should help you both scan and fix errors automatically.
Scan for Malware
Scan for Malware
Computer viruses and malicious programs often cause essential functions in Windows 10 to stop working. However, you can use Windows Security to rule that out by performing a comprehensive scan for malware.
Run the System File Checker
Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a command-line tool that can help you fix file corruption and stability issues in Windows 10. You can run it via an elevated Windows PowerShell console.
Take Ownership of Spoolsv
Take Ownership of Spoolsv
Taking ownership of the executable file that runs the Print Spooler can also help stop crashes and other issues with the service.
Perform a System Restore
Perform a System Restore
If your print spooler still keeps stopping, you can choose to revert your computer to an earlier state when the Print Spooler worked without problems. However, you can only do that if you took the time to activate the System Restore functionality in Windows 10 previously.
Print Spooler Working Non-Stop
Print Spooler Working Non-Stop
Any of the fixes above should’ve helped get the Print Spooler up and running correctly. But if none of them worked and you keep receiving errors frequently, you must consider restoring Windows 10 to factory settings. You might be dealing with a severe underlying issue that only setting up the operating system from scratch can fix.
