Print Spooler service is not running
Check the service that manages print jobs before changing a queue or reinstalling a printer.
Try this first
1 quick checks · ~3 min
Step-by-step solutions
Confirm the Print Spooler state
Read its state without changing configuration.
Find Services from Start and locate Print Spooler. Note whether it is running or stopped.
If it is running and just one document is stuck, follow the stuck-job guide. If startup fails or it stops again, keep the exact message.
Advanced checks
Continue if the earlier steps did not help. Read each procedure’s precautions first.
Start or restart the service when appropriate
Coordinate the test if other people use this computer for printing.
With administrator authorization, use Start if stopped or Restart if troubleshooting indicates it is unresponsive. Leave other services unchanged.
Check whether it stays running, then inspect the queue. If it works, try a small print job; if it stops again, do not restart it indefinitely.
Still not working?
If it fails again, give IT or support the message, service state and printer model. Investigate drivers only when the diagnosis points there. If queue-file cleanup is needed, coordinate the official procedure: it can remove other users’ pending jobs; do not delete folders yourself.
Sources
Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.
Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.