Fix for “The print spooler service is not running” Error

by Mitch

in Windows

Some users may get a “print spooler service” error when you trying to install a printer in Windows that says:

Operation could not be completed. The print spooler service is not running.

To solve this error, try the following steps.

1. Press Window key + R to open the Run dialog Start and type services.msc and click OK.

2. Double-click the Printer Spooler service, and then change the startup type to Automatic. This sets the Spooler service to start automatically when you restart the computer. Click OK.

3. Restart the computer and try to install the printer again.

If that doesn’t work, the problem could be related to corrupted printer drivers that are installed on the computer. Try uninstalling all printer software from the computer and start from scratch. This may include PDF writer or faxing software as well. Anything listed in the Control Panel under Printers & Faxes I would do away with. If there is any software installed for other printers in Add/Remove Programs I would uninstall it all. Clean out everything possible that might be hanging the Printer Spooler service. Obtain updated software from your printer manufacturers and reinstall only the items you need.

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Last modified March 4, 2012

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{ 66 comments… read them below or add one }

Carrie March 6, 2013 at 10:10 am

Step by step, just what I like and it was very simple! thank you

Yvonne February 28, 2013 at 9:45 am

Thank you so much… it helpful… U save my life…

Kally January 9, 2013 at 7:24 pm

Thanks a lot.this really helped.i diddent have to set the start-up option to auto i just started the service.

Gabri October 5, 2012 at 1:18 pm

Hello I tried everything and I really don’t know what else to do? As soon as I try to install the driver, the printer spooler turnes itself off. I have done all that was listed on your site. Thank you.

LC August 4, 2012 at 1:13 pm

Thank you so much, this was really helpful!

Norma August 4, 2012 at 5:45 am

I inherited my laptop from a friend who used printers on wireless network, not an attached printer, which is what I’m trying to install. During install, I get “print spooler not running”. I’ve checked the setting for the print spooler, and it is set on automatic. As per instructions on this page, I also checked the printer/fax program folder and it is empty. There is a Uniprint program installed. Should I remove this?

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