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.
- Press “Window key” + “R” to open the Run dialog
- Type “services.msc“, then select “OK“.
- 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. Select “OK“.
- Restart the computer and try to install the printer again.
If the Print Spooler service keeps stopping after your restart it, the problem is most likely related to corrupted printer drivers that are installed on the computer. Try uninstalling all printers and 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. Obtain updated software from your printer manufacturers and reinstall only the items you need.
You can also try cleaning out everything possible that might be hanging the Printer Spooler.
Rahul Agrawal says
Mitch Bartlett you are just too good. THANKS A TON!
Peter says
All i can say is THANK YOU SO MUCH
renato says
Perfect!
homayoon says
Press “Window key” + “R” to open the Run dialog
Type “services.msc“, then select “OK“.
Double-click the “Printer Spooler” service
then stop it and start it again it works
Mandy says
Our Panasonic Printer model KXP3626 has just stopped printing delivery notes. it was switched off last night and back on this morning as normal but will not print from any computer in the office. I have followed the instuctions for Print Spooler errors and nothing has changed. We recently changed broadband provider, could it be possible that this has had an effect? We were connected to a router/provider yesterday afternoon
Hamed says
thank you very much. it was very helpful now it works.
Joe says
The articles of 5/25/16 & 6/9/16 regarding Print Spooler did not correct the Error Message I’m receiving on WiinXP with an H-P DeskJet printer. I don’t have the original Installer CD, & H-P no longer supports my model; I’m unable to verify the installation or Driver status.