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.
william L. Grant says
May 1, 2019 at 1:16 pmThank you so much you have been very helpful.
With love and Kind Regards
William L .Grant
Sebastian Leal says
April 16, 2019 at 9:00 amDisconnect from any VPN you’re connected to
vince says
May 19, 2018 at 1:53 amthanks worked for me. have been trying for days to get printer to work on three computers. one had remote utilites printer i suspected might ha been the problem but was tired
of messing with problem so deleted ir aand all others. reinstalled the printers i wanted and all is ok. good work.
Rahul Agrawal says
April 10, 2018 at 2:06 amMitch Bartlett you are just too good. THANKS A TON!
Peter says
February 4, 2018 at 10:44 amAll i can say is THANK YOU SO MUCH
renato says
November 20, 2017 at 12:07 pmPerfect!
homayoon says
September 4, 2017 at 10:56 amPress “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
February 16, 2017 at 10:50 amOur 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
January 18, 2017 at 8:37 amthank you very much. it was very helpful now it works.
Joe says
October 25, 2016 at 9:42 amThe 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.