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.
sach says
Thanks Mitch,
Mine was already set to automatic but somehow after PC restart the spoolsvc was showing stop status. Just have to start it back again.
The catch:- On a normal user login, status was showing start(and all options disabled, as it should be). This is a bug.
Fix: When switched to admin login status shows stop. Then changed back to start and all working fine then.
phani says
I have 15 system in my lan all system this speller error , i was formated 2 systems with latest antiviruss and when I connected my lan agaon it started the problem
Mostafa says
Thank you so much. Your website is great. Thanks
Shreedhar says
Yes really worked
mahdi says
the reason :
spoolsv.exe has been deleted or corrupted
you must copy or replace the file spoolsv.exe located in the path in c:\windows\system32\ from another computer to your computer c:\windows\system32
Phoebe says
After buying 3 new label makers (PT-D600) and not getting any of them to work on any workstation, this suggestion was a God-send. Had many hours of frustration and help from a co-worker before stumbling on this; it worked like a charm.
Elyse says
Since mine was already set to automatic, I switched to disabled first, saved, then switched back to automatic. And then restarted the machine. And it worked after that!
BIkky says
Thanks alot it works
Courtney Brady says
This helped fix the problem!! In my case, it was the update dated 9/9/20 KB4574727. Uninstall this and everything is fixed! Thank you.
maria says
Thank you so much! :-)
it worked at once! for windows xp,
charlie says
Uninstalling Windows Update KB4524147 + restart resolved the issue for me.
Lazlo says
OCT 7th printer spooler issue. I am having to remove updates KB4524148 or 4524147 to get printers to work. This update meant to fix the spooler completely breaks it on some PCs
Bodvar says
Already tried this. But it seems that the Windows 10 update of Sep 23 2019 has a bug that stops print spooler from running. I can print from a website which bypasses the print spooler, but not from my laptop.
Louieville P. Galinato says
sir.. it did print as I tried printing like 1 page then after that it didn’t work again how am I gonna fix this?
Unknown says
Thanks bro IT WORKS
william L. Grant says
Thank you so much you have been very helpful.
With love and Kind Regards
William L .Grant
Sebastian Leal says
Disconnect from any VPN you’re connected to
vince says
thanks 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
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.