Skip to content
LogoTechnipages
LogoTechnipages
  • Topics
        • Android
        • Browsers
        • Gaming
        • Hardware
        • Internet
        • iPhone
        • Linux
        • macOS
        • Office
        • Reviews
        • Software
        • Windows
        • Definitions
        • All Recent Posts
  • Product Reviews
  • About

Windows: Clear Print Queue

Mitch BartlettFebruary 27, 2023 Comments (10)
Printer Icon Header

If you have a long list of hung or corrupt print jobs in Microsoft Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7, you can clear the print queue easily by using either of these methods.


Clear Pring Queue from Command Line

You can clear the print queue using commands like this.

  1. Select Start.
  2. Type Command.
  3. Right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator“.
  4. Type net stop spooler then press “Enter“.
  5. Type del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\* /Q then press “Enter“.
  6. Type net start spooler then press “Enter“.
  7. The print queue on your Windows should now be cleared. Type exit, then press “Enter” to exit the command window.

Clear Print Queue Using Windows

You can clear the print queue using this the Windows GUI.

  1. Hold down the Windows Key and press “R” to bring up the Run dialog.
  2. Type services.msc, then press “Enter“.
  3. Find the “Print Spooler” service in the list. Right-click it, then select “Stop“.
  4. Leave the Services window open. Hold down the Windows Key and press “R” to bring up the Run dialog.
  5. Type %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\, then press “Enter“.
  6. Select all of the files by holding “CTRL” and pressing “A“.
  7. Press the “Delete” key to delete all of the files.
  8. Go back to the Services window, right-click “Print Spooler“, then select “Start“

FAQ

Some files remain in the “printers” folder and will not allow me to delete them. How do I get rid of these?

Make sure the Print Spooler is stopped. If you’re sure it’s stopped, you might want to try opening a command prompt and running “chkfdsk /f /r” to run a check on the hard disk. Once complete, attempt to delete the file.

Categories: Windows

Author Mitch Bartlett

My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

You Might Also Like

  • How to Remove the XPS Document Printer Option From Windows 10

    Mel HawthorneWindows
  • fix Windows 10 Error 0x800703ee

    How to Fix Windows 10 Update Error 0x800703ee

    Madalina DinitaWindows
  • iMovie Windows Header

    9 Best iMovie Equivalents for Windows 11

    Tamal DasSoftware
  • Remote Restart Shutdown Header

    How to Remote Reboot/Shutdown a Windows 11 PC

    Susan SheffieldWindows

Comments

  1. Kimberley Hyatt says:
    April 14, 2021 at 1:33 pm

    Amazing! Thank you. 2nd version worked a charm.

  2. John R Janovich says:
    December 30, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    Followed above steps and worked like a charm on Win 7

  3. Elaine Pruncutz says:
    May 18, 2020 at 8:43 pm

    how do I sign on as “Administrator”?????

  4. Harmony Rose says:
    April 14, 2020 at 5:21 pm

    Thank you so much – I’ve been trying to sort out these stuck print jobs for monrths now. This finally worked.

  5. Nanang Taten says:
    January 23, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    Thanks the first step work folr met

    Thank you very much again.

  6. lafield says:
    November 14, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    thank you for making this so very easy!

  7. Laurie Turnbull says:
    September 20, 2019 at 10:04 am

    Thank you, the first method above worked for me on an old HP p1005 printer

  8. Sr. Betty Preston says:
    August 3, 2019 at 9:28 am

    am new with this old printer HP 6600
    I do not understand nor can I find the COMMAND nor the WINDOWS KEY

  9. Mitch Bartlett says:
    March 17, 2019 at 1:08 pm

    When followed properly, these steps should have absolutely nothing to do with causing missing DLL files or background information.

  10. RWild says:
    June 5, 2017 at 2:36 pm

    Just dawned on me this is to clear the files in the queue. I’m want to delete the queues themselves. Sorry but the thing that pointed me here sounded like that was what this was about.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

How to Enable Dark Mode on WhatsApp Updated Methods for 2023

How to Send HD Pictures and Videos on WhatsApp

How to Share Files Using Google Nearby Share

How to Share Files Using Google Nearby Share

Android Battery Will Not Charge Fix

Android Battery Will Not Charge Fix

Turning on Triple Touch Zoom on Android

Turning on Triple Touch Zoom on Android

How to Connect Outlook 2023 to Gmail

How to Connect Outlook 2023 to Gmail

profile pic

The Experts Behind Technipages

My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

Learn More

technipages logo white
linkedin icon

Technipages is part of Guiding Tech Media, a leading digital media publisher focused on helping people figure out technology. Learn more about our mission and team here.

© 2023 Guiding Tech Media All Rights Reserved

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Legal & Privacy

© 2023 Guiding Tech Media All Rights Reserved

Information from your device can be used to personalize your ad experience.
Do not sell my personal information.