How to Fix the Print Spooler in Windows 8

If you’re experiencing issues with the print spooler in Windows 8, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the problem. The print spooler is a critical component of the Windows operating system that manages the printing process, and when it’s not functioning properly, it can cause a variety of printing-related problems.

Stop and Restart the Print Spooler Service

One of the first things you can try is to stop and restart the print spooler service. Here’s how to do it:

Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services management console.
Scroll down and locate the “Print Spooler” service.
Right-click on the “Print Spooler” service and select “Stop”.
Wait a few seconds, then right-click on the “Print Spooler” service again and select “Start”.

Clear the Print Spooler Folder

If stopping and restarting the print spooler service doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try clearing the print spooler folder. This folder is where Windows stores temporary print job files, and if it becomes cluttered or corrupted, it can cause problems with the print spooler. Here’s how to clear the print spooler folder:

Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “%WINDIR%\system32\spool\printers” and press Enter to open the print spooler folder.
Delete all the files in this folder.
Restart your computer.

Run the Printer Troubleshooter

If the above steps don’t work, you can try running the printer troubleshooter. This built-in Windows tool can help identify and resolve common printer-related issues. Here’s how to run the printer troubleshooter:

Open the Control Panel.
Click on “Troubleshooting”.
Click on “Hardware and Sound”.
Click on “Printer”.
Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.

Check for Printer Driver Updates

Another potential cause of print spooler issues is outdated or incompatible printer drivers. Make sure to check for and install any available updates for your printer drivers. You can do this by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using the Windows Update feature.

Reset the Print Spooler

If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting the print spooler. This will restore the print spooler to its default settings and may resolve any underlying issues. Here’s how to reset the print spooler:

Press the Windows key R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “cmd” and press Ctrl Shift Enter to open an elevated command prompt.
In the command prompt, type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
net stop spooler
del %systemroot%\system32\spool\printers*.* /Q
net start spooler
Restart your computer.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve any issues with the print spooler in Windows 8. If the problem persists, you may need to seek further assistance from Microsoft or the manufacturer of your printer.