How to Fix “The local print spooler service is not running” Error in Windows

In the complex network of windows operations, the print spooler plays a pivotal role, seamlessly managing the printing tasks sent to the printer. However, users occasionally encounter the frustrating message, “The local print spooler service is not running “.

There are some common errors that user confront while performing printing task. Likewise, this error can also disrupt your printing activities and leave you wondering about its origins and, more importantly, how to resolve it. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll delve into the meaning of the error, and provide step-by-step troubleshooting methods to get your print spooler back on track. Let’s embark on the journey to decode this enigma and restore seamless printing functionality on your Windows system.

Print Spooler Service Is Not Running: Understanding The Meaning

The ” The local print spooler service is not running ” problem is a most common issue often faced by Windows users, impacting the smooth flow of print jobs from the computer to the printer. The print spooler service is responsible for managing the print queue, allowing multiple print jobs to be queued and processed in sequence. When this service encounters problems or fails to start, users are notified with the aforementioned error message.

Understanding the meaning of this error is indispensable for effective troubleshooting. It’s not merely a technical inconvenience; it directly affects your ability to translate digital documents into hard copies. Now, let’s uncover the potential causes behind this disruptive error.

How “Print Spooler Service Is Not Running” Error Message Crop Up

Below are the different types of print spooler errors you may encounter:

• “Windows cannot connect to the printer. The local print spooler service is not running.”
• “Operation could not be completed. The print spooler service is not running.”

Whichever error you encounter, the solutions for fixing them are the same. It is a common error pertained with print jobs. However, there is not any particular cause leading to this error. This error can crop up while configuring a new printer, after installing an update, or upgrading your router in any event, you may fix this Windows issue by following these troubleshooting instructions.

Troubleshooting Steps for Local Printer Spooler Service Is Not Running Issue

1. Run the Printer Troubleshooter

You can swiftly identify and resolve printing issues with Windows 10 and 11’s built-in Printer troubleshooter. The troubleshooter automatically fixes typical print issues by scanning the system. If the print spooler service has clogged, it can inspect and restart it.

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Click the System tab in the window on the left.
• Scroll down in the right pane and select Troubleshoot.
• windows 11 troubleshoot
• After that, select Other troubleshooters.
• Next, select the Run button for the Printer option. The troubleshooter will attempt to find any problems by scanning the system.
• After making your printer selection, click Next to begin troubleshooting.
• When the scan is finished, wait to see if any issues are discovered. Next, if there are any suggested fixes, apply them.

2. Restart Print Spooler Service

To resolve the print spooler service is not running problem, you can verify and restart the print spooler service using the Services snap-in. This is how you do it:

• Press the Win key and type services.
• Select on Services to open the snap-in.
• Afterwards, find the Print Spooler service from the list of services.
• Next, perform Right-click on the service, choose restart and wait for the process to complete.
• Start over with a fresh print job and see whether the issue is fixed.

3. Set the Print Spooler Service Startup Type to Automatic

The print spooler service is configured by default to launch automatically when the system reboots. The service may, however, cease to function if you have configured it to start manually. Using the Services snap-in, you can modify startup type for the print spooler service using the Services snap-in.

• To access Run, press Win + R.
• To launch the Services snap-in, type services.msc and click OK.
• Here, finds the Print Spooler service.
• Choose properties after performing right-click on the Print Spooler
• In the pop-up dialog that opens, click the drop-down for Startup type and select Automatic.
• To save the modifications, click Apply and OK.
• Choose Disabled if it’s already set to Automatic. For the changes to be saved, click Apply and OK.
• Go to Print Spooler service properties and set the Startup type to Automatic.
• To save the changes, click OK and then Apply.
• Restart your computer after closing the Services snap-in. Create a print job and check if the error printer spooler service is not running is resolved. 

4. Clear the Print Spooler Files

The local print spooler service is not running problem may be caused by an excessive number of unfinished or corrupted print jobs. You can manually remove the print spooler files and restart the service to fix this. Following are the steps to achieve this.

• To access Run, press Win + R.
• After typing services.msc, press OK.
• Navigate to the Print Spooler service in the Services snap-in and select it.
• Choose Stop by doing a right-click on the Print Spooler.
• Choose Stop by doing a right-click on the Print Spooler.
• Go to the following location. For easier navigation, you can copy and paste the path below into the File Explorer address bar: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
• Delete every file found in the Printers folder at this point. If User Account Control (UAC) asks you to confirm, click Yes. Simply remove the files inside the PRINTERS folder; do not delete the folder itself.
• After Closing File Explorer, return to the Services snap-in.
• Choose the Print Spooler service, then use the right-click menu to choose Start.

Now perform a new print job and check if the error is resolved. If not, disconnect and reconnect the printer to see if that helps.

5. Update Your Printer Driver

Your linked device may not function properly if you use outdated or corrupted HP Printer Driver (assuming you use HP Device). See if you can fix the issue by updating your printer driver. Using Device Manager, you may upgrade the generic printer driver. Here’s how to do it.

• To access Run, press Win + I.
• Click OK after typing devmgmt.msc to launch Device Manager.
• Expand the Print Queues area in Device Manager.
• Right-click on your printer and select Update driver.
• To update the driver, right-click on your printer.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers after that. If a new driver update is available, Windows will search for it, download it, and install it.

6. Uninstall and Reinstall the Printer Driver

You can also uninstall the printer driver to perform a clean install of your printer. To remove a printer, first, you need to remove the device from the Settings and then remove the driver.

To uninstall a printer:

• Access the setting by pressing Win + I.
• Select on Bluetooth & devices, In the left pane.
• Afterwards, Select on Printers & scanners.
• Now find and select on your printer.
• Select the remove button in the top right corner and click Yes to confirm the action.

Restart your PC, when it is done. After restarting, finish the configuration by downloading the most recent printer drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of the “The local print spooler service is not running” error in Windows might seem like a daunting task, but armed with understanding and the right troubleshooting steps, you can overcome this challenge. We explored the various causes behind this issue, ranging from service disruptions and print job corruptions to driver conflicts and malware intrusions. Sometime issue persists after applying all the troubleshooting techniques. In such case best decision Printer Support Forum, where your quarries are patiently listen and get invincible suggestion.  Our technical nerds who have years of experience in solving printer related issue are available at this platform. You can contact us via toll-free number, e-mail, live chat, or printersupportfaq.com and get in touch with us for the best printing experience.