A stuck queue can block every document behind it. Here's how to fully clear it on Windows and Mac when the normal cancel button doesn't work.

Quick Answer

Stop the print spooler service, delete the temporary print files manually, then restart the spooler to fully clear the queue.

On This Page
  1. Common Reasons This Happens
  2. Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting
  3. 1. Try Cancelling Normally First
  4. 2. Stop the Print Spooler Service
  5. 3. Delete Temporary Print Files
  6. 4. Restart the Print Spooler Service
  7. 5. Resend the Print Job
  8. What If It's Still Not Fixed?
  9. Frequently Asked Questions

Common Reasons how do i clear a stuck print queue

A corrupted print job file

Damaged documents can freeze in a "deleting" state indefinitely.

A spooler service conflict

The background service managing the queue may need a manual restart to release stuck jobs.

Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before you start:
  • Try right-clicking the stuck job and selecting Cancel before more advanced steps.
  • Confirm no other computer on the network is also sending to the same printer.

1. Try Cancelling Normally First

1

Right-click the stuck job in the queue and select Cancel or Restart.

2. Stop the Print Spooler Service

2

On Windows, open Services, find Print Spooler, and select Stop.

3. Delete Temporary Print Files

3

Navigate to the print spooler folder and delete the files inside it manually.

4. Restart the Print Spooler Service

4

Start the Print Spooler service again from the Services window.

5. Resend the Print Job

5

Once the queue is clear, try printing your document again.

What If It's Still Not Fixed?

If you've worked through every step above and the problem continues, it's worth checking a nearby cause rather than repeating the same steps. The guides below cover the most common related issues.

Still stuck? Try describing the problem in your own words using the search bar — different symptoms of the same root cause are often covered on a related page.

Frequently Asked Questions

They're located in the system's print spooler folder, which stores queued jobs until they're sent to the printer.

People Also Ask

  • Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners > Add device, and select your printer once it appears. Read the full guide →
  • Remove the printer from System Settings > Printers & Scanners and add it again to refresh its connection status. Read the full guide →
  • Clean the feed rollers, don't overfill the paper tray, and make sure the paper weight matches your printer's specifications. Read the full guide →
  • Connect via USB for the simplest setup, or add the printer wirelessly through your laptop's printer settings once it's joined your WiFi network. Read the full guide →

Related Guides

How Do I Restart the Print Spooler? Why Can't I Delete a Print Job? Why Does Print Spooler Keep Stopping?