The print spooler is the background Windows service that manages every print job. Restarting it fixes a wide range of stuck-queue and offline errors.
Open the Services app, find Print Spooler in the list, right-click it, and choose Restart.
Quick Checks Before Troubleshooting
- You'll need administrator access on the computer to restart a system service.
1. Open the Services App
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Print Spooler
Scroll through the alphabetical list until you find "Print Spooler."
3. Right-Click and Restart
Right-click the service and select Restart from the menu.
4. Confirm It's Running
The Status column should show "Running" once the restart completes.
5. Try Printing Again
Resend your document to confirm the spooler restart resolved the issue.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
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Run a printhead cleaning cycle, check that cartridge protective tape and tabs were removed, and confirm ink levels before testing again. Read the full guide →
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Check Windows Update for an official driver, or download the Windows 11-specific driver directly from the manufacturer if the built-in one fails. Read the full guide →
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Confirm the printer's current IP address from its own menu, then add it manually if automatic network search fails. Read the full guide →