How to Clear Print Spooler and Fix Forever Printing Problem in Windows 11

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of clearing the print spooler and resolving printing issues on Windows 11. If you find that your print jobs are stuck or not completing, this step-by-step guide will help you reset the print spooler service and clear any blocked documents.

Step 1: Access the Control Panel

1. Open the search icon on your Windows taskbar.
2. Type "Control Panel" and select the best match to open it.
3. Set the "View by" option to "Large icons."
4. Click on "Devices and Printers."
5. Select the printer you are experiencing issues with.
6. Click on "See what's printing."
7. In the print queue window, right-click in a blank area and select "Cancel All Documents."
8. Confirm by clicking "Yes" when prompted.

Step 2: Stop the Print Spooler Service

1. Open the search menu again and type "cmd."
2. Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator."
3. If prompted by User Account Control, click "Yes" to proceed.
4. Copy and paste the following command into the Command Prompt and press Enter:

   net stop spooler
   

5. You should see a message confirming that the print spooler service has been stopped successfully.

Step 3: Clear the Print Spooler Files

1. In the same Command Prompt window, copy and paste the following command and press Enter:

   del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\* /Q
   

2. This command will delete all files in the print spooler folder, effectively clearing the print queue.

Step 4: Restart the Print Spooler Service

1. Open the Start menu again and type "Services."
2. Select the "Services" application from the results.
3. In the Services window, find "Print Spooler" in the list.
4. Double-click on "Print Spooler" to open its properties.
5. Click on the "Start" button to restart the service.
6. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Step 5: Restart Your Printer

1. Switch off your printer, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
2. This ensures that the printer is reset and ready for new print jobs.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to clear the print spooler and fix any printing issues on your Windows 11 device. If problems persist, check your printer connections or consult your printer's manual for further troubleshooting. Happy printing!