How to Fix a Printer Spooler That Is Not Running

The print spooler is a small piece of software that manages your computer's print jobs currently being sent to a connected or networked printer, according to ComputerHope. The print spooler allows you to delete print jobs waiting in the printer's queue. When changes are made to your system that prevent the print spooler from automatically starting when you click "Print," it is necessary to correct the problem before you can use your printer again. Once the problem is corrected and the print spooler is allowed to run, your attached printer will function properly.

Instructions

1. Open your "Start" menu and click "Run" in Windows XP. In Windows Vista and 7, type commands directly into the search bar on the "Start" menu.

2. Type "Services.msc" and press the "Enter" key to open the services panel. Scroll through the list of services on your computer to locate the Printer Spooler service.

3. Right-click the Printer Spooler service and select "Properties." Choose "Automatic" for the Printer Spooler service startup option. Click "Apply" to save the new setting and click "OK" to close the properties window.

4. Restart your computer and allow your system to fully reboot. Your Printer Spooler is set to automatically start when you try to print again.

References

• ComputerHope: Print Spooler
• Windows Reference: Fix For The Print Spooler Service is not running in Vista