How to Reset a Print Spooler

The print spooler is an important troubleshooting tool.

When you print, the print spooler makes sure the job gets done. How that print spooler is configured has a profound impact on your computer's ability to transfer documents from the screen to the printed page. Checking and resetting that print spooler should be one of your first troubleshooting steps any time there is an issue with printing documents.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button and choose "Control Panel" from the menu. Double-click on the "Administrative Tools" icon. If you are working with Windows Vista or Windows 7 and do not see the "Administrative Tools" icons, click the "Classic View" link.

2. Double-click on the "Services" icon to open the services window. Locate the "Print Spooler" service.

3. Right-click on the "Print Spooler" service and choose "Properties. Click on the drop-down box next to the "Startup Type" section.

4. Change the startup type to "Automatic" to have the print spooler start each time your computer does. Choose "Manual" if you want users to have to start the print spooler as they need it. Choose "Disabled" to prevent the print spooler service from running at all.

References

• Microsoft Support: Print Spooler