Clearing Printer Spooler Queue: A Step-by-Step Guide to Smooth Printing

how to clear printer queue when stuck :-Printing documents and images is a routine task for most individuals, but sometimes, print jobs get stuck in the printer spooler queue, causing frustration and delays. Fortunately, clearing the printer spooler queue is a straightforward process that can resolve these issues and ensure your printer functions smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to clear the printer spooler queue on Windows and Mac operating systems.

Clearing Printer Spooler Queue on Windows:

Step 1: Stop the Print Spooler Service

  • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “services.msc” (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Services window.
  • Scroll down and find the “Print Spooler” service in the list.
  • Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Stop” from the context menu. This action stops the spooler service temporarily.

Step 2: Clear Pending Print Jobs

  • Open File Explorer and navigate to C:WindowsSystem32spoolPRINTERS.
  • Delete all files in the PRINTERS folder. These files are print job files waiting to be printed.
  • Once the folder is empty, go back to the Services window.
  • Right-click on “Print Spooler” again and select “Start” to restart the spooler service.

Clearing Printer Spooler Queue on Mac:

Step 1: Open Print Queue

  • Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
  • In the System Preferences window, click on “Printers & Scanners.”
  • Select your printer from the list on the left and click on the “Open Print Queue” button. This opens the print queue for your selected printer.

Step 2: Clear Print Jobs

  • In the print queue window, select the print job(s) you want to remove.
  • Click on the “Delete” or “X” button to cancel the selected print job(s). This action removes the print jobs from the queue.
  • Close the print queue window.

Additional Tips:

  1. Restart Your Computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve print spooler issues by clearing any temporary glitches in the system.
  2. Update Printer Drivers: Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can cause spooler problems. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your printer model.
  3. Use Troubleshooters: Both Windows and Mac operating systems offer printer troubleshooters that can automatically diagnose and fix common printer issues.

how to clear printer spooler queue :-By following these steps, you can efficiently clear the printer spooler queue on your Windows or Mac computer. Regularly managing the print queue ensures a seamless printing experience, allowing you to complete your printing tasks without interruptions or delays. Happy printing!