HP Print Spooler Error — Clear & Reset Steps

The Print Spooler is a Windows service that manages print jobs. When it crashes or gets stuck, your HP printer won't print. Here's how to reset it.

Method 1: Quick Restart via Services

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter
2. Scroll to Print Spooler
3. Right-click → Stop
4. Wait 10 seconds
5. Right-click → Start
6. Make sure Startup type is set to Automatic
7. Try printing again

Method 2: Clear Spooler Files (Deep Reset)

1. First, stop the Print Spooler service (Method 1, steps 1-3)
2. Open File Explorer → navigate to: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
3. Delete all files inside the PRINTERS folder (these are stuck print jobs)
4. Go back to Services → Start the Print Spooler
5. Try printing again

Method 3: Command Prompt Reset

1. Right-click Start button → Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Type these commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

If Spooler Keeps Crashing

• • Remove and re-add the printer: Settings → Printers → Remove device → Add printer
• • Update the HP driver: Device Manager → Print queues → Update driver
• • Check for Windows Updates: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
• • Remove other printer drivers: Old drivers from printers you no longer use can cause conflicts