How to Fix Printer Error spooler-error — Print Spooler Keeps Stopping [2026]

Printer Error spooler-error: Print Spooler Keeps Stopping

This error typically occurs when corrupted print job stuck in the spooler queue. Below you'll find 5 proven fixes to resolve it.

What Causes Printer Error spooler-error?

Printer error spooler-error (Print Spooler Keeps Stopping) can be triggered by several issues:

Corrupted print job stuck in the spooler queue
Printer driver conflict causing the spooler service to crash
Malware targeting the print spooler (PrintNightmare)
Windows system file corruption affecting spooler dependencies
Multiple conflicting printer drivers installed simultaneously

How to Fix Printer Error spooler-error — Step by Step

Clear the spooler queue and restart

Open CMD as Admin and run these commands in order:
net stop spooler
del /Q /F /S C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS\*
net start spooler
This removes stuck jobs and restarts the service.

Restart spooler automatically on failure

Press Win + R > services.msc > Print Spooler > right-click > Properties > Recovery tab. Set First failure, Second failure, and Subsequent failures all to Restart the Service. Apply.

Reinstall all printer drivers

Device Manager > View > Show hidden devices > Printers > right-click each printer > Uninstall > check Delete the driver software. Do this for all printers. Restart, then add only the printer you need with a fresh driver download.

Run SFC to repair spooler dependencies

CMD as Admin:
sfc /scannow
The spooler depends on several Windows DLLs. Corrupted DLLs cause repeated crashes. SFC restores them from the Windows image.

Check for PrintNightmare malware

The PrintNightmare vulnerability (CVE-2021-34527) allows malware to exploit the spooler. Run Windows Security > Virus scan > Full scan. Ensure all Windows Updates are installed — Microsoft patched PrintNightmare in July 2021.

Still Getting Error spooler-error?

IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.

Call (581) 398-1270 Book Remote Session

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my print spooler keep stopping?

A corrupted print job, faulty driver, or system file corruption is crashing the spooler service. The most common fix is clearing the spool folder and reinstalling drivers.

What is the print spooler?

The Print Spooler is a Windows service that manages print jobs. It queues documents, sends them to the printer in order, and handles communication between applications and printer drivers.

Can malware stop the print spooler?

Yes. The PrintNightmare vulnerability (2021) allowed malware to exploit the print spooler. Keep Windows updated and run a full antivirus scan if the spooler stops repeatedly.

Will I lose my print jobs when I clear the spool folder?

Yes. Clearing the PRINTERS folder removes all queued jobs. You will need to reprint any documents that were in the queue.

How do I prevent spooler crashes?

Remove unused printer drivers (they conflict even if the printer is not connected), keep Windows updated, and do not install drivers from untrusted sources.

How to Fix Printer Error spooler-error — Print Spooler Keeps Stopping