Overall, while Windows 10 usually lets people print documents with relative ease, the printing process could still experience many issues including those that involve C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. If C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS is giving you a hard time as you print something, don’t worry. A lot of cases have been reported by Windows users and the good news is that you could resolve the situation on your own.
In the course of operation, Windows 10 computers may act up from time to time. Nonetheless, if you come across an error message that mentions C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, consider these possibilities:
Tasks getting stuck in the print queue.
Corrupted documents that complicate the data transfer between the spooler and the printer.
The spooler software crashes or experiences trouble transferring data which results in service failures.
What You Could Do
Reboot Printer Spooler
Step 1: Press Windows + R to launch Run, type services.msc and open Services
Step 2: Locate Print Spooler, right-click it and select Restart.
Make Use Of Printer Troubleshooter
When you encounter this problem, you should use the printer troubleshooter to detect and deal with all the issues that prevent the spooler from running.
Step 1: Press Windows + I shortcut to open Settings.
Step 2: Look for Troubleshooting Settings, select it and choose Additional troubleshooter.
Step 3: Choose the troubleshooter for printer then follow the instructions.
Step 4: Give the troubleshooter a bit of time to scan for issues and deal with them.
Step 5: Restart your computer when the troubleshooting wraps up.
Set RPC To Automatic
Whenever the spooler runs into issues, it’s a good idea to determine whether Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is running. Various Windows 10 users revealed that sometimes RPC services interfere with the performance of the spooler.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to launch Run, type services.msc and open Services
Step 2: Locate the RPC service in the directory, right-click it and select Properties.
Step 3: Set the Startup type to Automatic then hit Apply to apply the changes.
Clear Print Spooler Files
In certain cases, Print Spooler Service can cease operation due to many corrupted and pending files. Clearing Printer Spooler files simultaneously removes pending files and removes corrupted ones.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to launch Run, type services.msc and open Services
Step 2: Locate Print Spooler, right-click it and select Stop.
Step 3: Minimize the Services window
Step 4: Press Windows + E to launch File Explorers, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Spool\PRINTERS and open it
Step 5: Select Continue (Yes) if prompted to open PRINTERS.
Step 6: Erase all the PRINTERS folder files.
Note: Don’t delete the folder itself (PRINTERS folder)
Step 7: Return to the Services window, right-click Print Spooler and select Start
Step 8: After erasing the files, disconnect your computer from your printers and reconnect them back after some time.
Uninstall/Delete Other Present Printers
Installing more than one printer on your Computer will mess up the printing process and the operation of Print Spooler alltogether. Uninstalling all but one of the printers might take care of the error with Print Spooler.
Step 1: Press Windows + I shortcut to open Settings.
Step 2: Search for Printers and Scanners
Step 3: Highlight the printer you want to get rid of and choose Remove
Step 3: Restart your computer
Get Rid Of Duplicate Drivers
It’s well-known that many of the errors with Print Spooler can be addressed by removing the duplicate printer drivers.
Step 1: Navigate to the Search bar, type print management and select the top entry to open Print Management.
Step 2: Click Print Management then choose All Drivers
Step 3: Mark all the duplicate drivers, right-click and choose Delete.
Note: The C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS errors might be the result of the obsolescence of the printer driver. The printing process could resume as soon as you update the driver.
Step 1: Press Windows + X to open Device Manager.
Step 2: Maximize the Printer Drivers.
Step 3: Right-click it and select Uninstall.
Step 4: Install the newest printer drivers present for Windows 10 from the website.
Guidelines
Keep printer drivers updated.
Delete other present printers other than the one you’re using.
Do not use duplicate drivers.
How Can I Do Away With The Printer Queue That I Cannot Delete?
In the case that you can’t do away with the print queue by deleting it, restart your computer. That is more than enough to remove the printing queue.
What Does The Spool Printer Consist Of?
The Spool folder is a computer or in some cases, a software folder that holds on to files waiting to go through the printing process until the printer is ready to print.
Hoang Tu is a seasoned Microsoft Windows expert with a strong IT background. Studying at Hanoi Bach Khoa University, he gained valuable experience at Hanoi Computer and FPT Soft before joining Milagro Mobile Marketing. Specializing in providing tips and tutorials on Windows for global users, Hoang Tu’s expertise covers various Windows versions. With a talent for clear communication, he offers practical solutions and advice to users of all skill levels. His dedication to empowering individuals in their Windows experience has earned him recognition in the tech community, making him a trusted resource for optimizing system performance and resolving technical issues.
