Printer connection error

Slow PC screenshotRestore Printer Connection by Enabling Print Spooler

Overview: If you receive an error when trying to connect to a printer, the Windows Print Spooler service may be stopped. Follow these steps to turn it back on.

Concern (Topic)

Printer connection error

Details

User cannot connect to the printer due to service interruption.

Caused By

The Print Spooler service is turned off or set to manual startup.

Resolution / Steps

  1. Click the Start button (Windows logo), type Services, and press Enter.
  2. In the list, find and double-click Print Spooler.
  3. In the window that opens:
    • Set “Startup type” to Automatic.
    • Click Apply, then OK.
  4. If you still can’t print, open File Explorer, go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, and delete any files you find there. This clears stuck jobs.
  5. Restart your computer. After reboot, try printing again.

Symptoms

  • Printer error message
  • No documents printing

If this guide doesn’t fix the issue, please go to our helpdesk and submit a ticket to the IT team.

Keywords

printer error, print spooler, turn on service, clear print queue

printer connection