The Print Spooler Service is an essential Windows component that manages print jobs sent to your HP printer. If the spooler service stops running, your printer may show errors like “Printer not responding,” “Spooler service not running,” or documents stuck in queue.
What Is HP Printer Spooler Service?
The Print Spooler service in Windows temporarily stores print jobs in memory before sending them to your HP printer. If this service crashes or becomes disabled, your printer will not print any documents.
Common causes include:
- Corrupted printer drivers
- Stuck print jobs
- Windows update conflicts
- Malware or system file errors
- Printer driver installation issues
Signs HP Printer Spooler Service Is Not Running
You may notice the following problems:
- Print jobs stuck in queue
- “Print Spooler Service Not Running” error message
- HP printer not working after Windows update
- Printer shows offline even when connected
- Unable to install or activate HP printer driver
Method 1: Restart the Print Spooler Service
Restarting the service is the quickest fix.
- Press Windows + R
- Type services.msc and press Enter
- Scroll to Print Spooler
- Right-click and select Restart
- Set Startup Type to Automatic
- Click Apply > OK
Now check if your HP printer is working.
Method 2: Clear the Print Spooler Files Manually
Corrupted spooler files can stop the service.
- Press Windows + R
- Type: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
- Delete all files inside the folder
- Restart the Print Spooler service
This clears stuck or corrupted print jobs.
Method 3: Update HP Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause spooler errors.
Steps to Update:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand Printers
- Right-click your HP printer
- Select Update Driver
- Choose Search automatically for drivers
Keeping your HP printer driver updated ensures smooth spooler operation.
Method 4: Download and Install Latest HP Printer Driver
If updating does not fix the issue, reinstall the driver.
Download Process:
- Identify your HP printer model
- Search for the latest compatible driver
- Download the correct Windows version
Installation Steps:
- Uninstall old printer driver from Control Panel
- Restart computer
- Run downloaded setup file
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Complete installation and activate printer
After installation, check if spooler service runs properly.
Method 5: Run Windows Printer Troubleshooter
Windows built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect spooler issues.
- Open Settings
- Go to Update & Security
- Click Troubleshoot
- Select Printer
- Run the troubleshooter
Follow recommended fixes.
Method 6: Repair System Files (Advanced Fix)
Corrupted system files can stop the spooler service.
- Open Command Prompt (Run as Administrator)
- Type: sfc /scannow
- Press Enter and wait for completion
- Restart system
This scans and repairs Windows system files.
Fix HP Printer Not Working After Windows Update
Sometimes Windows updates disable spooler services.
- Recheck spooler startup type
- Reinstall printer driver
- Install latest Windows updates
- Remove recently installed problematic updates
Updating both Windows and HP printer drivers usually resolves compatibility issues.
HP Printer Login and Account Setup
For advanced troubleshooting and firmware updates, you may need an HP account.
HP Printer Signup Process:
- Visit HP official portal
- Click Sign Up
- Enter email and password
- Verify email address
- Complete registration
HP Printer Login Steps:
- Enter registered email
- Input password
- Access printer dashboard
- Check updates and manage devices
Having an active account helps in activating services and tracking warranty support.
HP Printer Activation and Setup
After reinstalling the printer:
- Connect via USB or Wi-Fi
- Open printer software
- Complete setup wizard
- Activate printer services
- Print test page
Proper activation ensures spooler communicates correctly with your printer.
HP Printer Customer Support and Service
If spooler service still fails:
- Contact HP Customer Support
- Schedule service appointment
- Check warranty status
- Request driver assistance
- Ask for remote troubleshooting
Professional support helps in resolving hardware-related spooler errors.
Prevent HP Printer Spooler Issues
Follow these maintenance tips:
- Keep printer drivers updated
- Avoid canceling multiple print jobs abruptly
- Restart printer periodically
- Install Windows updates regularly
- Run antivirus scans
Regular maintenance prevents spooler crashes and keeps printing smooth.
Conclusion
The HP Printer Spooler Service Not Running error is common but fixable. Restarting the spooler service, clearing print queue files, updating drivers, reinstalling software, and running system scans usually resolve the problem.
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