Printing Problems? How to Reset the Print Manager in Windows

Created by Josh Sheffield, Modified on Fri, 15 Nov, 2024 at 4:15 PM by Josh Sheffield

Is your printer refusing to cooperate? Documents stuck in the queue? Sometimes, the Windows Print Manager needs a little nudge to get back on track. Here's a handy FAQ to guide you through resetting it:

1. What is the Print Manager?

The Print Manager is a Windows service that handles all print jobs. It controls the flow of information between your computer and printer. When it malfunctions, you might experience issues like:

Print jobs getting stuck
Printer not responding
Inability to add or remove printers

2. Why should I reset the Print Manager?

Resetting the Print Manager can resolve many common printing problems. It clears the print queue, closes stuck processes, and restarts the service, giving it a fresh start.

3. How do I reset the Print Manager in Windows?

Method 1: Using Services

Open the Services app: Press the Windows key, type "services.msc", and press Enter.
Locate the Print Spooler service: Scroll down the list and find "Print Spooler".
Stop the service: Right-click on "Print Spooler" and select "Stop".
Clear the print queue: Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. Delete all files in this folder.
Restart the service: Go back to the Services app, right-click on "Print Spooler", and select "Start".

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt as administrator: Press the Windows key, type "cmd", right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".
Stop the Print Spooler: Type net stop spooler and press Enter.
Clear the print queue: Type del /Q /F /S "%systemroot%\System32\spool\PRINTERS\*.*" and press Enter.
Restart the Print Spooler: Type net start spooler and press Enter.

4. Will resetting the Print Manager delete my installed printers?

No, resetting the Print Manager will not remove your installed printers. It simply clears the print queue and restarts the service.

5. What if resetting the Print Manager doesn't solve the problem?

If you're still experiencing printing issues, contact the ORLS helpdesk at https://orls.freshdesk.com/