Match the symptom, then work through the safe checks.
1. What best matches what you observe?
2. Complete only the checks that are safe for you.
Show stop conditions
- The PC uses a company print server
- Removing drivers would affect production or specialized equipment
Likely causes
- A queued job crashes the spooler
- A printer driver or port monitor is incompatible
- Spool files or print configuration are damaged
- Security policy or endpoint protection blocks the service
Quick checks, in order
Disconnect printers and restart Windows
Test the spooler without immediately resending the same job.
Clear the queue using the official sequence
Stop the spooler before removing pending spool files.
Remove the most recently added printer or driver
Use Printers & scanners and the manufacturer driver package.
Escalate managed print systems
Server queues and organization drivers need administrator control.
When does the spooler stop?
The document, application, or selected driver may trigger the crash.
A driver, port monitor, or existing spool file is likely loading at startup.
Remove and reinstall that printer with the correct driver.
Stop and get qualified help when
- The PC uses a company print server
- Removing drivers would affect production or specialized equipment
Official support and model manuals
Use the full model number from the rating label. The manufacturer manual is the deciding reference when codes differ by region or product family.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave the Print Spooler disabled?
Printing will not work, and some print-related features may fail. Identify the driver or job causing the stop.
Why does it restart and stop again?
The same faulty job or driver component may be loaded each time the service starts.