Windows 10: Windows 10 Updates: Broken Printer Spooler

There has been a lot of earlier discussion over the past year about the broken printer spooler problem caused by Windows 10 updates. Despite the inclusion by Microsoft of apparent fixes for the issue, I'm still experiencing this issue with Windows Build 20H2. At the moment, the only solution I've been able to find is to revert my PC to an earlier build i.e.1909 and then pause Windows updates to prevent 20H2 being re-applied..


This doesn't strike me as an especially good long term solution. Are Microsoft aware that 20H2 is still causing printer spooler problems for some users? If so, does anyone know if it is likely that this will be addressed and finally fixed at any point soon please?

:)

 

Windows 10 Printer Spooler Failure

I have 3 computers. All 3 were erroring on my printer spooler. I cannot get the printer spooler to maintain operation. It will continuous flick on and off. They are all upgrades from w7. I have found a way to put up with it for the last year and am rather
upset the Windows has still failed to issue an update to resolve this.

Have followed the steps as outlined from
Prabhavathi's previous post linked in multiple threads. I have also tried eVollo's Registry
Edit suggestion.

Step 2 from Prabhavathi solved issues on 1 computer. Other 2 still maintain issue. Neither has files in C:\Windows\system32\spool\PRINTERS. When I check my Computer management event view applications, the spoolsv.exe shows error.

Is there a fix for this yet?

 

Printer Spooler running but not found by Add printer

Hi Trey,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

As you are facing issues with connecting the printer, do let us know the following to assist you better:

• Were you able to successfully restart the Print Spooler Service?
• How have you connected the printer to your device?
• What is the make and model of your printer device?
• Are you trying to print any PDF file via Adobe PDF ?

I suggest you to uninstall and re-install the printer drivers and check.

Steps to remove printer drivers from Device manager:

• Press Windows + R keys from the keyboard to open
  Run command.
• Type devmgmt.msc in Run window to open
  Device Manager window.
• Under Print queues, right click on the printer and
  uninstall.

Try to install the right drivers for the Printer from the Manufacturer’s website.

Also, I suggest you to refer to the below article about “Fix
printer problems” and check if it helps:

(Applies to Windows 10 as well)

Hope it helps. Kindly update the status of the issue, we will be happy to help you.

 

Print Spooler on Windows 10

Hi Alan,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I suggest you to try running Printer Troubleshooter and check if it fixes the issue.

Method 1:

Kindly follow the below given steps:

• Type troubleshooting in the search bar.

• Select Troubleshooting.
• Select View all on the top left corner.
• Click on Printer.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
• Check if issue persists.

If the issue persist please follow these steps and check the issue.

Method 2:

Kindly follow the below steps:

• Press Windows + R keys, type
  services.msc in run window and press Enter.
• In services, stop "Print Spooler" service.
  
• In Windows explorer, navigate to the following folder location and open "PRINTERS" folder.

C:\Windows\system32\spool\PRINTERS

• Click "Continue" or "Yes", if message prompts.
• Delete all files in "PRINTERS" folder and then close Windows explorer.
  

Note: Please do not delete "PRINTERS" folder. Only delete its contents.

• Open services, and start "Print Spooler" service

Hope these information helps, please get back to us for future support, we’ll be glad to assist you further.

Thank you.