Steps to Clear Print Queue in Windows 10
Step 1: Stop Print Spooler Service
The first step in clearing print queues in Windows 10 is to stop the print spooler service. The print spooler is responsible for managing all print jobs and keeping them in the queue. To stop the print spooler service, press the Win + R keys, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Scroll down and locate “Print Spooler” from the list of services. Right-click on it and select “Stop.”Step 2: Clear Print Queue
Once the print spooler service is stopped, you can clear the print queue. Open the file explorer and navigate to “C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS”. This folder contains all the print jobs in the queue. Delete all the files in this folder.Step 3: Restart Print Spooler Service
After clearing the print queue, restart the print spooler service. To do this, go back to the Services window, right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Start”.Step 4: Cancel All Print Jobs
In some cases, the print jobs may still appear in the queue even after following the above steps. To cancel all the print jobs in the queue, open the Control Panel, select “Devices and Printers.” Right-click on your printer and select “See what’s printing.” From the print queue window, click on “Printer” and select “Cancel All Documents.”Step 5: Use Command Prompt
If the above method doesn’t work, you can try clearing the print queue using the command prompt. Open the command prompt as an administrator by pressing Win + X, then selecting “Command Prompt (Admin).” Type “net stop spooler” and hit Enter. Then type “del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\*” and press Enter. Finally, type “net start spooler” and hit Enter.Step 6: Use Troubleshooter
Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can help clear any issues with printing. To use the troubleshooter, go to Settings, select “Update & Security,” then click on “Troubleshoot.” From the list of troubleshooters, select “Printer” and click on “Run the troubleshooter.” The troubleshooter will then scan the system for any issues and offer solutions to fix them.Step 7: Update Printer Driver
Outdated printer drivers can cause issues with printing and sometimes result in print jobs getting stuck in the queue. To update your printer driver, go to the device manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your printer model. Install the driver and restart your computer.Step 8: Restart the Printer
Restarting your printer can help clear any temporary issues that might be causing print jobs to get stuck in the queue. Turn off your printer, unplug it from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. Turn on the printer and try to print again.Step 9: Use Print Management
Windows 10 has a built-in tool called “Print Management” that can help manage print queues and clear any issues. To access Print Management, go to the Control Panel, select “Administrative Tools,” then click on “Print Management.” From there, you can manage print queues, troubleshoot issues, and perform other actions.Step 10: Check Printer Status
If the printer is not properly connected to the computer, print jobs can get stuck in the queue. Check to make sure the printer is turned on, properly connected to the computer, and online. Also, ensure that the printer has enough paper and ink or toner.Step 11: Reinstall Printer
If the printer driver is corrupted or there are other issues with the printer, you might need to reinstall it. Go to the Control Panel, select “Devices and Printers,” then right-click on your printer and select “Remove device.” After removing the printer, reinstall it by following the manufacturer’s instructions.Step 12: Contact Support
If all the above steps fail to clear the printer queue, it might be time to contact the printer manufacturer’s support. Explain the issue and follow their instructions on how to further troubleshoot the issue.Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Update Windows
Keep your Windows 10 up-to-date to ensure that the latest updates are installed. These updates can include fixes for printing issues.Tip 2: Use the Latest Printer Drivers
Make sure your printer drivers are up-to-date. Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website and install them.Tip 3: Avoid Large Print Jobs
Try to avoid printing large documents, as they can cause the printer to freeze and result in print jobs getting stuck in the queue.Tip 4: Use Print Preview
Before printing any document, use the print preview option to ensure that the document is formatted correctly. This can help avoid printing errors.Tip 5: Use Automatic Updates for Printer Drivers
You can set your printer to receive automatic updates for drivers. This can help ensure that the latest drivers are installed.Tip 6: Use a Dedicated Print Server
If you have multiple printers in your office or home, consider setting up a dedicated print server. This can help manage print queues and make it easier to troubleshoot any printing issues.Tip 7: Keep Printer Clean
Dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate on the printer and cause printing issues. Keep your printer clean by wiping it with a soft cloth and using a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the printer.Tip 8: Use High-Quality Paper
Using high-quality paper can help avoid paper jams and ensure that documents are properly printed.Tip 9: Avoid Printing Large Photos
Printing large photos can cause the printer to freeze and result in print jobs getting stuck in the queue. Try to avoid printing large photos or print them in smaller sections.Tip 10: Use a Printer Maintenance Kit
Regularly performing maintenance on your printer can help avoid issues and ensure that it continues to function properly. Consider using a printer maintenance kit to clean the printer and replace worn-out parts. In conclusion, clearing print queues in Windows 10 can be a simple process if you follow the right steps. If you encounter any issues, try the above steps and tips to troubleshoot the issue. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact the printer manufacturer’s support for assistance.Advantages and Disadvantages of How to Clear Print Queue in Windows 10
Advantages
1. Saves time: Clearing the print queue in Windows 10 saves time by allowing printing to resume immediately after any errors have been cleared.
2. Fixes errors: Clearing print queue lets you fix any errors that might have occurred during printing. This ensures that subsequent printing jobs do not encounter the same issues.
3. Reduces hardware failure: Clearing print queue reduces the chances of hardware failure since any errors are fixed before causing damage to the printer hardware.
4. Maintains printer performance: Clearing print queue helps maintain printer performance by preventing errors that might lead to slow printing and eventual hardware failure.
5. Reduces cost: Clearing print queue prevents wastage of printing materials such as ink and paper by ensuring that printing jobs are completed without encountering errors.
6. Can be done remotely: With the help of remote desktop connections, clearing print queue can be done from any location, saving time and resources.
7. Easy to use: The process of clearing print queue in Windows 10 is simple and can be done by users with basic computer skills.
8. Solves printing conflicts: Clearing print queue fixes any conflicts that might occur between different printing jobs, ensuring that all files are printed without errors.
9. Easy monitoring: Clearing print queue makes it easy to monitor the printing process and identify any errors that may occur, allowing for quick resolution.
10. Increases productivity: Clearing print queue reduces downtime caused by printing errors, allowing for increased productivity in workplaces and at home.
Disadvantages
1. Risk of losing print data: Clearing print queue can result in loss of data for printing jobs that were not completed. Users must ensure that all important files are saved before clearing the queue.
2. Requires manual intervention: Clearing print queue requires users to manually cancel printing jobs, which can be time-consuming for large printing jobs.
3. Inconvenience: Clearing print queue interrupts the printing process and may cause inconvenience if the printing job is time-sensitive.
4. May not fix hardware problems: Clearing print queue may not fix hardware problems such as connectivity issues or paper jams, which require physical intervention.
5. May require administrator access: Users may require administrative access to clear the print queue, limiting the ability to do so in shared environments.
6. Risk of damaging printer: Clearing print queue incorrectly or repeatedly may lead to a printer malfunction or damage, which can be costly to repair.
7. Overloading: If several large printing jobs are cancelled at once, it can overload the system and slow down other programs running on the computer.
8. Printing lag: Clearing print queue may lead to a delay in the printing job, especially if the printer has to go through a self-diagnostic process before starting the next job.
9. Print server issues: Clearing print queue on a print server can lead to confused printing status or making the printer inaccessible to other users.
10. System conflict: Clearing print queue may cause conflicts with other programs running on the Windows 10 system if resources are insufficient.
FAQ
1. What is print queue in Windows 10?
Print queue is a list of pending print jobs that are waiting to be processed and printed by your printer. When you send a print job to a printer, it gets added to the print queue.
2. Why do I need to clear my print queue?
You may need to clear your print queue if you experience printing issues, such as a printer that is not responding or printing slowly. Clearing the print queue can also help to resolve any pending print jobs that may be causing issues.
3. How do I access the print queue in Windows 10?
You can access the print queue by opening the Devices and Printers section in the Control Panel or by clicking on the printer icon on the bottom right-hand corner of the taskbar.
4. Can I clear the print queue for a specific printer?
Yes, you can clear the print queue for a specific printer by accessing the print queue for that printer and selecting the print jobs you want to delete.
5. How do I clear the print queue for a specific printer?
To clear the print queue for a specific printer, access the print queue and select the print jobs you want to delete. Then, right-click on the highlighted jobs and select “Cancel” or “Delete”.
6. Can I clear the print queue for all printers at once?
Yes, you can clear the print queue for all printers at once by stopping the print spooler service in the Windows Services section of the Control Panel.
7. How do I stop the print spooler service?
To stop the print spooler service, open the Windows Services section in the Control Panel, locate the Print Spooler service, and right-click on it. Then, select “Stop”.
8. What happens when I stop the print spooler service?
When you stop the print spooler service, all pending print jobs will be removed from the print queue.
9. How do I restart the print spooler service?
To restart the print spooler service, open the Windows Services section in the Control Panel, locate the Print Spooler service, and right-click on it. Then, select “Start”.
10. What if the print spooler service keeps stopping?
If the print spooler service keeps stopping, try restarting your computer or uninstalling and reinstalling your printer drivers.
11. Can I clear the print queue from the command prompt?
Yes, you can clear the print queue from the command prompt by running the command “net stop spooler && net start spooler”.
12. What if my print jobs don’t disappear after clearing the print queue?
If your print jobs don’t disappear after clearing the print queue, try restarting your computer or resetting your printer.
13. How often should I clear my print queue?
You should clear your print queue whenever you experience issues with your printer, but there is no need to do it regularly unless you have ongoing printing issues.
How to Clear Print Queue in Windows 10
Printing is an essential function for personal and business use alike, but sometimes printing jobs can get stuck in the queue. This can be frustrating, especially if you have an urgent document to print. Fortunately, clearing the print queue in Windows 10 is a simple process.
The first step to clear the print queue is to stop the Print Spooler service. To do this, press the Windows key + R, type “services.msc” in the run box, and press Enter. Find the Print Spooler service, right-click it, and select Stop. This will stop all printing jobs in the queue.
Next, navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS folder, or simply type “%windir%\System32\spool\PRINTERS” in the File Explorer address bar. This is where the printing jobs are stored. Delete all the files within this folder.
After deleting the files, restart the Print Spooler service. To do this, go back to the Services window, right-click the Print Spooler service, and select Start. This will start the service and the printing jobs should start printing again, or you can try printing again after clearing the print queue.
Conclusion and Closing
Clearing the print queue in Windows 10 can be done quickly and easily. By stopping the Print Spooler service, deleting the files in the PRINTERS folder, and then restarting the Print Spooler service, you can clear any stuck printing jobs and start fresh. Remember, when it comes to clearing the print queue, patience is key. Give the printer some time to process the print jobs after starting the Print Spooler service. Good luck clearing your print queue, and happy printing!
Thank you for reading this article on how to clear print queue in Windows 10. We hope this guide has helped you solve your printing issues, and that you’re able to print all your important documents with ease now. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Until then, have a great day!