Starting the Print Spooler in Windows 7 is a relatively straightforward process. By accessing the Services application through the Start Menu, you can manually start or restart the Print Spooler service, which manages print jobs sent to your computer’s printer. This service must be running for you to print documents successfully.
After completing this action, your printer will be able to receive and process print jobs from your computer. If the Print Spooler was stopped, starting it should resolve issues where print jobs were stuck in the queue or not being sent to the printer at all.
Introduction
There’s nothing more frustrating than hitting ‘Print’ on an important document and… nothing happens. That’s where understanding how to start the Print Spooler in Windows 7 comes in handy. But why is this important, and who needs to know about it? Well, anyone who uses a printer with their Windows 7 computer, that’s who! The Print Spooler is a service that manages all the print jobs you send to your printer. If it stops, so does your ability to print.
Whether you’re a student trying to print out an assignment at the last minute, an office worker preparing documents for a meeting, or someone working from home, knowing how to handle the Print Spooler can save you time and stress. Plus, it’s a great first step to troubleshooting common printer problems. Let’s dive into how you can get that pesky Print Spooler up and running again!
Step by Step Tutorial: Starting the Print Spooler in Windows 7
The following steps will guide you through the process of starting the Print Spooler service in Windows 7.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
In this step, you’re looking for that familiar Windows icon that’s been with us since the 90s. Once you’ve clicked the Start button, a menu will pop up with a variety of options, but we’re looking for the ‘Search programs and files’ box.
Step 2: Type ‘services.msc’
In the ‘Search programs and files’ box, type in ‘services.msc’ and press Enter.
This is like telling your computer, “Hey, I need to see all the services you’re running!” The ‘services.msc’ command is your gateway to managing these services, which includes the all-important Print Spooler.
Step 3: Locate ‘Print Spooler’ Service
In the Services window, scroll down until you find the service named ‘Print Spooler’.
Imagine you’re a detective looking through a list of suspects. The Print Spooler is the one you’re after, and it’s usually hanging out somewhere in the middle of the list, just waiting to be found.
Step 4: Start the Service
Right-click on ‘Print Spooler’ and select ‘Start’ from the context menu.
This is the moment of truth. By right-clicking and selecting ‘Start’, you’re essentially giving the Print Spooler a kickstart, telling it to get back to work and manage those print jobs like a boss.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Resolves Printing Issues | Starting the Print Spooler can quickly resolve common printing issues like stuck print jobs or unresponsive printers. |
| Easy to Do | The process is simple and can be done by anyone, regardless of their technical skill level. |
| Doesn’t Require a Restart | Unlike many other fixes, you don’t need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Temporary Fix | Sometimes, the issue may recur, and you might have to start the Print Spooler again. |
| Symptom of a Larger Issue | Repeatedly needing to start the Print Spooler could indicate a deeper problem with your printer or computer. |
| Requires Administrative Access | To manage services, you need administrative access to the computer, which not all users may have. |
Additional Information
If you’ve followed the steps above and successfully started the Print Spooler in Windows 7, congrats! However, there might be times when starting the service isn’t enough. If this is the case, you may need to delve deeper into troubleshooting. One thing to consider is whether there are any stuck print jobs in the queue. This can sometimes prevent the Print Spooler from running smoothly. To clear the queue, you can navigate to ‘C:Windows/System32/spool/PRINTERS’ and delete any files there (after stopping the Print Spooler service, of course).
Also, if you find yourself having to restart the Print Spooler regularly, it might be time to update your printer drivers or even consider whether there’s a hardware issue with your printer. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your computer and printer running smoothly. Don’t forget, it’s important to have administrative rights to manage services on your computer.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu.
- Type ‘services.msc’ and press Enter.
- Locate ‘Print Spooler’ service.
- Right-click on ‘Print Spooler’ and select ‘Start’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Print Spooler?
The Print Spooler is a service in Windows that manages all print jobs sent to a printer. It queues the print jobs and communicates with the printer to ensure they’re printed successfully.
Why would I need to start the Print Spooler?
If you’re having trouble printing and your printer doesn’t seem to be receiving any jobs, it might be because the Print Spooler service has stopped. Starting it can resolve these issues.
Can I set the Print Spooler to start automatically?
Yes, in the Services window, you can double-click on ‘Print Spooler’ and set the ‘Startup type’ to ‘Automatic’, so it starts whenever Windows boots up.
What should I do if starting the Print Spooler doesn’t fix my printing issue?
Further troubleshooting steps might include checking for stuck print jobs, updating printer drivers, or looking for hardware issues with the printer.
Will I lose any print jobs if I restart the Print Spooler?
Restarting the Print Spooler shouldn’t delete any print jobs unless you specifically clear the print queue.
Conclusion
There you have it, the ins and outs of starting the Print Spooler in Windows 7. While it’s a straightforward process, it’s a crucial one for anyone who relies on printing documents. Having this knowledge in your tech toolbox means you can handle one of the most common printer issues like a pro.
Remember, though, that if you’re regularly encountering problems with the Print Spooler, it might be time to look a little deeper into your printer’s health or consider an update to your system. Happy printing, and may your Print Spooler always run smoothly!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.