Stopping the print spooler in Windows 7 is a simple process. You can accomplish this by accessing the Services window, locating the print spooler service, and then clicking the stop button. This action will halt all printing activities until the service is restarted.
After you stop the print spooler, you won’t be able to print documents until you start the service again. This can be helpful if you’re trying to clear a print job that’s stuck or if you’re troubleshooting printer problems.
Introduction
Printers are essential devices in our daily lives, whether for work, school, or personal use. However, sometimes, we face issues where the printer queue gets stuck, or the printer refuses to execute the print command. This is where the knowledge of managing the print spooler in Windows 7 becomes essential. The print spooler is a service that manages the paper print jobs sent from a computer to a printer or print server.
Stopping the print spooler can help fix printing issues and clear jammed print jobs. This article is particularly relevant to those who frequently use printers and might experience printer issues, IT professionals, or anyone who wants to learn more about managing their computer settings.
Step by Step Tutorial to Stop the Print Spooler
The following steps will guide you through the process of stopping the print spooler service in Windows 7.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Start menu button located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
The Start menu is your gateway to most of the programs and settings on your computer. Clicking on it will reveal options such as Control Panel, Devices and Printers, and other commonly used features.
Step 2: Access the Control Panel
From the Start menu, click on ‘Control Panel’.
The Control Panel is where you can change system settings and control how your computer works.
Step 3: Open Administrative Tools
In the Control Panel, click on ‘System and Security’, then click on ‘Administrative Tools’.
Administrative Tools contain a collection of tools to manage the system settings and services.
Step 4: Double-click on Services
Find and double-click on the ‘Services’ shortcut.
This action will open the Services window, listing all the services available on your computer.
Step 5: Locate the Print Spooler Service
Scroll down the list and locate ‘Print Spooler’.
The Print Spooler is usually listed alphabetically among other services.
Step 6: Stop the Service
Right-click on ‘Print Spooler’ and select ‘Stop’ from the context menu.
This will stop the Print Spooler service and any print jobs currently being processed will be halted.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Resolves Printer Issues | Stopping the print spooler can help troubleshoot and resolve printer issues, especially when print jobs are stuck. |
| Clears Print Queue | It can clear the print queue if there are pending jobs that are not processing correctly. |
| Prevents Wastage | Helps prevent wastage of paper and ink by stopping print jobs that are not needed or are in error. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Halts All Printing | Stopping the print spooler will halt all ongoing and upcoming print jobs until the service is restarted. |
| Requires Manual Restart | Unless set otherwise, the spooler service will need to be manually started again to resume printing. |
| Potential System Impact | In some cases, stopping the print spooler might cause other system issues, especially if other services are dependent on it. |
Additional Information
Understanding how to manage the print spooler in Windows 7 is an invaluable skill, especially in a busy office environment or for personal use when dealing with pesky printer issues. Remember, stopping the print spooler is a temporary fix – it’s always a good idea to investigate and resolve the underlying issues causing printer jams or errors.
You may also want to explore settings such as automatically restarting the print spooler after a certain period, or setting up a script to clear the print queue periodically. Additionally, if you’re managing multiple computers, learning how to perform this action remotely can save time and improve efficiency.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu.
- Access the Control Panel.
- Open Administrative Tools.
- Double-click on Services.
- Locate the Print Spooler Service.
- Stop the Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a print spooler?
A print spooler is a service that manages print jobs sent from a computer to the printer.
Can I restart the print spooler after stopping it?
Yes, you can restart the print spooler by following the same steps and selecting ‘Start’ instead of ‘Stop’.
Will stopping the print spooler delete my queued print jobs?
Stopping the spooler will not delete your queued print jobs, but they will not be processed until the service is restarted.
Is it safe to stop the print spooler?
Yes, it is safe to stop the print spooler. However, it may impact other system services that depend on it.
Can I manage the print spooler remotely?
Yes, with the appropriate administrative rights and tools, you can manage the print spooler remotely.
Conclusion
Stopping the print spooler in Windows 7 is a straightforward process that can assist in resolving many common printer issues. Whether you’re an IT professional, a regular user facing a stubborn print job, or just someone who likes to know how to keep their systems running smoothly, knowing how to manage the print spooler is a useful skill.
As with any system changes, proceed with caution and ensure you understand the steps before executing them. As we continue to rely on technology in our daily lives, equipping ourselves with these basic troubleshooting skills can save time, resources, and frustration.
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.