What to Do When Windows 11 Print Queue Fails to Clear

Clear the Print Queue by Restarting the Print Spooler Service

If your print jobs are stuck, you’ll want to restart the 🔄 Print Spooler service. Here’s how you do it:

1. Press Win+R to open the Run dialog.

   

2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services application.
3. In the Services window, find Print Spooler.

   

4. Right-click Print Spooler and choose Stop.
5. Once stopped, minimize the Services application without closing it.
6. Press Win+E to open File Explorer 📁.
7. Navigate to 📁C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERScopy. If you’re asked, click Continue to provide administrator permission.
8. Delete all files in the PRINTERS folder as they are the stuck print jobs.
9. Return to the minimized Services application.
10. Right-click Print Spooler and select Start.

After these steps, your print queue should be clear, and you can try printing again.

Alternative Method: Using the Command Prompt

This method also stops and restarts the Print Spooler service:

1. Type cmd in the Windows search bar 🔍.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

   💻Code

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   net stop spooler

4. Then, execute this command:

   ⬛Command Prompt

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   del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\* /Q

5. Finally, restart the 🔄 Print Spooler service by entering this command:

   💻Code

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   net start spooler

This approach also clears the print queue so you can print your documents.

Check Printer Connections and Drivers

If clearing the print queue didn’t fix the issue, check your printer’s connections and drivers:

• Check that cables are securely connected for wired printers.
• For wireless printers, make sure your printer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
• Update printer drivers by going to Settings › Devices › Printers & scanners, selecting your printer, and choosing Manage, then Update driver.

Regularly updating drivers ensures compatibility with Windows 11 and avoids common printing issues.

If This Didn't Work

Go to Settings › Devices › Printers & scanners, select your printer, and click Remove device before adding it again. Be aware that feature updates or system changes in Windows 11 can reset printer settings, so you may need to repeat these steps. Alternatively, consider connecting your printer directly with a cable to bypass network issues temporarily.