Frequently Asked Question
Windows: Clear Print Queue
Last Updated 3 years ago
Windows: Clear Print Queue
If you have a long list of hung or corrupt print jobs in Microsoft Windows 10, 8, or 7, you can clear the print queue easily by using either of these methods.
Command Method
You can clear the print queue using commands like this.
- Select Start.
- Type
Command
. - Right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator“.
- Type
net stop spooler
then press “Enter“. - Type
del %systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\* /Q
then press “Enter“. - Type
net start spooler
then press “Enter“. - The print queue on your Windows should now be cleared. Type
exit
, then press “Enter” to exit the command window.
GUI Method
You can clear the print queue using this the Windows GUI.
- Hold down the Windows Key and press “R” to bring up the Run dialog.
- Type
services.msc
, then press “Enter“. - Find the “Print Spooler” service in the list. Right-click it, then select “Stop“.
- Leave the Services window open. Hold down the Windows Key and press “R” to bring up the Run dialog.
- Type
%systemroot%\System32\spool\printers\
, then press “Enter“. - Select all of the files by holding “CTRL” and pressing “A“.
- Press the “Delete” key to delete all of the files.
- Go back to the Services window, right-click “Print Spooler“, then select “Start“