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By Author 05 January, 2024 IT Solutions

How to Fix HP Printer Spooler Error After Windows Update

Have you recently updated Windows and are now facing issues with your HP printer? A common problem many users encounter after a Windows update is the "Printer Spooler Error." The print spooler service is responsible for managing print jobs sent to the Printer, and when it fails, you can experience issues like print jobs getting stuck, error messages, or no response from the Printer at all.

This problem can occur for various reasons, such as corrupted printer files, outdated drivers, or issues caused by Windows updates that affect the Printer's functionality. Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to resolve this error. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to fix the HP printer spooler error after a Windows update.

Step 1: Restart the Print Spooler Service

The first step is to restart the print spooler service. This is a simple process that can resolve many issues caused by temporary errors in the spooler.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down and locate the Print Spooler service in the list.
4. Right-click on Print Spooler and select Restart.
5. Wait for the service to restart, and check if your Printer is now working correctly.

If the issue persists, you may need to take additional steps.

Step 2: Clear the Printer Spooler Files

Sometimes, the print spooler files can become corrupted, causing the Printer to malfunction. To resolve this issue, you need to delete the existing spooler files. Here's how to do it:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and hit Enter.
3. If prompted for administrator permission, click Continue.
4. Delete all files in the PRINTERS folder.
5. Once deleted, restart your computer and check if the printer spooler error is resolved.

Step 3: Update Printer Drivers

After a Windows update, your printer drivers may be outdated or incompatible. This can cause a spooler error, as the Printer may not be able to communicate with the updated system. To resolve this, you should check for the latest drivers for your HP printer:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Printers section and find your HP printer.
3. Right-click on your Printer and choose Update Driver.
4. Select 'Search automatically for updated driver software.' Windows will search for the latest drivers and install them.
5. If no updates are found, visit the HP support website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
6. Install the drivers and restart your computer.

Step 4: Reinstall the Printer

If updating the drivers didn't work, try reinstalling the Printer. This will remove the current printer setup and allow you to start fresh.

1. Press Windows + X and select Settings.
2. Go to Devices > Printers & Scanners.
3. Locate your HP printer, click on it, and then select 'Remove Device' from the menu.
4. Once removed, click "Add a printer or scanner."
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the Printer.
6. Verify that the spooler error has been resolved.

Step 5: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Windows comes with a built-in printer troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix printer-related issues, including spooler errors.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
3. Select Printer and click on Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and let Windows attempt to detect and resolve any issues with your Printer.

Step 6: Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, HP printer spooler errors can be linked to a bug introduced in a recent Windows update. If your printer issues started after an update, it's worth checking if there is another update that could resolve the issue.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click on Check for updates.
4. Install any available updates, including optional updates that might relate to your printer or printer drivers.
5. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Step 7: Disable Windows Defender Firewall Temporarily

Windows Defender Firewall can sometimes block the communication between your Printer and the computer. Temporarily turning off the firewall can help determine if it's causing the issue.

1. Press Windows + R, type firewall.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left pane.
3. For both Private network settings and Public network settings, select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.
4. Click OK to save the changes.
5. Try printing again to see if the spooler error is resolved.

Note: Remember to re-enable the firewall once troubleshooting is complete.

Step 8: Perform a System Restore

If none of the above methods work, performing a system restore to a previous point when your Printer was working fine can help resolve the spooler error. Follow these steps to perform a system restore:

1. Press Windows + S, type "System Restore," and select Create a restore point.
2. In the System Properties window, click on System Restore.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to a point before the issue started.
4. After the restore process is complete, check if the HP printer spooler error is resolved.

Conclusion

A printer spooler error can be frustrating, especially after a Windows update. However, by following the steps above, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your HP printer up and running again. If the problem persists even after trying all of these solutions, consider reaching out to HP support for further assistance.

If you're still experiencing issues, don't hesitate to contact our expert team at All Printer Setup for personalized troubleshooting and solutions. We're here to help!