windows 11 print spooler keeps crashing

Question

Hello.

Client encountered problem with printing, after updating windows 11 to 24h2.

Windows updates: KB5048162 and KB5046740.

Tried removing this updates, delete everything in "C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS", copied spoolsv.exe and spoolss.dll from working computer, configured service print spooler to keeps restarting after subsequent failures, checked windows update, but nothing worked.

I cannot uninstall printer driver or even printer, because service keeps crashing.

I tried to log in with local admin and the issue is still the same.

Any toughts?

Best regards!

Answer 1

Hello,

You could try the steps below to check the issue:

While in Safe Mode, try to remove printer drivers using the Print Management console (printmanagement.msc). Sometimes, corrupted drivers can cause the spooler to crash. You might also want to remove any unused or old printer drivers.

Check if the print spooler service has any dependent services that are not running. You can check dependencies in the service properties dialog.

Check the Event Viewer for any error messages related to the print spooler. This can provide clues about what’s causing the crash.

Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair Windows’ system image. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth from an elevated command prompt.

Sometimes, user profile corruption can cause strange issues. Try creating a new user profile with administrative rights and see if the problem persists when logged in as the new user.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

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