Printer Error — Documents Stuck in Print Queue

Overview

Documents stuck in the Windows print queue with 'Error - Printing' status prevent new print jobs and require clearing the print spooler.

Key Details

• Print jobs show 'Error - Printing' or 'Error' status in the queue
• New print jobs also get stuck behind the failed job
• The print spooler service holds jobs even after printer restart
• Spooler files are stored in C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
• Clearing the queue requires stopping the spooler service

Common Causes

• Communication lost between computer and printer during print job
• Corrupted print job data sent to the spooler
• Printer driver crash leaving the job in error state
• Network printer went offline during printing
• Large print job exceeding printer memory

Steps

1. 1Try: right-click each stuck job in the queue > Cancel. Wait 30 seconds
2. 2If Cancel does not work, stop the spooler: net stop spooler in Admin CMD
3. 3Delete spooler files: del /F /Q C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS\*
4. 4Restart the spooler: net start spooler
5. 5Turn the printer off and on, wait 30 seconds, then try printing again

Tags

More in General Printer

Frequently Asked Questions