Stop Windows from Caching Printer Jobs on Windows 11 and 10

Windows relies on the Print Spooler service to manage print jobs. This service temporarily stores documents in a folder before sending them to the printer. When this system works correctly, it allows multiple documents to queue up and print in order.

However, when the spooler cache becomes corrupted or overloaded, it can create serious issues. Files may not delete properly, new print jobs may not start, and the printer may appear offline even when it is connected.

Stopping Windows from caching print jobs essentially means clearing or bypassing this spooler system. You can do this by manually clearing the cache, restarting services, or adjusting printer settings so jobs are processed directly.

In this guide, I will explain how to stop Windows from caching printer jobs and fix the “Print job stuck in Queue” error!

What is the Print Job Stuck in Queue Error?

The Print Job Stuck in Queue Error happens when a document you send to the printer does not complete its process. Instead of printing, it stays in the queue and blocks all other documents behind it.

Windows uses a system called the Print Spooler to temporarily store print jobs before they are sent to the printer. This process is known as caching. While helpful, the spooler can become corrupted or overloaded. When that happens, print jobs get stuck, fail to delete, or repeatedly attempt to print.

Some common signs of this error include documents stuck in “Printing” or “Pending” status, inability to cancel print jobs, the printer not responding even though it is connected, and duplicate printing of the same document.

Understanding this issue is important because fixing it often involves stopping or clearing the spooler cache, which is exactly what you will learn next.

Stop Windows from Caching Printer Jobs on Windows 11 and 10 and Fix Print Job Stuck in Queue

To stop Windows from caching printer jobs and fix the print queue issue, open Services, stop the Print Spooler service, clear the spooler files from the PRINTERS folder, and restart the service. This removes stuck jobs and prevents caching problems that cause printing errors.

Let’s go into detail!

Step 1: Open the Services Window

The first step is to access the Services panel, where you can control background processes in Windows.

Start by pressing the Windows key and typing Services in the search bar. Click on the Services app when it appears in the results. This will open a window that lists all system services running on your computer.

Scroll down slowly until you find a service named Print Spooler. This is the service responsible for managing all print jobs.

Understanding this step is important because you cannot clear cached print jobs without first stopping this service.

Step 2: Stop the Print Spooler Service

Once you locate the Print Spooler service, right-click on it and select Stop.

Stopping this service temporarily disables the printing system, which allows you to safely remove cached files without interference. If you skip this step, Windows may continue using the files you are trying to delete, and the issue will not be fixed.

After clicking Stop, wait a few seconds for the service to fully shut down. You will notice that its status changes, indicating it is no longer running.

Step 3: Navigate to the Spooler Cache Folder

Now you need to locate the folder where Windows stores cached print jobs.

Open File Explorer and go to the following path: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS

You may be asked for administrator permission to access this folder. Click Continue to proceed.

Inside this folder, you will see several files. These are the cached print jobs that are causing the issue. They often have extensions like.SPL or .SHD.

Step 4: Delete All Cached Print Files

Select all the files inside the PRINTERS folder and delete them.

This step clears the entire print queue and removes any corrupted or stuck jobs. Do not worry about deleting these files because they are only temporary data used by the spooler.

If you cannot delete a file, it usually means the spooler service is still running. Go back and make sure it is fully stopped before trying again.

Step 5: Restart the Print Spooler Service

After clearing the cache, return to the Services window.

Find the Print Spooler service again, right-click on it, and select Start. This will restart the printing system with a clean slate.

Restarting the service is essential because it allows Windows to rebuild the print queue without the corrupted files that were causing the issue.

Step 6: Disable Print Job Caching from Printer Properties

If you want to prevent future issues, you can adjust your printer settings so Windows relies less on caching.

Go to Settings, then Bluetooth and devices, and click on Printers and scanners. Select your printer and open Printer properties.

Navigate to the Advanced tab. Here, you will see options related to print processing. Select the option labeled Print directly to the printer instead of spooling print documents.

This setting reduces reliance on caching and can help avoid spooler-related errors. However, keep in mind that this may slightly slow down printing if you send multiple documents at once.

Step 7: Restart Your Computer

After completing all the changes, restart your computer.

Restarting ensures that all services reload properly and that the changes you made take full effect. It also clears any temporary system glitches that may still be affecting printing.

Step 8: Test Your Printer

Once your system restarts, try printing a simple document.

Make sure the printer responds correctly and that the document does not get stuck in the queue. If everything works smoothly, the issue has been successfully resolved.

If the problem persists, double-check the steps and ensure that all cached files were removed correctly.

Step 9: Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers

Sometimes the issue is not just the spooler, but outdated or corrupted printer drivers.

Open Device Manager and locate your printer under Printers. Right-click on it and select Update driver. Follow the prompts to install the latest version.

If updating does not help, uninstall the printer and reinstall it. This ensures a fresh setup and eliminates hidden software conflicts.

Step 10: Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix printing problems.

Go to Settings, then System, then Troubleshoot, and select Other troubleshooters. Find the Printer option and run the troubleshooter.

This tool can identify issues with services, drivers, or connections and apply fixes without requiring advanced knowledge.

FAQs

Why do print jobs get stuck in the queue?

Print jobs usually get stuck due to corrupted spooler files, communication errors between the printer and computer, or outdated drivers.

Is it safe to delete spooler files?

Yes, it is completely safe. These files are temporary and only store pending print jobs.

What happens if I disable print caching?

Disabling caching means documents are sent directly to the printer. This can reduce errors but may slow down batch printing.

How often should I clear the print spooler?

You only need to clear it when you experience issues. Regular clearing is not necessary.

Can antivirus software affect printing?

Yes, some security programs may block spooler processes or printer communication, causing errors.

Does this method work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, the steps are nearly identical for both versions.

Summary

Stopping Windows from caching printer jobs is an effective way to fix the ‘print job stuck in queue’ error. The issue is usually caused by problems within the Print Spooler service, which stores temporary print data.

By stopping the spooler, clearing cached files, and restarting the service, you can remove corrupted jobs and restore normal printing. Adjusting printer settings to reduce caching and keeping drivers updated can also help prevent future issues.