Clear a Stuck Print Queue in Windows and macOS

When a print job gets stuck, it can block every other document you try to print. This guide shows you how to clear the print queue on both Windows and macOS, step by step, using built-in tools—no third-party software required.

What You’ll Need

• Administrator access on Windows (to restart the Print Spooler service).
• Your Mac login password (to confirm administrative actions).
• A few minutes of patience—sometimes the queue clears on its own after a brief wait.

Step-by-Step

Windows

1. Open the print queue: Press Windows Key + R, type control printers, and press Enter. Right-click your default printer and select See what’s printing.
2. Try canceling the stuck job: In the queue window, right-click the stuck document and choose Cancel. If it disappears, you’re done. If not, continue.
3. Restart the Print Spooler service: Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Scroll to Print Spooler, right-click it, and select Restart. This clears all pending jobs.
4. Clear the spooler files manually (if restart didn’t help):
   1. Open Services again, right-click Print Spooler, and choose Stop.
   2. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS.
   3. Delete all files in that folder. (They are only temporary print jobs.)
   4. Go back to Services, right-click Print Spooler, and select Start.
5. Check the printer’s own queue: Many printers have a built-in display. Use its menu to cancel all jobs, especially if the printer is offline.

macOS

1. Open System Settings: Click the Apple menu and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions).
2. Go to Printers & Scanners: Click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar.
3. Open the queue: Click your printer in the list, then click Print Queue (or Open Print Queue).
4. Cancel the stuck job: In the queue window, select the job and click the X button next to it, or right-click and choose Cancel.
5. Clear all jobs: If multiple jobs are stuck, click Pause Printer first, then select all jobs (Cmd+A) and press Delete. Resume the printer afterward.
6. Reset the printing system (last resort): If the queue still won’t clear, go back to Printers & Scanners, right-click (or Control-click) in the printer list, and choose Reset printing system. This removes all printers—you’ll need to re-add them.

Common Mistakes

• Not stopping the spooler before deleting files: On Windows, if you delete files while the spooler is running, it may recreate them or crash. Always stop the service first.
• Forgetting to check the printer’s own queue: Many modern printers store jobs internally. If the computer’s queue is empty but the printer is still processing, check the printer’s display.
• Resetting the printing system on Mac unnecessarily: This removes all printers and can be disruptive. Try canceling individual jobs first.
• Assuming the printer is online: A printer that appears offline in Windows will hold jobs. Make sure the printer is powered on and connected.

Tips

• Set the printer as default: If you have multiple printers, a job sent to the wrong one can appear stuck. Set your main printer as default in both OS settings.
• Use the printer’s web interface: Many network printers have a web page (type its IP address in a browser) where you can see and cancel jobs directly.
• Restart the printer: Power cycling the printer often clears its internal memory and any stuck jobs.
• Update printer drivers: Outdated drivers can cause communication errors that lead to stuck queues. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest version.

Troubleshooting

If the queue still won’t clear after following the steps above:

• Check for a printer error: Look at the printer’s display for error messages like “Paper Jam” or “Out of Paper.” Resolve those first—the queue may clear automatically.
• Try a different USB port or cable: For wired printers, a faulty connection can cause jobs to hang. Swap the cable or port.
• Disable SNMP (Windows): In Printer Properties > Ports, uncheck SNMP Status Enabled. This sometimes helps when Windows thinks the printer is offline.
• Run the Windows troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the Printer troubleshooter. It may automatically detect and fix the issue.
• Reinstall the printer driver: Uninstall the printer from Devices and Printers, then re-add it using the manufacturer’s driver.
• If all else fails, restart your computer: A fresh boot clears all temporary processes and often resolves spooler issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my print queue get stuck so often?

Common causes include outdated drivers, a printer that goes offline, large or complex print jobs, and network interruptions. Keeping drivers updated and ensuring a stable connection reduces the frequency.

Will clearing the queue delete my document?

No, it only removes the print job from the queue. Your original file remains on your computer. You’ll need to re-send it to the printer.

Can I clear the queue from my phone?

If your printer has a companion app or a web interface, you can often cancel jobs from there. Otherwise, you’ll need to use the computer that sent the job.

What does “Print Spooler” mean?

The Print Spooler is a Windows service that manages all print jobs. It stores them temporarily and sends them to the printer in order. Restarting it clears all queued jobs.

Why does my Mac show “Printer is not connected” when it is?

This often happens with network printers. Try turning the printer off and on, or re-adding it in System Settings > Printers & Scanners. Also check that your Mac and printer are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Is it safe to delete files in the PRINTERS folder on Windows?

Yes, as long as the Print Spooler service is stopped. Those files are temporary and will be recreated when you print again. Deleting them while the service is running can cause errors.

Related

• Stop App Store Password Prompts on iPad
• Free Up iPhone Storage Without iCloud
• Fix Incorrect CPU Usage in Windows Task Manager