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How to Clear and Empty All Print Jobs From the Windows Print Queue

Key Takeaways:

  • Clearing the print queue is necessary when documents get stuck and prevent further printing
  • You can clear the print queue by stopping the Print Spooler service, deleting temporary print files, and restarting the service
  • If individual documents are stuck, you can try restarting or canceling them from the print queue before clearing the entire queue

As an experienced technical writer with expertise in Windows troubleshooting, I understand how frustrating it can be when print jobs get stuck in the queue, preventing you from printing new documents. This issue can arise due to various reasons, such as a paper jam, low ink or toner, or a corrupted print job. Fortunately, Windows provides several methods to clear the print queue and get your printer working again. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to clear and empty all print jobs from the Windows print queue.

Understanding the Print Queue

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand how the print queue works. When you send a document to the printer, it doesn’t go directly to the printer. Instead, it’s added to a queue managed by the Print Spooler service. This service prepares the document for printing and sends it to the printer when it’s ready.

Sometimes, a corrupted or stuck print job can cause the queue to freeze, preventing other documents from printing. In such cases, clearing the print queue becomes necessary to resolve the issue.

Method 1: Clear the Print Queue via Services

One of the most effective methods to clear the print queue is by stopping the Print Spooler service, deleting the temporary print files, and restarting the service. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open the Services window:
  • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
  1. Stop the Print Spooler service:
  • In the Services window, locate the “Print Spooler” service.
  • Right-click on it and select “Stop.”
  1. Delete temporary print files:
  • Open File Explorer and navigate to the following directory: C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS
  • Select all files in this folder and delete them.
  1. Restart the Print Spooler service:
  • Go back to the Services window.
  • Right-click on the “Print Spooler” service and select “Start.”

After following these steps, your print queue should be cleared, and you can try printing your documents again.

Method 2: Clear the Print Queue via Command Prompt

If you prefer using the Command Prompt, you can clear the print queue with a few simple commands. Here’s how:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator:
  • Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
  1. Stop the Print Spooler service:
  • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
    net stop spooler
  1. Delete temporary print files:
  • Type the following command and press Enter:
    del %systemroot%\System32\spool\PRINTERS\* /Q
  1. Restart the Print Spooler service:
  • Type the following command and press Enter:
    net start spooler

After executing these commands, your print queue should be cleared, and you can try printing your documents again.

Method 3: Clear the Print Queue via the Printer Queue Window

If you only need to clear specific print jobs from the queue, you can do so through the Printer Queue window. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Printer Queue window:
  • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type control printers and press Enter.
  • In the Printers window, right-click on the printer you’re having issues with and select “See what’s printing.”
  1. Cancel or restart individual print jobs:
  • In the Printer Queue window, you’ll see a list of all the print jobs currently in the queue.
  • Right-click on the print job you want to cancel or restart and select the appropriate option.
  1. Cancel all print jobs:
  • If you want to clear the entire print queue, click on the “Printer” menu and select “Cancel All Documents.”

By following these steps, you can selectively clear print jobs from the queue or cancel all documents if necessary.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re still experiencing issues after clearing the print queue, here are some additional troubleshooting tips:

  • Restart your printer: Sometimes, a simple restart of your printer can resolve printing issues.
  • Check for paper jams or low ink/toner: Ensure that there are no paper jams and that your printer has sufficient ink or toner.
  • Update printer drivers: Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can cause printing problems. Visit your printer manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your printer model.
  • Disable third-party firewall or antivirus software: Some third-party security software can interfere with printing. Try temporarily disabling them and see if that resolves the issue.

Conclusion

Clearing the print queue is a simple yet effective solution for resolving printing issues caused by stuck or corrupted print jobs. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can clear the print queue and get your printer working again. Remember, if the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek further assistance from your printer manufacturer or a professional IT support service.

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