Merge pull request #8439 from v-lianna/CI_4400

AB#4400 print-spooler-service-not-running

Author: Deland-Han

support/windows-server/printing/print-spooler-service-not-running.md

@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+---
+title: Printing issues caused by Print Spooler service not running
+description: Helps troubleshoot printing issues caused by the Print Spooler service not running.
+ms.date: 03/21/2025
+manager: dcscontentpm
+audience: itpro
+ms.topic: troubleshooting
+ms.reviewer: kaushika, warrenw, elenag, v-lianna
+ms.custom:
+- sap:print,fax,and scan\print configuration or management
+- pcy:WinComm User Experience
+---
+# Troubleshoot printing issues caused by Print Spooler service not running
+
+This article helps troubleshoot printing issues caused by the Print Spooler service not running.
+
+You encounter issues with installing printers, connecting to network printers, or printing to a printer.
+
+These issues might occur if the Print Spooler service isn't running on your system. The Print Spooler service usually starts with Windows and runs until the operating system shuts down. It contains Windows binaries and optional vendor-supplied components.
+
+Here are some methods you can use to troubleshoot these issues:
+
+- [Restart the Print Spooler service](#restart-the-print-spooler-service)
+- [Check for system instability or resource issues](#check-for-system-instability-or-resource-issues)
+- [Verify Group Policy settings](#verify-group-policy-settings)
+- [Update drivers](#update-drivers)
+- [Check for conflicts with anti-virus software](#check-for-conflicts-with-anti-virus-software)
+
+## Restart the Print Spooler service
+
+Restart the Print Spooler service to clear any stuck print jobs by using one of the following methods:
+
+### Manually restart the service
+
+In the **Services** application, right-click **Print Spooler** in the list, and select **Restart**.
+
+### Use Command Prompt
+
+Type **cmd** in the search bar, right-click **Command Prompt**, and select **Run as administrator** to open Command Prompt as an administrator. Run the following commands and press <kbd>Enter</kbd> after each one:
+
+```console
+-net stop spooler
+```
+
+```console
+-net start spooler
+```
+
+### Use Windows PowerShell
+
+Type **powershell** in the search bar, right-click **Windows PowerShell**, and select **Run as administrator** to open PowerShell as an administrator. Run the following cmdlet and press <kbd>Enter</kbd>:
+
+```powershell
+Restart-Service -Name spooler
+```
+
+## Check for system instability or resource issues
+
+The Print Spooler service might fail to start due to system instability or insufficient system resources. Check the event logs for errors that indicate issues with initializing the local print provider.
+
+## Verify Group Policy settings
+
+Ensure that no Group Policy settings disable or stop the Print Spooler service. Disabling the Print Spooler service can be part of security mitigations. Additionally, there might be an organizational unit (OU) with a Group Policy Object (GPO) for the domain controllers (DCs) to disable the Print Spooler service.
+
+## Update drivers
+
+Ensure all relevant drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers and print components might cause the Print Spooler service to stop responding.
+
+## Check for conflicts with anti-virus software
+
+Anti-virus software can sometimes interfere with the Print Spooler service. Ensure the anti-virus software isn't blocking any files needed by the Print Spooler service. Create exclusions for the spool folder.
+
+## Data collection
+
+If you need assistance from Microsoft support, we recommend you collect the information by following the steps mentioned in [Gather information by using TSS for User Experience issues](../../windows-client/windows-tss/gather-information-using-tss-user-experience.md#printing).

support/windows-server/toc.yml

@@ -2015,6 +2015,8 @@ items:
     items:
     - name: Troubleshoot printing and best practices
       href: ./printing/troubleshoot-printing-and-best-practices.md
+    - name: Troubleshoot printing issues caused by Print Spooler service not running
+      href: ./printing/print-spooler-service-not-running.md
     - name: Troubleshoot printing known issues
       href: ./printing/troubleshoot-printing-known-issues.md
     - name: Troubleshoot printing scenarios