How to Clear a Stuck Print Job in Queue

Updated 14 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide shows you how to quickly clear a print job that is stuck in the queue, a common issue on Windows and macOS that prevents other documents from printing. You’ll learn the fastest methods, from simple restarts to using built-in tools, and what to do if the standard fixes don’t work.

What You’ll Need

Access to the computer that is connected to the printer (the print server).
Administrator or standard user account with permission to manage print jobs (usually the same account that submitted the job).
If the printer is on a network, you’ll need the printer’s IP address or hostname (optional, for advanced troubleshooting).

Step-by-Step

Open the print queue. The quickest way is to double-click the printer icon in the system tray (bottom-right on Windows, top-right on macOS) when a job is printing. If it’s not there, go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners (Windows) or System Preferences > Printers & Scanners (macOS) and select your printer to see the queue.
Try canceling the stuck job. In the queue window, right-click the stuck document and choose Cancel (Windows) or click the X next to the job (macOS). If it disappears, you’re done. If it stays, proceed.
Restart the print spooler (Windows). Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find Print Spooler in the list, right-click it, and select Restart. This clears the spooler’s memory and often removes stuck jobs.
For macOS, restart the printer system. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners, right-click (or Ctrl-click) in the printer list, and choose Reset printing system. You’ll need to re-add your printers afterward.
Clear the spooler folder manually (Windows). If restarting the spooler doesn’t work, stop the spooler again (right-click > Stop), then navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS in File Explorer. Delete all files in that folder. Then restart the spooler service again.
Power-cycle the printer. Turn off the printer, unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on. This clears the printer’s internal memory and can clear jobs stuck on the printer itself.
If all else fails, restart the computer. A full restart clears all temporary processes and can resolve stubborn spooler issues.

Common Mistakes

Deleting the spooler folder while the service is running. This can cause errors. Always stop the Print Spooler service first.
Ignoring the printer’s own queue. Some printers have a built-in memory that holds jobs. If the printer is offline or paused, jobs can appear stuck even if the computer’s queue is clear.
Not checking for a paused printer. In the queue window, ensure the printer isn’t set to Pause Printing (Windows) or Pause Printer (macOS).
Assuming the job is stuck when it’s just slow. Large files or high-resolution images can take a while to spool. Wait a few minutes before taking drastic action.

Tips

Set a default printer to avoid sending jobs to the wrong device.
Use the printer’s display panel (if it has one) to cancel jobs directly from the printer.
Keep printer drivers updated to reduce spooler crashes.
On Windows, you can create a desktop shortcut to quickly open the spooler service: right-click desktop > New > Shortcut > type services.msc.
For network printers, check the printer’s web interface (enter its IP in a browser) to clear jobs stored on the printer itself.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t clear the job, try these additional checks:

Check if the printer is offline. In the queue window, look for an Offline status. If so, click Use Printer Offline to toggle it off.
Verify the printer is set as the default. Sometimes jobs go to a different printer that appears stuck. Open the queue for the correct printer.
Run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Printer and run it. This can automatically find and fix common issues.
On macOS, delete the printer and re-add it. In Printers & Scanners, select the printer and click the minus (-) button, then click the plus (+) to add it again.
If you’re on a network, check the print server. If the printer is shared from another computer, the job might be stuck on that computer’s queue. You’ll need to clear it there.
As a last resort, update or reinstall the printer driver. Download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my print job get stuck in the queue?

Common causes include a corrupted spooler file, driver issues, a paused printer, or a communication error between the computer and printer (especially over Wi-Fi).

How do I force cancel a print job on Windows?

Open the print queue, right-click the job, and select Cancel. If it doesn’t go away, restart the Print Spooler service as described in Step 3.

Can I delete the files in the PRINTERS folder?

Yes, but only after stopping the Print Spooler service. The files are temporary and safe to delete. Restart the service afterward.

Why does my printer show “Error – Printing” but nothing comes out?

This often indicates a paper jam, empty ink/toner, or a connectivity issue. Check the printer’s display for error messages and ensure it’s online.

Will restarting the print spooler affect other users?

On a shared printer, restarting the spooler will briefly pause all printing for other users. It’s best to do this during a quiet time if possible.

How do I clear a stuck job on a network printer?

Access the printer’s web interface by entering its IP address in a browser, then look for a “Jobs” or “Print Queue” section to cancel jobs directly from the printer.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.