A print job stuck in queue can be a frustrating issue, causing delays and disrupting workflow. Whether it’s a single document or multiple printer jobs stuck in the print queue, this problem is common across various devices and operating systems. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to resolve this issue and get your printing tasks back on track. This guide will walk you through practical solutions to fix a print job stuck in queue and ensure smooth printing operations.
1. Restart the Printer and Computer
One of the simplest ways to resolve a print job stuck in queue is to restart both your printer and computer. This method clears temporary glitches and resets the connection between the devices.
Steps to restart the printer and computer:
Step 1. Turn off the printer and unplug it from the power source.
Step 2. Shut down your computer completely.
Step 3. Wait for 1-2 minutes before plugging the printer back in and turning it on.
Step 4. Restart your computer and check if the print job stuck in queue has been cleared.
2. Clear the Print Queue Manually
If restarting doesn't work, manually clearing the print queue can help remove print jobs stuck in queue. This method involves accessing the print spooler and deleting pending tasks.
Steps to clear the print queue manually:
Step 1. Open the Control Panel on your computer and navigate to Devices and Printers.
Step 2. Right-click on your printer and select See what's printing.
Step 3. In the print queue window, click on Printer in the top menu and select Cancel All Documents.
Step 4. Confirm the action and check if the stuck print job is removed.
3. Restart the Print Spooler Service
The print spooler manages all print jobs, and restarting this service can resolve issues like printer jobs stuck in queue.
Steps to restart the print spooler service:
Step 1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
Step 3. In the Services window, locate Print Spooler in the list.
Step 4. Right-click on it and select Restart.
Step 5. If the service is not running, click Start and check if the print job stuck in queue is resolved.
4. Delete Corrupted Files in the Spool Folder
Corrupted files in the spool folder can cause print jobs to get stuck in the queue. Deleting these files can help fix the issue.
Steps to delete corrupted files in the spool folder:
Step 1. Press Windows + R and type C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS in the Run dialog box.
Step 2. Press Enter to open the spool folder.
Step 3. Delete all files in this folder. (Note: Ensure no print jobs are active before doing this.)
Step 4. Restart the print spooler service as described in Method 3.
5. Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers can lead to print jobs stuck in queue. Updating or reinstalling the drivers can resolve this issue. For a more efficient and hassle-free solution, consider using PcGoGo Driver Sentry, a professional driver management tool that automatically detects and updates outdated or missing drivers. This ensures your printer and other devices function optimally without manual intervention.
Steps to Update or Reinstall Drivers Manually:
Step 1. Open the Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting it from the menu.
Step 2. Expand the Print queues section and right-click on your printer.
Step 3. Select Update driver and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 4. If updating doesn't work, uninstall the driver and reinstall it from the manufacturer's website.
Steps to Update Drivers Using PcGoGo Driver Sentry:
Step 1. Download and install PcGoGo Driver Sentry from the official website.
Step 2. Launch the application and allow it to scan your system for outdated or missing drivers.
Step 3. Once the scan is complete, locate the printer driver in the list of detected drivers.
Step 4. Click Update next to the printer driver to download and install the latest version automatically.
Step 5. Restart your computer and check if the print job stuck in queue is resolved.
Using PcGoGo Driver Sentry not only simplifies the driver update process but also ensures your system's drivers are always up to date, preventing future issues like printer jobs stuck in queue.
6. Use Printer Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in printer troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix issues like print jobs stuck in queue.
Steps to use printer troubleshooter:
Step 1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Step 2. Select Printer from the list and click Run the troubleshooter.
Step 3. Follow the prompts to let Windows diagnose and fix the issue.
7. Check Printer Connectivity
A poor connection between your printer and computer can cause print jobs to get stuck in the queue. Ensure the printer is properly connected.
Steps to check printer connectivity:
Step 1. Check if the printer is connected to the same network as your computer (for wireless printers).
Step 2. For USB-connected printers, ensure the cable is securely plugged in.
Step 3. Restart your router if using a wireless connection.
8. Reset the Printer to Factory Settings
If none of the above methods work, resetting the printer to its factory settings can help clear persistent issues like printer jobs stuck in queue.
Steps to reset printer:
Step 1. Access the printer's settings menu via its control panel.
Step 2. Look for the Reset or Restore Factory Settings option.
Step 3. Confirm the action and wait for the printer to reset.
Step 4. Reconfigure the printer settings and try printing again.
Conclusion
Dealing with a print job stuck in queue can be frustrating, but with the right methods, it's a problem that can be resolved quickly. Whether you need to delete a print job stuck in the queue, remove print jobs stuck in queue, or get a stuck print job out of your queue, the solutions outlined above provide a comprehensive approach to fixing the issue. For a seamless and automated experience, consider using PcGoGo Driver Sentry to keep your drivers up to date and avoid future printing problems. Download PcGoGo Driver Sentry today and ensure your printer and other devices operate smoothly!
