How to Clear the Printer Queue?

Last Updated on February 13, 2023

When you’re in a rush and your printer jams, nothing is more irritating for a user than it and I know you all can relate to this. Naturally, it always occurs when a crucial deadline is approaching. That being said, there are also numerous causes for a print job not to be produced by your printer.

A problem with the printer queue is the most common one. The print job usually becomes distorted and remains in the queue when the equipment is switched off or unplugged while processing a document. Fortunately, a quick fix can be found for this problem.

Now, you are here, so I am to tell you what you need to do to get your printer queue sorted. We will start with how to clear the printer queue, and then we will move on to the deleting document and then other aspects. So, let’s move on to my readers without any delay!

How to Clear the Printer Queue? – 5 Steps Guide

Typically, a print queue governs company networks. These print queues occasionally become overloaded with requests, especially after another issue (such as a paper jam) has occurred, and they may simply stop processing print jobs.

Concerning so, if you’re using Windows OS, follow these steps to empty your printer queue:

First and foremost, click Start, and then you need to find administrative tools by clicking the Control Panel.

In the second step, now click and hold the Services icon twice.
Choose the Printer Spooler by scrolling down.

After doing so, now it’s time for you to choose the Stop option. You can also type it into the URL bar of your web browser as an alternative in the event that the C disc isn’t set up as the usual Windows partition.

In the final step, remove every file from this folder. All print queues will be empty after this step, and this way, you will be done.

How do I Clear my HP Printer Queue? – 5 Steps Guide

At first, we talked about a generalized guide but seeing the questions from the audience and the problems of Hp that we usually don’t get to see. But, in the case of printer queue, we have this five steps guide for you!

To find and fix any printer issues that might have led to an HP printer getting stuck in the queue, follow all of the on-screen instructions provided by HP Printer and Scan.
Make a test print after you’re done using the tool. Continue to the next step if you are still unable to empty the print queue.
When an HP printer becomes stuck in the queue, restart the printer driver and stop or remove the print job.
Enter your printer model at HP Customer Support and then move to the software and Driver Downloads.
To install the most recent printer driver or software, follow to the on-screen directions. Start your computer again, and then print a test page, and you will be done to start with the clearing of your hp printer queue.

How to Delete a Document from the Printer Queue?

If printing from a computer fails halfway through or is prevented for some other reason, there is a possibility that some documents may still be present on the system as print-queued documents. Because of that, new documents added to a computer’s print queue cannot be printed.

In that case, you must remove the documents from the print queue before printing them once more. After deleting the files from the print queue, stick to the directions below to print the files:

Using the Control Panel, start Programs, or choose the “Manage” option when you right-click on My Computer. After that, find “Services” under “Administrative Tools.”
Doing so, now turn off the print spooler service.
Launch Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows Key + E.
After the launch, make sure you eliminate any problematic print jobs (.spl file extensions)
Finally, launch the Print Spooler service once more.

How to Open the Printer Queue?

If a local or network printer is attached to your Windows 10 computer, you might need to periodically view the queue or printing status window to remove stalled print jobs or suspend printing.
Then, choose “Printers” from the menu by clicking the “Start” button. A popup displaying all the available printers appears.
If you wish to check the printer’s queue, double-click it. A list of open print jobs appears in a new window.
To remove any print jobs from the queue, perform right-click on them.
To end the task, click “Cancel.”

You can also read about: How to Connect a Printer to Network? – Extensive Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of a Print Job that is currently in my HP printer’s queue?

Click Print Spooler in the context menu and choose Stop.
Close the service window once the service has been terminated, then use Windows Explorer to navigate to C: WindowsSystem32SpoolPRINTERS.
Remove every file from the PRINTERS folder.
Switch off your computer.

What is my printer queue location?

Your computer’s Print Queue will open when you double-click the printer icon. (You can also access the Print Queue by going to Devices and Printers in the Start Menu, selecting the printer you want to use, and then clicking twice on it.) You can see how many tasks are awaiting to the printer in the Print Queue.

What occurs if the line is full?

When the back is in the last array place, that is, when the queue is fully packed (MaxSize -1). Now, even if the queue has some empty spots, no additional components can be added. This is an issue with basic queues.

How do I get rid of a print job that won’t get rid of HP?

Locate the print spooler service by scrolling down, right-clicking it, choosing Properties, and then selecting the Stop option.
Go to C: WindowsSystem32SpoolPRINTERS and delete the job that is located there.
You might need to click a prompt to obtain the necessary access to view the PRINTERS folder.

Final Words

To sum up, I must add that there can be multiple reasons behind the printer queues. Sometimes, clearing and restarting the device can help you, but in particular, you need to follow the above-mentioned steps.

In the end, I hope that you have got everything covered now. But, till now, if you have any queries, we are here for you to help!

Gerald M Rhodes

For the past five years, I have been working as a printer service supervisor in a printing press that serves customers with tailor-made designs and prints. My job involved dealing with printers five days a week, so I decided to take up printing as a hobby.