Have you ever needed to print an urgent document, only for a queue error to pop up and stay stuck on “Deleting” even after right-clicking “Cancel”? Restarting the computer often doesn’t help, leaving the queue blocked. Why won’t it delete normally, and why does it stop all subsequent print jobs?
Quick Summary
- Step 1: Press Win + R, run services.msc → Right-click Print Spooler and select [Stop]
- Step 2: Press Win + R, type spool → Open the PRINTERS folder and delete all files (.SHD, .SPL, etc.)
- Step 3: In the Services window, right-click Print Spooler and select [Start]
- Quick CMD Fix: Open CMD as Administrator and run: net stop spooler → del /Q /F /S “%systemroot%\System32\Spool\Printers\.” → net start spooler
Why Print Jobs Get Stuck on Deleting
Computers and printers operate at very different speeds. A computer sends data almost instantaneously, while a printer needs time to apply ink or toner onto paper. To balance this speed difference, Windows stores print data in temporary storage through a process called Spooling. It acts like a holding area for cars before a busy toll gate.
Problems arise when transmission errors occur due to connection drops or corrupted files. The Windows Print Spooler service keeps the faulty file locked because it still sees it as “in use.” When this happens, clicking cancel won’t release the lock, leaving the queue frozen indefinitely. The only solution is to temporarily stop the print service and manually clear the temporary files.
The Visual Method: Using Windows Services Manager
This is the simplest click-based method. Stop the Windows print service, clear the temporary storage folder, and restart the service.
| Step | Task | Key / Command |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Open Run dialog | Press Win + R, enter services.msc |
| Step 2 | Stop Spooler | Right-click Print Spooler → [Stop] |
| Step 3 | Open Spool folder | Press Win + R, type spool, open PRINTERS folder |
| Step 4 | Delete all files | Delete all files inside (.SHD, .SPL, etc.) |
| Step 5 | Restart Spooler | Back in Services, right-click Print Spooler → [Start] |
The full path of the PRINTERS folder is C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS. If you attempt to delete the files without stopping the Spooler service first, Windows will block you with an “In Use” error, so be sure to stop the service before deleting.
The Faster Method: 1-Minute Fix with Command Prompt (CMD)
If you prefer keyboard commands, you can resolve the issue much faster using three simple lines in Command Prompt (CMD).
1. Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click it, and select [Run as administrator].
2. Type net stop spooler and press Enter to stop the print service.
3. Type del /Q /F /S "%systemroot%\System32\Spool\Printers\." and press Enter to delete all queued print files at once.
4. Type net start spooler and press Enter to restart the print service.
Once all commands run successfully, the frozen queue clears immediately, allowing you to print new documents.
Troubleshooting: Precautions and Recurring Errors
During the queue clearing process, a printer may occasionally start feeding blank pages continuously. Unplugging the power cord abruptly can damage the hardware, so it is safer to pull open the paper tray and remove the paper first.
If the error recurs even after clearing the spool folder, check for deeper system issues. According to manufacturer guidelines, common culprits include corrupted printer drivers, misconfigured IP ports, or third-party antivirus interference.
On shared network printers in offices or schools, clearing the local spool folder alone may not solve the problem. Depending on network setup, the print queue on the host PC or print server might also need to be cleared, so contact your network administrator if needed.
When printing freezes, avoid repeatedly clicking print. Instead, press Win + R to stop the Print Spooler service and clear out the PRINTERS folder.
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