Print Spooler Service Defaults in Windows 10

This service spools print jobs and handles interaction with the printer. If you turn off this service, you won't be able to print or see your printers.

Default Settings

Startup type: Automatic
Display name:Print Spooler
Service name:Spooler
Service type:interact
Error control:normal
Group:SpoolerGroup
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\spoolsv.exe
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Spooler
Privileges:
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeAuditPrivilege
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeLoadDriverPrivilege

Default Behavior

Print Spooler shows message boxes when it is necessary. In Windows 10 it is starting automatically when the operating system starts. If Print Spooler fails to start, the failure details are being recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 10 will start up and notify the user that the Spooler service has failed to start due to the error.

Dependencies

Print Spooler cannot be started under any conditions, if the following services are disabled, deleted or working improperly:

While Print Spooler is stopped, the Fax service cannot be launched.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Print Spooler

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Print Spooler depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Copy the commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config Spooler start= auto
sc start Spooler

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The Spooler service is using the spoolsv.exe file that is located in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 10 installation media.