How to Clear Printer Queue?

How to Clear Printer Queue: A Step-by-Step Guide

A printer queue is the list of print jobs waiting to be processed. Sometimes, jobs can get stuck, which blocks new tasks and causes delays. Clearing the printer queue is a quick and essential fix to keep printing smooth. Below is a guide for both Windows and Mac users.

Clearing Printer Queue on Windows

Method 1: Using Control Panel

1. Open Control Panel
   • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
   • Type control panel and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Devices and Printers
   • Click “Devices and Printers” under the “Hardware and Sound” section.
3. View Printer Queue
   • Locate your printer in the list.
   • Right-click the printer and select “See what’s printing.”
4. Clear Print Queue
   • In the print queue window, open the “Printer” menu.
   • Select “Cancel All Documents” or “Purge Print Documents.”

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

1. Open Command Prompt
   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Stop Print Spooler Service
   • Type net stop spooler and press Enter.
3. Clear Printer Queue
   • Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS.
   • Delete all files in this folder.
4. Restart Print Spooler Service
   • In Command Prompt, type net start spooler and press Enter.

Clearing Printer Queue on Mac

1. Open Printers & Scanners Preferences
   • Click the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
   • Choose “Printers & Scanners” or “Print & Fax.”
2. View Print Queue
   • Select your printer from the list on the left.
   • Click “Open Print Queue.”
3. Clear Print Queue
   • In the print queue window, open the “Printer” menu.
   • Select “Cancel All Documents” or “Clear All.”

Conclusion

Clearing the printer queue is a simple fix for most stuck print jobs. On both Windows and Mac, it only takes a few clicks or commands to resolve the issue. If problems continue even after clearing the queue, check your printer’s connections, drivers, or settings for deeper troubleshooting. Keeping the print queue clear helps maintain smooth printing and avoids unnecessary interruptions.