This article explains how to clear pending documents from the print queue using a computer running Windows 10. If you have problems with documents remaining in the queue that have never been printed, you can also try restarting the print spooler.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Clear the Queue
Step 1. Click on the "Start" menu
It is located in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Click on "Settings"
Step 3. Click on Devices
It is the second icon at the top of the window.
Step 4. Click on Printers and Scanners
This option is located in the left column.
Step 5. Click on the printer
The connected printers will appear in the right panel, under the section titled "Printers and Scanners". Two options will appear under the printer name.
Step 6. Click Open Queue
A list of pending documents will appear.
Step 7. Click on the document you want to remove from the queue with the right mouse button
A context menu will appear.
Step 8. Click Delete
The document will be removed from the queue.
Step 9. Repeat the procedure with the other documents you want to delete
- To delete all documents at once, click on the "Printer" menu in the upper left corner of the window, then select "Delete all documents".
- If files remain in the queue even though you have deleted them, try restarting your computer.
- If clearing the queue doesn't fix the problem, read Restart the Print Spooler.
Method 2 of 2: Restart the Print Spooler
Step 1. Open the Windows search bar
It looks like a magnifying glass or a circle and is located to the right of the "Start" button
Step 2. Type services.msc and hit Enter
The "Services" window will open.
Step 3. Scroll down and click on Print Spooler with the right mouse button
This item is located in the right panel. A context menu will appear.
Step 4. Click Stop
Once the queue is stopped, you will be able to delete the documents.
Step 5. Go back to the Windows search bar
Do not close the "Services" window, as you will have to use it again. You just have to click on the search icon (or on the search bar, if it has been pinned to the taskbar).
Step 6. Type% systemroot% / System32 / spool / printers / and press Enter
A folder will open.
Step 7. Select all files in the folder
To do this, click on a white dot inside the folder, then press Ctrl + A.
Step 8. Press the Delete key on your keyboard
The print queue will be deleted and you can close this folder window.
Step 9. Return to the "Services" window
You can do this by clicking on "Services" in the taskbar or by pressing Alt + Tab ↹ until it reopens.
Step 10. Scroll down and click Print Spooler again
Step 11. Click Start
The print queue should now be completely empty.
