Print Spooler - Windows 8 Service
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.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7, Vista and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows 8 edition | Windows 8 | Windows 8.1 | Windows 8.1 Update 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Pro | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Enterprise | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Print Spooler |
| Service name: | Spooler |
| Type: | interact |
| Path: | %WinDir%\System32\spoolsv.exe |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | SpoolerGroup |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Print Spooler service can interact with the desktop, receiving input from users. If Print Spooler fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 8 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the Spooler service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Print Spooler won't start, if the following services are stopped or disabled:
If Print Spooler is stopped, the Fax service fails to start and initialize.
Restore Default Startup Type of Print Spooler
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 8 release and edition, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestorePrintSpoolerWindows8.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer.
Note. Make sure that the spoolsv.exe file exists in the %WinDir%\System32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 8 installation media.