4 Ways to Fix Printer Says Documents Are Waiting Error

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Preliminary Fixes

Fix 1: Run the Printer Troubleshooter

Step 1:Navigate toSettings. Then, open theSystemand selectTroubleshooters.

Step 2:SelectOther troubleshooter. Now, Run the printer troubleshooter from the following menu and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the troubleshooter cannot solve your problem, try restarting the Print Spooler service.

Fix 2: Restart the Print Spooler

Step 1:PressWindows + Rto open a new Run window.

Step 2:Then, typeservices.mscand pressEnter.

It opens the services menu.

Step 3:Scroll down toPrint Spooler.

Step 4:Right-click on the service and selectStop.

The service should no longer be running now.

Step 5:Now, launchFile Explorerand go to the following path.

Step 6:Delete the content of the folder. By doing that, you’ll delete the printing queue.

Note: Don’t delete the folder itself.

Step 7:Restartyour computer.

Step 8:Go back toPrint Spoolerandrestartthe service.

Step 9:Set the Startup Type toAutomatic.

If the steps above are too complicated, complete the same task from the Command Prompt menu.

Step 1:Launch theCommand Promptas admin.

Step 2:Run these commands and pressEnterafter each one.

Check if the error is gone. If this doesn’t resolve, check out the next fix.

Fix 3: Reinstall the Printer Drivers

If your print drivers got corrupted, are missing, or are running outdated drivers, you may not print your documents. That’s why you need to update your drivers. Or reinstall them if they get corrupted.

Step 1:Launch theDevice Manager. Then, go toPrint Queuesand expand the list.

Step 2:SelectUpdate driverand check if the problem is gone.

If it persists, selectUninstall deviceto remove your current print drivers. Restart your computer. Your device will automatically install the latest print drivers.

Check if your printer still says documents are waiting to be printed.

Fix 4: Remove and Add Your Printer

If nothing worked, maybe re-adding your printer to your computer will do the trick. It’s a handy way to fix the printer ‘documents waiting’ error.

Step 1:Head toSettings>Bluetooth & devices>Printers & scannersmenu.

Step 2:Select your preferred printer.

You can check the printer’s details. You can run the troubleshooter from the same menu too.

Step 3:ClickRemove.

Now, go back and selectAdd device. Once Windows detects your printer, clickAdd device.

You may need to cancel documents waiting to print and try again.

If theprinting error only appears while using Google Chrome, check our dedicated guide to troubleshoot it. Before you rush to the nearest store to print your documents and files, use the tricks above to fix the problem.

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Last updated on 17 July, 2024

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