The most frustrating feeling is when one is in a hurry and waits for the printer. When the printer takes an eternity to print the jobs, there is always that one solution known as clearing printer cache. It is used as a cache, which holds the temporary files. It saves time when printing, but it tends to slow down if it accumulates files for a long time. So, let’s get on with this step-by-step process of clearing printer cache and getting back to your printing speeds.
Why Clearing the Printer Cache Matters
Whenever you try to print a document, your computer will cache the job in the print spooler service. The service handles and queues all the print jobs. In case of many pending or corrupted print jobs, it may delay or even cease printing.
Common Signs That You Need to Clear Your Printer Cache
Print jobs remain stuck in the queue.
✔️ The printer takes more than usual time to start printing.
✔️ Printed documents fail to come out even after multiple attempts.
✔️ The printer becomes unresponsive or freezes.
Clear Printer Cache on Windows
If your printer is slowing down, here are some steps to delete printer cache files and regain its speed:
Step 1: Stop the Print Spooler Service
1. Press Win + R, type `services.msc`, and press Enter.
2. In the Services window, scroll down and find Print Spooler.
3. Right-click on it and select Stop.
Step 2: Remove Printer Cache Files
1. Open File Explorer and go to:
“`
C:\\\\\\\\Windows\\\\\\\\System32\\\\\\\\spool\\\\\\\\PRINTERS
“`
2. Delete all files in this folder. These are cached print jobs that may be causing the issue.
Step 3: Restart the Print Spooler Service
1. Go back to the Services window.
2. Right-click on Print Spooler and select Start.
3. Restart your computer and try printing again.
How to Clear the Printer Cache on Mac
For those on a Mac, here is how you can empty the printer cache:
1. Click the Apple menu and then select System Settings.
2. Navigate to Printers & Scanners and select your printer.
3. Click Open Print Queue, then Cancel All Jobs to clear the queue.
4. Restart your Mac and print again.
To avoid printer cache problems, do the following:
Clean the print queue regularly to avoid accumulation of jobs.
Restart your printer and computer once a week.
Update your printer drivers to avoid compatibility problems.
Check for firmware updates from the site of your printer’s manufacturer.
Conclusion
If your printer is slowing down, do not rush and change it—you may just need to clear the printer cache. This way, you can eliminate unwanted files from print jobs, reboot your spooler, and always keep your printer in perfect running condition to prevent slowdowns beforehand.
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