How To Fix Print Spooler SubSystem App High CPU Usage

If you’ve noticed that your computer’s CPU usage is unusually high and you’ve identified the culprit as the “Spooler SubSystem App,” you’re not alone. Many Windows users have encountered this issue, which can slow down your computer and disrupt your workflow. In this article, we’ll explore what the Spooler SubSystem App is, why it might be causing high CPU usage, and most importantly, how to fix it.

What Is Spooler SubSystem App?

The Spooler SubSystem App, also known as “spoolsv.exe,” is a crucial component of the Windows operating system responsible for managing the printing process. It’s responsible for handling print jobs sent to the printer queue and ensuring they are printed correctly. Without the Spooler SubSystem App, you wouldn’t be able to print documents. However, like any other system process, it can sometimes encounter issues that lead to high CPU usage. When this happens, your computer’s performance may suffer, and you’ll likely want to find a solution quickly.

Fixing High CPU Usage Due to the Spooler SubSystem App

1. Restart the Print Spooler Service

The first step in addressing high CPU usage caused by the Spooler SubSystem App is to restart the Print Spooler service. Here’s how to do it:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
Locate the “Print Spooler” service in the list.
Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Restart.”

This action will stop and then restart the Print Spooler service, potentially resolving any issues causing high CPU usage.

2. Clear Print Queue

Sometimes, print jobs stuck in the queue can lead to high CPU usage. To clear the print queue:

Open the Services window as mentioned in the previous step.
Locate the “Print Spooler” service again.
Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Stop” to stop the service.
Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS.
Delete all the files in this folder.
Go back to the Services window, right-click on “Print Spooler,” and select “Start” to restart the service.

This process will clear any stuck print jobs and may resolve the high CPU usage issue.

3. Update Printer Drivers

Outdated or incompatible printer drivers can also cause problems with the Spooler SubSystem App. To update your printer drivers:

Open the Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting “Device Manager.”
Expand the “Print queues” category.
Right-click on your printer and select “Update driver.”

Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver to the latest version.

FAQs

Q1: Why is the Spooler SubSystem App using so much CPU?

A1: The Spooler SubSystem App may use high CPU when there are issues with print jobs in the queue, corrupted print drivers, or other problems in the printing process.

Q2: Is it safe to restart the Print Spooler service?

A2: Yes, it’s safe to restart the Print Spooler service. It’s a standard troubleshooting step to address print-related issues.

Q3: What if the problem persists after trying these steps?

A3: If the issue continues, you may want to consider reinstalling or updating your printer drivers, performing a system scan for malware, or seeking assistance from Microsoft support.

In conclusion, the Spooler SubSystem App is an essential component of Windows responsible for printing tasks. When it causes high CPU usage, it can be frustrating, but with the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your computer running smoothly again.